Insulation material performance advantages and disadvantages directly affect the quality and application of cable. Rubber cable outperforms the PVC cable in a number of ways:
- Flexibility: Since rubber material possesses elasticity, it can be bent repeatedly without losing its original shape or properties. A more flexible cable distributes stress evenly throughout its length which allows for more efficiency in the lifetime of the cable. It is also less complicated to use in cases where installation is needed.
- Durability in Heat: In long-term high-temperature use, the hardness of heat-resistant grade rubber materials increases slowly and the decline in tensile strength and elongation at break slows down, which guarantees the long-term durability of the cable.
- Ordinary rubber cables: such as rubber sheathed cables, generally resistant to temperatures from -40°C to +105°C. It is suitable for low-voltage, low-frequency environments.
- EPDM: This material has a maximum temperature that can be exposed to approximately 130 °C.
- Silicone rubber: Silicone rubber has excellent resistance to high temperatures and can withstand temperatures ranging from about -68°C to +200°C.
- Fluoroelastomer: It can be exposed to the widest limits of -44 °C to 250 °C and is suitable for high temperature and chemically corrosive environments.
- Physical and Mechanical Properties: In applications subject to mechanical stress, such as connection lines for heavy machinery, rubber cables have superior abrasion and tear resistance and better absorption of shocks and vibrations, thus minimizing rupture of the outer jacket or damage to the inner conductor caused by rigid materials.
- Chemical and weather resistance: Rubber insulated cables also offer a decent resistance to oils, chemical solvents and some other aggressive substances. Furthermore, due to rubber material’s resistance to various weather conditions and UV radiation, it is very suitable for long-term outdoor applications and decreases its aging rate. In addition, it is also water resistant. For example, the JHS type is especially designed for use in underwater or wet environments.
- Safety performance: For high-risk areas, such as rail transportation and data centers, rubber cables with flame retardant, low smoke and non-halogen (LSZH) properties. For example, H07RN-F flexible cables have passed IEC 60332-1-2 tests for flame retardancy, which improves safety by preventing the spread of fire in the event of a fire.
Rubber cables are used in a wide variety of applications. From light domestic appliances to heavy industrial equipment, including mobile appliances, power tools, pumps and generators. Rubber can also be customized to meet special requirements such as oil resistance, high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance and flame retardancy for specific industries and equipment.
