**Firesleeve is not a hose**—it is a critical safety shield designed to slide over your existing hydraulic hoses, cables, and wires. Its primary job is to provide thermal insulation and protect vital lines from extreme external heat, direct flame, and splashes of molten metal.
This guide from Glory Engineering Supplies serves as a complete technical reference for this protective sleeve. It covers the materials, temperature ratings, and available sizes **up to 100mm (4 inches)**, helping you select the right shield for your most hazardous environments.
Our sleeve is rated for **260°C (500°F)** continuous heat and can withstand a **1650°C (3000°F)** molten splash for short periods.
We stock all sizes, from 1/4" (6mm) for small cables up to **4" (100mm)** for large industrial hoses, ensuring complete coverage.
Constructed from a dense, braided fiberglass inner tube and coated with a thick layer of iron-oxide red silicone rubber.
The tough silicone coating resists hydraulic fluids, oils, and water, and is self-extinguishing, offering a complete protective barrier.
The sleeve's performance comes from its two-layer design.
| Component | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Layer (Insulation) | Braided Fiberglass |
|
| Outer Layer (Shield) | Iron-Oxide Red Silicone Rubber |
|
Firesleeve does not have a pressure rating, as it is a cover. Its primary ratings are temperature and size. All sizes available up to 100mm.
| Inner Diameter (ID) | Continuous Temp | Molten Splash Temp |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4"(~6mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 3/8"(~10mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 1/2"(~13mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 5/8"(~16mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 3/4"(~19mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 1"(~25mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 1-1/4"(~32mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 1-1/2"(~38mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 2"(~51mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 2-1/2"(~64mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 3"(~76mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 3-1/2"(~89mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
| 4"(~102mm) | 260°C / 500°F | 1650°C / 3000°F |
Firesleeve must be properly secured at the ends to prevent heat and fluids from getting inside.
The recommended way to seal the ends. This is a self-fusing silicone tape that bonds to itself, creating a tight seal against fluids.
For a strong mechanical grip, a stainless steel band clamp or T-Bolt clamp can be applied *over* the fire tape at the end of the sleeve.
For hard-to-reach lines, firesleeve is available with a built-in, high-temp Velcro seam, allowing installation without disconnecting the hose.
The same material is also available in large sheets and blankets, used to shield larger components like valves, manifolds, or flanges.
Proper installation is critical. If fluids get inside the sleeve, it can trap heat and fluids, causing a catastrophic failure from the *inside*.
Solution: The Firesleeve Inner Diameter (ID) must be **larger** than the hose's Outer Diameter (OD). You need a loose fit to slide it on and provide an insulating air gap.
Solution: Use silicone fire tape or clamps at both ends. This prevents hydraulic oil or water from "wicking" into the fiberglass, which would destroy its insulating properties.
Problem: You cannot get a safe hydraulic crimp *over* the firesleeve. The fitting will not grip the hose reinforcement and will blow off.
Correctly: Crimp the hose assembly *first*, then slide the firesleeve over it.
Problem: A pin-pricked cover is for *steam* hose. A firesleeve must be a **solid shield**. Making holes in it will allow molten splash and fluids to enter and destroy the hose underneath.
No. Firesleeve is a **protective cover**, not a hose. It has no pressure rating on its own. It is designed to slide *over* an existing hose or cable to protect it from the outside.
This means the sleeve can withstand brief, intermittent contact with molten metal (like steel, aluminum, or glass) at 1650°C (3000°F). The silicone will form a sacrificial char, but the inner fiberglass will continue to insulate and protect the line underneath.
Measure the **Outer Diameter (OD)** of the hose you need to protect. Then, choose a Firesleeve with an **Inner Diameter (ID)** that is slightly larger. For example, a 1" hose (with a ~1.5" OD) would typically use a 1-5/8" (41mm) firesleeve.
The best method is to wrap the ends tightly with **self-fusing silicone tape** (also called "fire tape"). This bonds to itself and creates a tight seal against oil and water. For extra security, you can add a band clamp *over* the tape.
Don't let a hose failure in a high-heat area cause a fire or a critical shutdown. Contact the Glory team today to get the right size firesleeve for your application.
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