Cables & wires
SiHf cables for high and low temperatures
The decisive advantage of the SiHf and other silicone cables is their large temperature range: They are suitable for environments from -60 °C to +180 °C. At high temperatures, the SiHf does not become brittle, and at very low temperatures it retains its elasticity. As a result, this connection and control cable is the first choice for machines, systems and devices with challenging temperature requirements. The typical applications include heating and warming technology, electric engines and lights, sauna, solaria and steel works, ceramics works and forges. They are used in the high temperature areas of plastic machines and galvanising plants. In sauna technology, these cables are so typical they are known here as “sauna cables”. In this branch, SiHf cables serve to connect stoves, radiators and lamps. The wires known as sauna cables mostly have up to seven cores and conductor cross-sections from 1.5 mm2 or 2.5 mm2. The SiHf cable is also suitable for applications are low temperatures. For example, this may be refrigeration systems, climatic chambers or equipment for Arctic regions.
Silicone cable: resistant against many chemicals
The SiHf is available with 2 to 24 cores. It comprises multiple fine-core, tin-plated copper wires, which are surrounded with an insulation made from silicone (2GI1). These insulated conductors are situated in a silicone 2GM1 jacket. The colour is a standardised red-brown. The rated voltage is 300/500 V with 2000 V test voltage. Another important advantage of silicone cables is that they are halogen-free and flame-retardant. They are therefore suitable for buildings open to the public, provided that no pronounced durability is required. Silicone cables should be particularly exposed to tensile loads. However, they are largely resistant to aggressive media. They withstand many oils, alcohols, vegetable and animal fats and other chemical substances. When installing the SiHf cables, sufficient ventilation must be ensured. For at temperatures above +100 °C with exclusion of oxygen, the mechanical properties of the wire deteriorate.
Tight bending radii when installing the SiHf are possible
As a result of the soft silicone material and fine-wire threads, the SiHf allows tight bending radii: Up to 4 x outer diameter (OD) are permitted with permanent installation. As a result, the silicone cables can typically also be installed well in tight spaces. For occasional movement, the wire needs 15 x OD. Especially because of their soft silicone insulation, they are ideal as mobile connectors. In this case, only one priority control, e.g. through energy chains, must be avoided. The silicone cable can be used in dry and in damp or wet rooms. This allows flexible use, wherever high or low temperatures occur.
SiHf cables available in many variants
The silicone cable is available in many versions with or without protective conductor. The ranges starts at two-core wires with cross-sections between 0.75 mm2 and 6 mm2. The SiHf is available with up to 24 cores with a cross-section of 1.5 mm2. The four-core version is available in thicknesses of up to 16 mm2.