Fire Sleeve for Cables – Protects People, Production & Profit

Date: 21/03/25

Almost all industrial machinery has some wiring as part of its design. From futuristic computer-controlled manufacturing robots on automotive production lines, to the most traditional, heavy industrial processes, which haven’t changed much in decades, wires and cables are everywhere.

And however large or small the wiring system may be, in most cases, it’s essential to the control and operation of the machine. If the wiring becomes compromised, chances are you won’t even be able to turn the machine on.

That’s why it’s crucial to protect your wiring with fire sleeve for cables. fire sleeve for cables prevents all kinds of damage to wiring and cabling systems in all kinds of industrial situations and environmental conditions. 

Combining an E-glass woven inner sleeve with a robust silicone elastomer outer layer, fire sleeve for cables protects your wiring from a wide range of potential hazards, including:

• Abrasion and mechanical damage

• Constant temperatures up to 260°C

• Molten splash up to 1200°C

• Chemicals such as acids, alkalis, oils and hydraulic fluid

• Dielectric breakdown below 30Kv

• Flames and fire

Far reaching consequences

Damage to wiring can have far reaching consequences beyond simply not being able to operate your machinery as normal. Cable damage can shut down your production line completely, causing significant delays in meeting orders and often triggering penalty clauses. This can not only reduce your profits for an individual job, but it can also cause lasting reputational damage if you fail to meet your deadlines and let your customers down.

Of course, with electrical damage, loss of production could be the least of your worries. Damaged cables are one of the major causes of industrial fires, which can put your plant out of action for months and potentially out of business for good. Even if your company does survive, you’ll find your insurance premiums rise significantly following an industrial accident, adding to your costs and further reducing your profits.

The cost of fire for British businesses

The Fire Industry Association estimates that fires cost the UK economy £12 billion per year, with the manufacturing sector alone suffering over £800 million worth of losses. Their report states that over 4,000 business fires were attributed to electrical faults over just three years.

The average losses from a major fire come in at £657,074, including building damage, contents damage, and stock and machinery damage. Business interruption as a result of a fire accounts for 18% of these losses, or an average of £118,000 – and that’s just the immediate loss of sales. 

Protecting your people too

As we’ve discussed in our previous blog, as well as protecting your wiring system, your production line and your reputation, fire sleeve for cables also protects your team. Damage to cables puts operators at direct risk of electrocution, as well as the indirect risks from fires. 

There were no less than 7,033 workplace fires reported by Fire and Rescue Services

in 2023/24. With 135 workplace deaths and over 600,000 workplace injuries every year, employers need to do all they can to minimise the risks to their team wherever possible, especially when it comes to electrical risks and fires.

Find out more about fire sleeve for cables

As you can see, damage to wiring and cables can be extremely costly for your company in a wide variety of ways. Yet, protecting those wires is surprisingly cost-effective with fire sleeve for cables and Hook and Loop fire sleeve for retrofitting. To find out more about fire sleeve for cables and Sleeve It’s full range of other cable, pipe and hose protection products made in the UK, get in touch with our team today on 01254 694733 or email us at sales@sleeveit.co.uk.

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