In demanding industrial environments, the stability and safety of cables are critical.
Mica tape-wrapped high-temperature cables — commonly known as mica cables — use mica tape as the core insulation material, offering exceptional fire resistance and electrical insulation. This makes them a reliable solution for power transmission under extreme temperature conditions.
1. Key Advantages
(1) Excellent Insulation and Fire Resistance
Mica cables use high-purity mica tape as the main insulation layer.
Synthetic mica tape is non-combustible and maintains insulation performance for over 90 minutes under flames between 750°C and 1000°C, meeting GB/T 19666 Class A/B fire-resistance standards.
Its unique layered silicate structure effectively blocks electric arcs and carbonization paths, ensuring stable performance during fire or high-temperature exposure.
(2) Superior High-Temperature Resistance
With a melting point up to 1375°C, synthetic mica tape can operate continuously at 600°C–1000°C.
This makes mica cables suitable for harsh environments such as metallurgy, ceramics, glass manufacturing, and power generation, preventing insulation melting or degradation.
(3) Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Protection
After mica tape wrapping, the cable is usually reinforced with fiberglass braiding or alkali-free glass yarn, providing excellent abrasion resistance, moisture resistance, and flexibility — suitable for various installation conditions.
2. Considerations for Selection
(1) Mechanical Strength at Extreme Temperatures
Mica becomes brittle under long-term high heat, which may reduce bending or tensile strength.
For cables used in vibrating or movable environments, reinforced structures are recommended.
(2) Voltage Class Limitation
Single-layer mica tape insulation is typically suitable for voltages below 600V.
For applications above 1kV, a multi-layer or composite insulation structure is required to ensure safe performance.
(3) Higher Manufacturing Cost
Due to the high purity of synthetic or fluorophlogopite mica and the precision required in wrapping and sintering, mica cables are more costly than silicone or PTFE cables — but they deliver unmatched safety and reliability.
3. Structure & Material Options
(1) Conductor Type
Bare Copper – economical, but prone to oxidation above 500°C.
Nickel-Plated Copper – improved corrosion resistance and durability.
Pure Nickel – best option for ultra-high-temperature use (800°C+).
(2) Mica Tape Structure
Wrapped Mica Tape – common and cost-effective; performance depends on mica tape quality.
Sintered Mica Tape – tightly bonded after high-temperature treatment, offering denser insulation and better moisture resistance.
(3) Temperature Grades
Standard Type (350°C–500°C) – typically phlogopite or standard synthetic mica with fiberglass braiding.
High-Temperature Type (600°C–1000°C) – uses high-performance synthetic mica and sintering process for superior protection.
(4) Production Standards
China: GB/T 19666-2019 — Flame-retardant and fire-resistant cables.
International: UL 5108, UL 5360 — specifying mica tape quality and wrapping precision.
4. Application Fields
Fire-Resistant Cable Systems: Firefighting, emergency lighting, evacuation, and life-safety systems.
High-Temperature Industrial Zones: Steel mills, furnaces, power plants, and process equipment wiring.
New Energy Vehicles: Battery packs, motor drives, and thermal management systems.
Aerospace & Defense: Engine compartments and control systems requiring lightweight and reliable performance.
5. Summary
Mica tape is the key material behind the excellent performance of mica cables.
Selecting the right mica type, wrapping process, and conductor material ensures the cable meets the electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements of its application.
As a professional cable material supplier, ONE WORLD provides high-quality mica tapes and complete technical support for various high-temperature and fire-resistant cable solutions.
Post time: Oct-30-2025