The same bundle of wires can need a different cable tie in a different location. Start by checking whether the installation calls for flame-retardant material, resistance to elevated temperatures, or both.
Flame retardancy and heat resistance: what is the difference?
Flame retardancy concerns how a material behaves when exposed to a flame. Heat resistance concerns use at elevated temperatures. A higher flame rating does not mean a higher operating temperature, and a heat-resistant tie does not necessarily have the same flame rating. ALLPUM offers APF and APH as separate options for these different needs.
| Feature | Flame-retardant APF | Heat-resistant APH |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Nylon 66 · UL94 V-0 resin | Nylon 66 · UL94 V-2 resin |
| Operating temperature | -40℃ ~ 85℃ | Up to 120 °C |
| Selection focus | Wiring that calls for flame-retardant material | Wiring in elevated temperatures |
APF: organising wiring in panels and telecom equipment
APF uses nylon 66 resin rated UL94 V-0. It is an option to consider when organising multiple wires inside equipment and the flame performance of the fastening material is part of the selection criteria.
- Distribution and control panels Consider APF for grouping power and control wires separately and organising their routes inside an enclosure.
- Telecom equipment and data centres Consider it for cable organisation inside telecom cabinets and racks. Fibre-optic cables need separate checks on bend radius and fastening pressure.
- Equipment within building services Consider it in wiring areas such as service control cabinets that specify flame-retardant materials. Check finished-product certification requirements separately.
APH: wiring near heat-generating equipment
APH is specified for environments up to 120 °C. For wiring exposed to elevated temperatures, assess the temperature at the actual tie location, rather than relying on the room temperature.
- Industrial machinery and motors Consider APH for power and sensor wiring near motors and drives. Route ties away from direct contact with hot parts and check vibration conditions.
- Engine-compartment wiring Consider it for wiring bundles exposed to heat, after checking actual temperature, oil or chemical contact, and the vehicle specifications.
- Boiler rooms, power equipment and inverters Consider it for wiring near equipment that produces heat. Do not assume suitability for direct fastening to heaters or exhaust pipes. Outdoor use also requires checks on UV and rain exposure.
Four things to check before ordering
Actual operating temperature
Check peak temperature during operation and exposure duration as well as normal conditions. The 120 °C figure is not a service-life guarantee for every situation.
Bundle and tie size
Check bundle circumference, tie length and width, load and tensile strength. Make sure fastening does not compress the cable insulation.
Surrounding conditions
Tell us about sunlight, moisture, oils, chemicals and vibration. Heat resistance alone does not establish outdoor weathering or chemical resistance.
Certification requirements
Check the certification required by the customer or project. Certification of finished APF and APH ties is in preparation and must be distinguished from resin ratings.
Tell us about your installation
ALLPUM APF and APH ties are made by our Thai subsidiary. Share the location, temperature, required sizes and quantities so we can discuss product selection, production and sales schedules. Sizes of 270–300 mm are in development testing; please ask about availability.
External linkView APF and APH product specifications ↗(opens in a new tab) External linkReference: UL Solutions guide to plastics flammability testing ↗(opens in a new tab)