Wires Covered with Silicone or PVC: Which is the Better Choice?

Our TRH (temperature and relative humidity sensors) and PTH (temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure sensors) instrument series offer an aluminum-covered sensor connected to the housing by a silicone-covered cable (TRH450, PTH450). Beyond this additional sensor protection, how does using a silicone cable contribute more to the robustness of these products?

	PVC-Coated Cables	Silicone-Coated Cables
Temperature range	-20°C to +70°C	-50°C to +200°C
Flexibility	Good flexibility at normal temperatures	Excellent flexibility, even at low temperatures
Chemical resistance	Moderate resistance to certain chemicals and oils	Resistant to oils, solvents, chemicals, and UV rays
Electrical insulation	Provides basic electrical insulation	Excellent electrical insulation properties
Fire resistance	Moderate flame retardant properties	High flame retardant properties
Compression resistance	Moderate resistance; may be damaged after compression	Excellent continuous compression resistance
Mechanical strength	Excellent resistance to mechanical stress	Moderate resistance to mechanical stress
Applications (examples)	Commonly used in building wiring, electrical distribution, appliances, and versatile electrical applications	Suitable for high-temperature environments and outdoor uses (e.g., solar panels), aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, and electrical equipment

When choosing between silicone-coated and PVC-coated cables, it's essential to consider the application's specific requirements, such as temperature range, environmental conditions, mechanical strength, and budget constraints, as silicone-coated wires tend to be more expensive. Each type of cable offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, allowing you to select the option that best suits the intended use.

A dedicated article is available if you want to learn more about the robustness elements of Dracal products. Additionally, we have created a comparison table for the TRH series regarding different probes and their protection if you wish to explore this specific aspect of robustness.