Typical Characteristics of Popular Insulation and Jacketing Compounds
EPDM Polyethylene (Solid and Foamed) Rubber
EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer) A very good insulation in terms of electrical The description of rubber normally includes is a chemically cross-linked elastomer with properties. Low dielectric constant, a stable natural rubber and SBR compounds. Both of excellent flexibility at high and low tempera- dielectric constant over all frequencies, these materials can be used for insulations tures (150° to –55°C). It has good insulation very high insulation resistance. In terms of and jackets. There are many formulations of resistance and dielectric strength, as well as flexibility, polyethylene can be rated stiff to these basic materials. Each formulation is excellent abrasion resistance and mechanical very hard, depending on molecular weight for a specific application. Some formulations properties. EPDM also has better cut-through and density—low density being the most are suitable for –55°C minimum, while resistance than Silicone rubber, which it flexible, with high-density, high-molecular others are suitable for 75°C maximum. replaces in some applications. weight formulation being very hard. Moisture resistance is rated excellent. Correct Brown EPDM is compatible with most varnishes, but Silicone and Black formulations have excellent after the dip and bake cycle varnish tends to weather resistance. The dielectric constant is This is a very soft insulation which has a adhere to the insulation (because EPDM, 2.3 for solid insulation and typically 1.64 for temperature range from –80°C to 200°C. unlike some rubber insulations, does not foam designs. Flame retardant formulations It has excellent electrical properties plus exude oils or waxes). As lead wires are are available with dielectric constants ranging ozone resistance, low moisture absorption, pulled apart for termination, the varnish from about 1.7 for foam flame retardant to weather resistance, and radiation resistance. cracks, sometimes breaking the insulation. 2.58 for solid flame retardant polyethylene. It typically has low mechanical strength and poor scuff resistance. To resolve this problem, a stearic solution is applied to the lead wire during the put-up Polypropylene (Solid and Foam) process. This ensures that rigid varnish Teflon® Similar in electrical properties to polyethyl- does not cause EPDM insulation to rupture ene. This material is primarily used as an This material has excellent electrical when the wire is terminated. insulation material. Typically, it is harder properties, temperature range and Field evaluations by numerous users reveal than polyethylene. This makes it suitable chemical resistance. It is not suitable that the coated EPDM has excellent varnish for thin wall insulations. UL maximum where subjected to nuclear radiation resistance at least equal to synthetic elas- temperature rating may be 60°C or 80°C. and does not have good high voltage tomers, cross-link polyethylene, or Silicone Most UL styles call for 60°C maximum. characteristics. FEP Teflon is extrudable glass braid in dip and bake systems. The dielectric constant is 2.25 for solid in a manner similar to PVC and poly- and typically 1.55 for foam designs. ethylene. This means that long wire and cable lengths are available. TFE Flamarrest® Teflon is extrudable in a hydraulic ram Polyurethane type process. Lengths are limited due Flamarrest is a plenum grade chloride- based jacketing material with low smoke This material is used primarily as a cable to amount of material in the ram, thickness and low flame spread properties. Cables jacket material. It has excellent oxidation, of the insulation, and preform size. TFE jacketed with Flamarrest meet the UL oil, and ozone resistance. Some formations must be extruded over a silver- or nickel- Standard 910, Plenum Cable Flame Test. also have good flame resistance. It is a hard coated wire. The nickel- and silver-coated material with excellent abrasion resistance. designs are rated 260°C and 200°C It has outstanding “memory” properties, maximum, respectively. The cost of Halar® making it an ideal jacket material for Teflon is approximately 8 to 10 times retractile cords. more per pound than PVC compounds. Thermoplastic fluoropolymer material with excellent chemical resistance, electrical properties, thermal characteristics, and PVC Tefzel® impact resistance. The temperature rating Sometimes referred to as vinyl or polyvinyl- Fluorocopolymer thermoplastic material is –70°C to 150°C. chloride. Extremely high or low temperature having excellent electrical properties, heat properties cannot be found in one resistance, chemical resistance, toughness, Neoprene formulation. Certain formulations may have radiation resistance, and flame resistance. –55°C to 105°C rating. Other common The temperature rating is –65°C to 150°C. The temperature range of this material can vinyls may have –20°C to 60°C. There vary from –55°C to 90°C. The actual range are many formulations for the variety of would depend on the formulation used. different applications. The many varieties Neoprene is both oil-resistant and sunlight- of PVC also differ in pliability and electrical resistant, making it ideal for many outdoor properties. The price range can vary applications. The most stable colors are accordingly. Typical dielectric constant Black, Dark Brown, and Gray. The electrical values can vary from 3.5 to 6.5. properties are not as good as other insulation materials. Because of this, thicker insulation should be used. Typical designs where this material is used are lead wire insulation and cable jackets. Teflon and Tefzel are DuPont trademarks. Halar is an Ausimont Corporation trademark.
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