What are the Best Heat Insulation Materials?
Electrical cables need to be kept at a standard temperature to ensure they continue to work at their best. That’s why you’ll need to protect your cables and electrical projects with the right thermal insulation materials to manage heat flow. Since there are cables with different electrical capacities, you’ll also have several materials to choose from to protect them. Let the professionals at Gateway Cable Company help you with a breakdown of the best heat insulation materials to better safeguard your cables!
What Makes a Material a Good Insulator?
When looking at thermal insulation materials it’s important to know their properties which best conserve the energy of your cables. In order to preserve heat and electricity, a good insulator must have a high resistance to strong electrical currents as well as a high breakdown voltage point so it can withstand increased energy. While you want to retain as much energy as possible, good insulators should also allow air to permeate through the material as air is another effective insulator on its own.
Which Insulating Material Limits Heat Loss?
As mentioned before, the air is a great insulator along with many household materials like wood, plastic, glass, or porcelain. However, there are also many other specially designed materials for optimal heat insulation. Some of the best heat insulation materials include:
- Fiberglass: This is an effective non-flammable material that is made from fine strands of glass that are weaved together. As this is one of the top heat insulators, you must always be careful when installing as the glass powder and tiny shards from the material can be harmful without the right protective gear.
- Mineral Wool: This can refer to glass wool made from fiberglass, rock wool made from basalt, or slag wool made from steel mill slag. While mineral wools are not fire-resistant, it is not combustible and is better suited to insulate larger areas.
- Cellulose: This eco-friendly material is usually made from recycled materials and contains little to no oxygen that further prevents fire damage. Be aware that this material can be harder on your allergies, and some workers may not have worked with cellulose as much as other materials.
- Polyurethane Foam: This light-weight foam uses non-chlorofluorocarbon gas so the material has a lower density and can be sprayed on hard to reach uninsulated areas. This is also a safer option as it is not only fire-resistant but also better for the environment.
- Polystyrene Foam: This waterproof thermoplastic foam is cut into blocks and is great for sound and heat insulation, but it is flammable and when installed it must be coated in a fireproofing chemical.
Learn More at Gateway Cable Company Today
Now that you know more about thermal insulation materials and what makes a material a good insulator, learn more from the Gateway Cable Company on topics such as the different types of electrical cables, electroless plating, or fuses. Once you’ve done your research, take a look at our variety of connectors, adaptors, and cables for sale to complete your next project. If you have another product in mind, you can request a quote online from the comfort of your home. Contact us today for more information!