Firesleeve is the unseen hero of industrial safety. The best heroes are those who don’t wear capes and are not well known by the wider public. Instead, the humble firesleeve performs perfectly, doing its job to protect hoses, cables, and pipes in the harshest environments. It is a crucial component for industrial safety, and this article will look into the applications in which it is used and the benefits of its use across a wide variety of industries.
What are the key properties of a firesleeve?
Firesleeve is made with a knitted fibreglass sleeve that has been coated with a heavy silicone rubber compound and infused with iron oxide. What this results in is a protective sleeve that is compatible within a wide range of extreme and challenging environments.
- High temperatures
When we say high temperatures, we mean it. Firesleeve is designed to withstand continuous exposure to temperatures as high as 260°C (500°F). For any components and systems that are located near engines, furnaces, and any high-heat sources, it’s an ideal protective measure. The iron oxide in the rubber is a heat sink which absorbs any heat and shields the elements from damage.
- Self-extinguishing
The self-extinguishing properties of firesleeve help to extinguish any burning within 7 seconds. This is important to stop the spread of fire in case there is accidental contact with flames.
- Abrasion resistant
The firesleeve is a protective safeguard against not only flames but also wear and tear that has been caused by friction. This is important in environments where there is frequent movement or contact with surfaces that are abrasive. This helps to extend the lifespan of critical components.
- Electrical insulator
Where there is energised equipment, it is important that cables are protected from short circuits and shocks. A firesleeve provides this level of electrical insulation.
- Protection from spills
The silicone rubber coating on the sleeve is designed to withstand contact with oils and other chemicals. This prevents degradation and ensures optimal functionality and safety standards over time.
The benefits of a firesleeve
Firesleeve provides versatility and high levels of protection. If you have hoses, cables, and pipes within an industrial set-up, firesleeve provides the protection and helps to maintain the integrity of the applications while protecting workers from potential injuries such as burns. It has high levels of heat resistance, flame retardancy, and is resistant to UV, damage from abrasion and oil, and offers electrical insulation.
Find the firesleeve protection
Now that you can see the features and benefits of a firesleeve across a wide range of applications and industrial sectors, the next step is to ensure you have the highest quality firesleeve for cables, hoses, or pipework within your own industrial applications and sites. Work with a company that supplies the highest standard of firesleeves, and that can offer the customer service support that you deserve. The safety of workers and the integrity of applications are vital to any company and site. Having access to the best equipment and protection assists you in meeting strict fire safety standards and industry-specific regulations.
