Continuous vs peak temperature rating – which should I use?

Short answer: Use continuous rating for normal operating conditions over long duration, and peak/intermittent rating for short spikes. For safety and reliability, selection should be based on continuous conditions with an appropriate margin.

Why it matters: Many thermal products can tolerate brief spikes above continuous rating, but prolonged exposure may cause accelerated aging, hardening, coating degradation, or loss of mechanical strength.

• Continuous rating: long duration operating temperature (primary selection baseline)
• Peak/intermittent: short duration spikes (start-up, transient events, brief hot spots)
• Best practice: if your process includes frequent spikes, treat them as “quasi-continuous” and select a more conservative construction

For exhaust zones, reduce source temperature exposure using exhaust insulation solutions, and protect hoses with fire sleeve where needed.

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