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Understanding Fire Sleeve: The Essential Guide to High-Temperature Protection Dec 02, 2025

What Is a Fire Sleeve?

A Fire Sleeve is a high-temperature protective sleeve designed to protect hoses, cables, and wires from extreme heat, open flames, molten splash, and mechanical wear. It is commonly used in hydraulic machines, automotive systems, railway transportation, aerospace engineering, steel manufacturing, and heavy industry.

A standard Fire Sleeve consists of:

  • A braided fiberglass inner layer

  • A thick silicone rubber outer coating

This structure allows continuous heat resistance up to 260°C, cold flexibility at minus 70°C, and short-term flame resistance above 1090°C depending on coating thickness. As equipment becomes more complex and heat-intensive, Fire Sleeves are now essential for industrial safety.

fire sleeve


How Fire Sleeves Work

Silicone-Coated Fiberglass Structure

The combination of fiberglass and silicone provides thermal insulation, flame resistance, oil resistance, and abrasion protection.

Heat Insulation Mechanism

Fire Sleeves offer protection by:

  • Reflecting radiant heat

  • Slowing heat penetration

  • Resisting direct flame exposure

  • Blocking oil and chemical spray

Molten Metal and Oil Resistance

The silicone coating prevents molten metal from sticking to the surface, making it suitable for steel plants, foundries, and welding facilities.


Types of Fire Sleeves

Standard Fire Sleeve

General-purpose protection for hoses and cables.

Heavy-Duty High-Temperature Fire Sleeve

Designed for extreme heat and molten splash environments.

Texturized Fiberglass Thermal Sleeve

Flexible and ideal for tight routing.

Hook-and-Loop Closure Fire Sleeve

Suitable for on-site installation without equipment disassembly.


Applications of Fire Sleeves

Hydraulic Systems

Prevents hose bursts from radiant heat or fire exposure.

Automotive and Motorsport

Commonly used on fuel lines, brake lines, turbo systems, and wiring looms.

Railway Vehicles

Complies with strict low-smoke and low-toxicity standards for public transportation.

Aerospace and Defense

Used for engine systems, turbines, and high-performance components.

Electrical Cables and Industrial Wiring

Protects cables in steel mills, power plants, and chemical facilities.


Benefits of Using a Fire Sleeve

  • Excellent flame and molten splash resistance

  • Longer equipment lifespan

  • Reduced risk of fire-related failures

  • Resistance to oil, chemicals, UV, and abrasion

  • Maintains flexibility at extremely low temperatures


Fire Sleeve Size Selection Guide

Measure Hose Outer Diameter

Always measure the outer diameter to ensure the correct fit.

Select the Right Wall Thickness

Thicker sleeves offer higher temperature and splash protection.

Determine Proper Sleeve Length

Add 5 to 10 percent extra length to accommodate movement and bends.


How to Install a Fire Sleeve

Installation Steps

  1. Measure the hose and cut the sleeve.

  2. Slide the sleeve onto the hose or cable.

  3. Seal both ends using clamps, silicone tape, or heat-shrink bands.

Common Mistakes

  • Selecting a sleeve that is too small

  • Leaving the ends unsealed

  • Overstretching the silicone layer


Fire Sleeve vs Fiberglass Sleeve

Many users confuse Fire Sleeves with Fiberglass Sleeves. Although both use fiberglass, their performance differs.

Material Comparison

Feature Fire Sleeve Fiberglass Sleeve
Outer Layer Silicone coating Uncoated or lightly coated
Continuous Temperature 260°C 540°C dry heat
Flame Protection Excellent Limited
Molten Splash Resistance High Low
Oil Resistance Strong Weak
Flexibility Medium High

Summary

Fire Sleeves are ideal for high-risk environments such as flame exposure, molten metal, and oil spray. Fiberglass Sleeves are best for general heat insulation without flame exposure.


Certifications and Test Reports of Our Fire Sleeve

Our Fire Sleeves meet international standards for fire safety, smoke toxicity, railway compliance, abrasion resistance, temperature endurance, and chemical resistance.

International Certifications

  • MSHA Certification

  • UL 1441

  • ROHS

  • REACH

Temperature and Environmental Testing

  • Minus 70°C Low Temperature Test

  • 260°C Continuous Heat Resistance Test

Railway Certifications

  • DIN EN 45545-2:2020

  • DIN 45545 Low Smoke Toxicity

  • DIN 54837 and 5510-2 German Railway Standards

  • NF EN ISO 11925-2 (15 and 30 seconds)

  • TB/T 3138-2018 Chinese Railway Flame-Retardant Standard

Mechanical and Chemical Resistance

  • Molten Splash Test (BS EN 373)

  • Abrasion Test (BS EN 388)

  • Oil Resistance Test (BS EN ISO 6530)

  • Tensile Strength Test (BS 2576)

Thermal Performance

  • Thermal Conductivity Test (ASTM C177)


Maintenance Tips

  • Inspect sleeves every three to six months

  • Replace damaged or hardened sleeves

  • Clean with warm water

  • Ensure end seals remain tight


FAQs

1. What temperature can a Fire Sleeve withstand?
Up to 260°C continuously, and higher during brief fire exposure.

2. Can Fire Sleeves protect against molten metal splash?
Yes, especially silicone-coated versions.

3. Can they be used on fuel or hydraulic lines?
Yes, Fire Sleeves are specifically designed for fluid systems.

4. Are Fire Sleeves waterproof?
The silicone surface provides excellent water and oil resistance.

5. How do I choose the right size?
Measure the hose outer diameter and select the closest matching inner diameter.

6. Do they meet railway standards?
Yes, our Fire Sleeves meet multiple international rail certifications.


A Fire Sleeve is a highly effective protective solution for hoses, wires, and cables exposed to high temperatures, flames, molten splash, and harsh industrial environments. With its silicone-coated fiberglass structure and comprehensive certifications, it provides superior safety and durability compared to basic fiberglass sleeves. This makes it a crucial component in automotive, hydraulic, railway, aerospace, and manufacturing applications.

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