Overview
The IEC 60684-3-136:1997 standard defines specifications for extruded fluorosilicone flexible insulating sleeving used in electrical and electronic applications. Part of the IEC 60684 series, this document focuses specifically on non-heat-shrinkable sleeving composed of compounds based on fluorosilicone rubber. Available in a variety of internal diameters up to 25 mm and wall thicknesses between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm, the sleeving is designed for general purpose electrical insulation where flexibility and chemical resistance are needed. The standard also includes color specifications ranging from opaque to translucent designs.
This global international standard provides manufacturers, engineers, and quality control professionals with essential requirements ensuring safety, durability, and performance of fluorosilicone sleeving in demanding environments.
Key Topics
- Material Composition: Fluorosilicone rubber compounds used for extruded flexible sleeving, offering excellent chemical, temperature, and weather resistance.
- Dimensions & Tolerances: Internal diameters available up to 25 mm with controlled tolerances; wall thicknesses ranging from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.
- Color and Appearance: Includes multiple opaque color options such as black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, gray, white, pink, green/yellow, and also a colorless translucent/transparent variant.
- Mechanical Properties: Specifications include elongation (minimum 400%), splitting resistance during heat aging, and flexibility at low temperatures (down to -60 °C).
- Product Identification: Standardized designation format (e.g., IEC 60684-3-136 – 2.5/0.5 – WH) indicating size, wall thickness, and color, aligned with IEC 60757 color codes.
- Testing and Qualification: Reference to IEC 60684-2 for test methods; qualification typically performed on 10 mm internal diameter black sleeving to ensure consistent performance.
- Application of Normative References: Integrates other relevant IEC standards such as IEC 60684-1 (definitions and general requirements) and IEC 60757 (color code).
Applications
Extruded fluorosilicone sleeving specified in IEC 60684-3-136 is ideally suited for a wide range of electrical and electronic insulation purposes, including:
- Wire and cable protection in harsh environments where resistance to chemicals, oils, and weathering is necessary.
- Flexible insulation in aerospace, automotive, and industrial electronics due to superb low-temperature flexibility and thermal stability.
- General-purpose sleeving where non-heat-shrinkable insulating covers are required with mechanical robustness and dimensional stability.
- High-performance electrical assemblies which require durable protection without compromising flexibility or ease of application.
- Color-coded wiring harnesses to improve identification and safety in electrical distribution systems.
Using sleeving compliant with IEC 60684-3-136 ensures reliable insulation performance, compatibility with international safety regulations, and optimized operational life of electrical components in various demanding sectors.
Related Standards
For comprehensive understanding and compliance, IEC 60684-3-136 should be considered alongside the following related IEC standards:
- IEC 60684-1:1980 – Definitions and general requirements for flexible insulating sleeving.
- IEC 60684-2:1997 – Methods of test applicable to flexible insulating sleeving, detailing mechanical, thermal and electrical test procedures.
- IEC 60757:1983 – Code for designation of colors used in electrical engineering, referenced for standardized color identification.
- Other sheets of IEC 60684-3 – Specifications for other individual types of insulating sleeving materials such as silicone rubber, PVC, or fluoropolymer-based sleeving.
Adhering to this series ensures alignment with global electrical standards, promotes product interoperability, and supports quality assurance in manufacturing and installation processes.
Keywords: IEC 60684-3-136, extruded fluorosilicone sleeving, flexible insulating sleeving, electrical insulation, non-heat-shrink sleeving, fluorosilicone rubber, sleeving dimensions, sleeving color codes, IEC standards, cable protection, electrical insulating materials, low temperature flexibility, sleeving specifications.