| Property | Silicone Rubber | PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) | FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) | Mica/Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -60C to +200C | -65C to +260C | -65C to +200C | Up to 650C - 1000C |
| 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
-60C to +200C | 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)
-65C to +260C | 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)
-65C to +200C | 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 650C - 1000C | 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 1000C
- +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 150C
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.