The Evolution of Wire and Cable Compounds Traditional Insulators Wire and cable compounds have made significant technological advances throughout the years even though they had very primitive beginnings. Some type of insulating material including treated cloth, paper, and various oil-based products has almost always covered electrical wires and other cabling. However, it was not until the mid 1960's that newer, more appropriate materials were introduced. The problem with old wiring is that it can give the illusion of functionality even while decaying and becoming very brittle. Wiring that becomes brittle poses a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to serious health problems or even loss of life. The unavoidable truth is that old age eventually catches up with dated materials like electrical wiring and other types of cabling. Traditional materials will eventually begin to break down and cause serious potential problems. For instance, the very real possibility of a fire exists once the insulation flakes off of old electrical wire. Also, pesky varmints are notorious for using old wiring and cabling as a chew toy, which often results in hazardous conditions for the property owner. Improved Wire and Cable Compounds Technological advances have helped create new compounds to replace older, inferior materials. The past fifty years have seen rudimentary insulators be largely replaced with safer plastic and polymer materials. That is good news since these products are in use virtually everywhere we visit on a regular basis. Today, you will hear terms like "thermoplastic elastomers" and "low-smoke zero-halogen" wire and cable compounds. Insulating materials are no longer limited to paraffin or even rubber but will include much improved materials such as these: * Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) * Polyethylene (PE) * Polypropylene (PP) * Polyurethane (PUR) * Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) * Neoprene (Polychloroprene) * Silicone * Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) Safer and More Versatile Applications The improvements in wire and cable compounds have allowed safer and more versatile applications to become a reality. Low smoke zero halogen cables have replaced the old paraffin-coated wire that was once used in the wire and cable industry. Gone are the days of paper coated wire as superior rubber and vinyl possibilities have been introduced. These new cables are composed of thermoplastic compounds that give off limited smoke and essentially zero halogen when exposed to intense heat. That means they are safer in areas where people could come into contact with burning materials. Modern materials also open up many more applications since they are lighter and more environmentally friendly. Some building codes and other regulatory agencies actually require the use of such wiring for apartment buildings, airplanes, and many poorly ventilated areas. Technological engineering has proven to be very beneficial in the area of improving compounds. The benefits of increased safety, cost effectiveness, and better environmental stewardship make a strong case for matching the best product to the right application. For high tech wire and cable compounds, rely on the experts at OTECH Corporation. Learn more by visiting http://otechcompounds.com.
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