Introduction to Flame-Retardant & Water-Blocking Cable Tapes

In many fields, fire prevention and waterproofing are key elements to ensure safety and maintain normal operation. As an important material that combines flame retardancy and water resistance, flame-retardant and water-resistant tapes are playing an indispensable role.

The function of flame retardant and water-resistant tape

Fireproof and flame retardant

Flame retardant waterproof tape can effectively prevent the spread of fire in the event of a fire. The flame retardant material contained inside will undergo a series of physical or chemical changes when heated, such as decomposition to produce non combustible gases, diluting the surrounding oxygen concentration; Alternatively, a dense carbide layer can be formed to isolate heat transfer, thereby slowing down the combustion rate and buying valuable time for personnel evacuation, firefighting, and rescue. Taking the construction industry as an example, using flame-retardant waterproof tape to wrap cables during the laying process can prevent fires from rapidly spreading along the cable route, prevent electrical fires from causing larger scale disasters, and effectively reduce losses caused by fires.

Waterproof and water-resistant

Waterproof is another core function of flame-retardant waterproof tape. In some humid environments or places that may come into contact with water, such as underground cable trenches, submarine cable laying, outdoor fiber optic cable laying, etc., the invasion of moisture can cause serious damage to the lines or equipment, such as short circuits, corrosion, and other problems. Flame retardant waterproof tape prevents moisture penetration through its physical structure and characteristics. When in contact with moisture, its special material will expand, filling the gaps inside the cable or optical cable, forming a tight waterproof barrier to ensure that the internal conductors, optical fibers, etc. are not corroded by moisture, ensuring the stability of power transmission and information communication. For example, in the harsh environment of long-term immersion in seawater, without the protection of flame-retardant water barriers, the insulation layer of submarine cables will quickly be damaged by seawater, causing power supply failures. Flame retardant water barriers can greatly improve the service life and reliability of cables in this environment.

Classification of flame retardant and water-resistant tapes

Classified by Material

Rubber based flame retardant waterproof tape: mainly made of rubber, it has good flexibility and tensile resistance, and can adapt to the needs of different shapes and installation environments. The rubber material itself has a certain degree of waterproofness, and adding flame retardants can achieve a good flame retardant effect. Commonly used for wire and cable protection in building electrical installation, as well as in some situations where flexibility is required, such as cable laying in winding pipes inside buildings.

Fiber based flame retardant waterproof tape: It is often composed of high-performance fibers such as aromatic polyamide fibers and high water absorbing materials. Aromatic polyamide fibers endow them with high strength, high temperature resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, ensuring structural stability; Highly absorbent materials are responsible for rapidly expanding and blocking water when in contact with water. This type of flame-retardant waterproof tape is widely used in the fields of power cables and communication optical cables, especially in long-distance and high demand cable protection, which can effectively resist the impact of harsh environments on cables.

Plastic based flame retardant waterproof tape: made of plastic materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, processed through special techniques. It has the advantages of low cost and simple production process, and can achieve good flame retardancy and water resistance by adjusting the formula. It is commonly used in cable waterproofing and fire prevention in some cost sensitive civil buildings or ordinary industrial places with relatively basic protection requirements.

Classified by functional characteristics

Ordinary flame retardant and water-resistant tape: It has basic flame retardant and water-resistant capabilities, and can meet the requirements of fire and waterproofing in general environments. It is widely used in most conventional buildings, ordinary power facilities, and communication lines, and is the most common type.

Semi conductive flame retardant water barrier tape: In addition to flame retardant and water barrier functions, it also has semi conductive properties. This special performance allows it to buffer and block moisture while also achieving shielding when used within the metal sheath of power cables, effectively improving the electrical performance and safety of the cable, reducing the impact of electromagnetic interference on cable transmission signals, and commonly used in high-voltage and ultra high voltage power cable systems.

High temperature resistant, flame-retardant, and water-resistant tape: Made of special high-temperature resistant materials, it can maintain good flame retardant and water-resistant properties even in high temperature environments. Suitable for cable protection in high-temperature working environments such as metallurgy, chemical engineering, and electricity, such as in high-temperature workshops of steel plants and thermal power plants. Even if the surrounding environment temperature is high, it can reliably protect cables from fire and moisture damage.