| Property | Silicone Rubber | PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) | FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) | Mica/Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -60°C to +200°C | -65°C to +260°C | -65°C to +200°C | Up to 650°C–1000°C |
| Voltage Class | 300V–1140V | 250V–600V | 300V–600V | 450V–600V |
| Flexibility | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Limited |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Outstanding | Excellent | Good |
| Relative Cost | Moderate | High | Moderate-High | High |
Silicone Rubber
-60°C to +200°C · 300V–1140V · Flexibility: Excellent
Strengths
- ✓Outstanding flexibility at extreme temperatures (both hot and cold)
- ✓Excellent weather and UV resistance
- ✓Good dielectric properties
- ✓Soft, pliable, and easy to work with
- ✓Biocompatible grades available
Best For
- →Appliance wiring
- →Industrial furnace connections
- →Marine applications
- →Robotics and automation
- →Medical device wiring
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
-65°C to +260°C · 250V–600V · Flexibility: Good
Strengths
- ✓Widest chemical resistance of any common insulation — resistant to nearly all acids, bases, solvents
- ✓Very low coefficient of friction — easy to thread through conduit
- ✓Excellent dielectric properties
- ✓Non-stick surface resists contamination
- ✓FDA compliant grades for food processing
Best For
- →Chemical processing plants
- →Laboratory instrumentation
- →Food and pharmaceutical equipment
- →High-vacuum equipment
- →Aerospace wiring
FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene)
-65°C to +200°C · 300V–600V · Flexibility: Excellent
Strengths
- ✓Better flexibility than PTFE while retaining most chemical resistance
- ✓Available in plenum-rated constructions (substitutes for PTFE in some plenum applications)
- ✓Smooth, low-friction surface
- ✓Transparent available — useful for visual inspection
Best For
- →Data center and plenum wiring
- →Chemical instrumentation
- →Telecommunications
- →Clean room environments
Mica/Fiberglass
Up to 650°C–1000°C · 450V–600V · Flexibility: Limited
Strengths
- ✓Highest temperature rating of any commercially available insulation
- ✓Mica maintains circuit integrity under direct flame (fire resistant)
- ✓Pure nickel mica variants rated to 1000°C
- ✓Used where no polymer insulation can survive
Best For
- →Steel and foundry furnace wiring
- →Nuclear facilities
- →Emergency circuit survival cables
- →High-temperature process instruments
- →Thermocouple extension above 150°C
Not Sure Which High-Temp Wire You Need?
Our engineers can recommend the right insulation type based on your temperature, chemical, and mechanical requirements. Free samples available for all product lines.