High Temperature Cable Ties: Overview & Types

There are a wide variety of cable tie types and options for your applications. At IEWC, we carry a vast inventory of cable ties, assuring you can get the right tie for the job.

While cable ties may seem like a minor consideration, they do an outsized job. In high-temperature applications and corrosive environments, a cable tie binds and bundles cables together, keeping spaces organized, safe, and in proper working order.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Tie for High-Temperatures

It's critical to select the right cable tie for high-temperature environments. If you aren't sure of the cable tie type best suited to your application, we're happy to assist. For over half a century, IEWC has helped customers with optimal cable solutions.

There are generally two broad types of heavy-heavy duty cable ties: nylon cable ties and stainless-steel cable ties. Nylon ties are available in several different types of material, depending on the needs of the application.

Nylon Heavy-Duty Cable Ties

Our  heavy-duty nylon cable ties carry various temperature ratings. To understand the flammability ratings of nylon heavy-duty cable ties, it’s helpful to consult the UL 94 standards. UL 94 is a flammability test for synthetic materials such as nylon. The UL grades flammability based on the material's integrity in high temperatures, ability to resist ignition, and the flammable drippings produced during burning.

It's important to note that UL standards can't predict exactly how a material will perform or react to fire but helps users determine how suitable a given material, such as nylon, is for an environment or application. Our heavy-duty nylon cable ties are rated up to  UL 94 V-2 and UL 94 HB. UL 94 V-2 indicates that burning on a vertical component ceases within 30 seconds, still allowing for flammable drippings. UL 94 HB indicates burning on a horizontal component quits before reaching 100 mm.

UL 94 V-2 heavy-duty cable ties function in a temperature range between max 85C and min -40C. UL 94 HB heavy-duty cable ties range between max 110C and min -40C. Nylon heavy-duty cable ties carry a tensile strength of 120 lbs. max. Heavy-duty ties are available in lengths greater than 8".

The following are considered high temperature cable ties:

• ECTF: Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene cable ties are rated between -70C to 150C. This material is low-smoke and flame-retardant.

• PVDF: Polyvinylidene Fluoride cable ties are rated between -80C to 150C. PVDF is UV and chemical resistant.

• PPS: Polyphenylene Sulfide ties are rated between -40C to 160C and offer both chemical and impact resistance.

• ETFE: Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene is also known as Tefzel. ETFE ties can resist extreme temperatures between -80C up to 180C. ETFE is UV and chemical resistant.

• PAEK: Polyaryletherketone cable ties are tested for temperatures between -55C and 190C. In some products, the temperature range can go up to 200C. PAEK ties are high-strength and flame resistant.

• PEEK: Polyetheretherketone ties are also suited for extreme temperatures of -55C to 240C. PEEK is high in strength and offers significant flame resistance.

 

Stainless-Steel Heavy-Duty Cable Ties

For true high-temperature resistance,  stainless-steel heavy-duty cable ties offer unparalleled heat, chemical, and corrosion resistance, as well as maximum tensile strength. Stainless steel cable ties are often used in military applications, mining, salt water, and other harsh environments.

Stainless-steel heavy-duty cable ties can withstand a max temperature of 538XC and min -60C. These heavy-duty ties have a tensile strength of 200 lbs. max, making them ideal for the most demanding jobs.

High-Temperature Cable Tie Performance Characteristics

There are a few vital characteristics that certain wire cables need to have in order to perform in extreme temperatures.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is a key performance characteristic of high-temperature cable ties, determining how much load the tie can bear without breaking. In high-temperature environments, it’s crucial that the cable ties maintain their tensile strength even under long exposure to heat. This ensures that the ties can securely hold bundles of cables in place and prevents them from shifting or coming loose, which could lead to equipment damage or safety hazards.

UV & Chemical Resistance

High-temperature cable ties often need to resist more than just heat. In applications involving outdoor use or exposure to harsh industrial environments, cable ties must also be resistant to UV radiation and chemicals. UV resistance is particularly important when cable ties are exposed to direct sunlight, as UV radiation can weaken materials over time. Chemical resistance is vital in environments where cable ties may come into contact with oils, fuels, solvents, or other corrosive substances. The combination of high-temperature tolerance, UV resistance, and chemical durability ensures that these cable ties perform in challenging conditions.

Long-Term Durability

The longevity of high-temperature cable ties is a critical factor in their performance, especially in environments where regular maintenance or replacement is challenging. These cable ties are designed to withstand not just high temperatures but also the effects of prolonged exposure to heat, chemicals, and UV light. Their ability to retain flexibility and tensile strength over time makes them ideal for use long-term. The use of materials like nylon 6.6, nylon 4.6, PEEK, or Tefzel ensures that these cable ties continue to perform effectively throughout their service life, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing downtime.

Common Uses of High-Temperature Cable Ties

High-temperature cable ties are suited to many different applications. The most common include the following:

Automotive Industry: In the automotive industry, high-temperature cable ties are essential for securing wiring and components in extreme heat, like under the hood. They are used to organize and secure cables and hoses that run through the engine bay, preventing them from coming into contact with hot surfaces or moving parts. 

Aerospace Applications: In aerospace, high-temperature cable ties are used to secure wiring and components in aircraft and spacecraft. Cable ties in aerospace often require extensive testing to meet aerospace standards, ensuring that they perform reliably in extreme conditions, such as takeoff, flight, and re-entry.

Manufacturing & Industrial: High-temperature cable ties play a significant role in manufacturing, especially when machinery generates extreme heat. In these settings, cable ties are used to organize and secure wiring, keeping them safely away from high-temperature surfaces and moving parts. 

Electronics & Electrical Installations: In the electronics and electrical industries, high-temperature cable ties are used to secure cables when heat is a constant concern, such as in server rooms, near power distribution panels, or in proximity to heat-generating equipment. Cable ties ensure that wiring remains organized and secure, preventing electrical issues caused by loose or damaged cables. 

Some other common industries include railway, shipping, drilling, and mechanical. Heat-resistant nylon cable ties provide an affordable alternative to metal or stainless steel ties.

At IEWC, we serve many different industries with cable and wire, and cable management, including ties. If you need assistance selecting the right cable for your installation project, reach out. We’re happy to help you find the best fit for your business.