A fire sleeve is designed to shield hoses and wires from fire and extreme temperatures. However, there are many additional benefits of using a fireproof sleeve. Explore six reasons to shield your components with a sleeve.
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Protection Against Extreme Heat
Fire sleeves are available in a variety of designs, thicknesses, and materials to provide different levels of protection against fire and heat. Most sleeves can protect against temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is useful for equipment that operates in hot conditions. You can also find sleeves rated to protect against intermittent temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter.
For example, a sleeve may shield a wire or cable from a splash of molten in a smelting factory or protect cables from equipment that generates a lot of heat.
The heat protection also increases the fire resistance of the material. A fire can reach temperatures of 1200 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. The material used in a fireproof sleeve shields the wire or cable from the heat of a flame for a longer period.
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Available for a Variety of Applications
A fire sleeve is suitable for a wide range of applications. While sleeves are mostly used in the aviation industry, they are used in any industry with hoses, cables, or wires that require extra shielding.
Heat-resistant materials are necessary for steel plants, welding shops, and foundries. Power plants and companies involved in glassmaking also require fireproof materials and sleeves.
Heat-resistant materials also come in many different designs. You can find sleeves of varying thicknesses for shielding cables, hoses, and wires of all sizes and lengths.
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Protect against Wear and Tear
Sleeves and other heat-resistant materials can protect cables, wires, and hoses from wear and tear. This is especially important when dealing with equipment that has moving parts.
Constant motion can gradually wear the outer layer of a cable, wire, or hose. The abrasions can eventually penetrate the component, causing leaks or severing connections. A sleeve includes padding to limit friction and prevent wear and tear.
The shielding also limits exposure to heat, which helps keep internal components cool. Keeping a cable or wire cool can help extend its service life and ensure that it continues to work properly.
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Reduce the Cost of Repairs and Replacement Parts
Shielding cables and wires from heat and fire can help reduce the need for costly repairs and replacement parts. Along with reducing the risk of damage due to fire or heat, the heat-resistant material can prevent wear and tear, extending the life of certain parts.
You can decrease the chances of needing to replace cables, hoses, and wires that become damaged or worn. Avoiding repairs also allows you to avoid downtime. You can keep your business operations running smoothly.
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Increase the Safety of Your Products
Protecting equipment from heat and fire provides increased safety, as components are less likely to malfunction due to damage.
For example, a piece of equipment may depend on a hose to deliver hydraulic fluid to a component. If the hose becomes damaged, the equipment may not work properly, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
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Cost-Effective Protection for Your Products
The advantages that have been discussed, combined with low prices, help make heat-resistant materials incredibly cost-effective. Failing to shield cables, wires, and hoses could result in expensive damages or physical injuries.
Dealing with accidents and injuries can be costly for businesses. An injury may result in the need to cover workers’ compensation and insurance costs. You also need to deal with the cost of replacing damaged parts.
Using heat-resistant materials is a simple, affordable way to protect flexible components from fire, heat, and other threats.
