PVC, Rubber and Silicone: Pros & Cons of Common Cable Sheath Materials
These three are the most widely used insulation and sheath materials for cables. Here is a practical on-site comparison:

1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

The most common and low-cost material, used for ordinary electric wires.

Advantages

  • - Low cost and easy processing
  • - Good oil resistance, acid & alkali resistance and flame retardancy
  • - Sufficient mechanical strength, stable for regular indoor wiring

Disadvantages

  • - Limited temperature resistance: normally -15℃ ~ 70℃. It softens and ages easily under high temperature
  • - Becomes hard and brittle at low temperatures
  • - Releases pungent smoke when burning, average environmental performance
  • - Not suitable for long-term high-temperature service or outdoor exposure under sunlight

**Application**: Household wires, general control cables, fixed indoor wiring

2. Rubber (Natural rubber / SBR, etc.)

Flexible and tear-resistant, the classic choice for portable cables.

Advantages

  • - Excellent flexibility, good bending and dragging resistance
  • - Remains tough without brittleness at low temperatures
  • - Stable insulation performance, ideal for mobile equipment

Disadvantages

  • - Poor wear resistance and oil resistance, prone to aging and cracking
  • - Moderate temperature range: approx. -20℃ ~ 60℃
  • - Vulnerable to sunlight, easy to powder outdoors
  • - Ordinary flame retardant property

**Application**: Rubber-sheathed flexible cables, welding cables, temporary extension cords, wiring for mobile equipment

3. Silicone Rubber

High temperature and aging resistant, adopted for high-end special cables.

Advantages

  • - Outstanding temperature tolerance: -60℃ ~ 200℃ or higher
  • - Super flexible, stays soft even in cold environments
  • - Excellent aging resistance, UV resistance and weather resistance
  • - Non-toxic, flame retardant, stable electrical performance

Disadvantages

  • - High price
  • - Low mechanical strength, poor wear resistance and easy to cut
  • - Not resistant to oil and organic solvents

**Application**: High-temperature equipment wiring, motor lead wires, wiring for ovens and boilers, weather-resistant outdoor cables, precision instrument cables

Quick Selection Guide

  • - Fixed indoor regular wiring → PVC
  • - Frequent dragging & bending, mobile use → Rubber
  • - High/low temperature environments, long-term outdoor sun exposure → Silicone