A fuel hose, hydraulic line or wiring loom may be a small part of a vehicle or machine, but protecting it from heat deserves attention. That is where Firesleeve comes in.

If you have never heard of it, think of Firesleeve as a protective jacket that slides over a hose, cable or bundle of wires. Here is how it works and what to consider when choosing it.

What is firesleeve?

Firesleeve is a flexible protective covering used around hoses, wires and cables in demanding environments. Thermaguard’s SUPERTHERM® Aerospace Grade Firesleeve combines a braided fibreglass inner layer with a silicone outer coating.

The fibreglass provides insulation, while the silicone coating helps resist abrasion. Together, these layers provide protection around the line inside.

Where is it used?

Firesleeve has uses well beyond firefighting. Applications range from fuel and oil lines in race cars to fuel, air, electrical and hydraulic lines on mining equipment and firefighting vehicles.

It can also cover wiring and cables, making it relevant to businesses working with both fluid lines and electrical systems.

Understanding the heat rating

Our firesleeve can withstand continuous heat exposure up to 260°C. Its silicone outer coating can also shed molten-material splash at temperatures up to 1200°C. These figures describe different exposures: the splash figure is not a continuous operating temperature.

Our Firesleeve is manufactured to the AS1072 Aerospace Standard, with Firesleeve originally developed to protect aircraft fuel and oil lines from heat and flame.

Getting the fit right

The sleeve’s inside diameter needs to be larger than the outside diameter of the hose or cables it will cover (we suggest at least 3mm larger), allowing it to slide into position. Our range includes more than 20 common sizes, with custom-cut lengths and 31-metre rolls available.

Rather than guessing, speak with our team about the line you need to protect and the size required.

Finishing the ends matters

Once sized, Firesleeve can be cut with a sharp knife or industrial scissors and slid over the line. Stainless steel band clamps or steel cable ties secure the ends, while End Seal Tape helps prevent fluid ingress and particle contamination.

What if the line branches, or fitting a sleeve is impractical? Thermaguard also offers FireTape and LinearWrap for these situations.

Choosing protection for your application

Understanding what firesleeve does is the first step towards selecting the right protection. Start with what you need to cover, the required length and the conditions it will face.

Explore our SUPERTHERM® AS1072 Firesleeve range or contact Thermaguard for help choosing a suitable size and discussing your application.