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Help Centre

Guides & Common FAQs

Quick answers, fitting guides and a product chooser to help you specify the right protection for hoses, cables and exhaust systems.

Need fast help?

Share the hose/cable outside diameter, length to cover, and the heat source temperature — we’ll recommend the right product and size.

Which product is best for my application?

Click a product to see recommended use-cases, temperature limits and key characteristics. For sizing, use the outside diameter (O/D) of the hose/cable and select a sleeve I/D that’s typically 5–10% larger.

Firesleeve

Silicone coated glass fibre sleeving

260°C continuous 1200°C splash Oil/chem: Excellent

Firesleeve — Closure

Velcro retrofit closure (in-situ)

Retro-fit 260°C continuous Fire-retardant H&L

Pyrosleeve

Knitted glass fibre sleeve

550°C continuous Static exhaust Budget £

Basalt sleeve

Knitted basalt sleeve

750°C continuous 1000°C short Abrasion: High

What matters most?

Temperature is only one factor. For hoses and harnesses, abrasion + oil/chemical resistance often decide the correct option.

Rule of thumb: if it’s a hose/fuel line/wiring harness in a harsh environment → start with Firesleeve. If you can’t disconnect the system → use a Velcro closure.

Compliance & testing

Firesleeve / closures are manufactured in Great Britain by Pyroglass Ltd and can be produced in accordance with relevant standards and test methods. If you need evidence packs for a project, send us your application and the standard you’re working to.

How to fit Firesleeve correctly

Most failures come from wrong sizing, ragged cuts, or unsealed ends. Follow the steps below.

1

Choose the right size

  • Measure the hose/cable outside diameter (O/D).
  • Select Firesleeve internal diameter (I/D) that’s 5–10% larger.
  • Too tight = hard to fit. Too loose = reduced insulation/retention.
2

Measure twice, cut once

  • Wear PPE (gloves recommended).
  • Use sharp scissors or a Stanley knife.
  • Cut square and clean to reduce fraying.
3

Seal the ends

  • Fit sleeve over hose/cable.
  • Wrap self-amalgamating silicone tape tightly over ends.
  • Overlap onto hose/cable by 10–15mm.
  • Add stainless tie-wraps in high heat/vibration areas.

Quick checklist

  • ✔ Correct size chosen (I/D 5–10% larger than O/D)
  • ✔ Neat square cut ends
  • ✔ Sleeve straight, no twists/kinks
  • ✔ Ends taped and secured

How do I retro-fit Firesleeve?

For in-situ hoses/cables, Hook & Loop (Velcro) Firesleeve Closures allow quick installation without disconnecting components.

When to use: crimped hoses, confined bays, maintenance upgrades, post-build shielding, or locations needing frequent replacement.
1

Specify correctly

  • Measure the largest O/D along the run.
  • Measure the full length required.
  • Send dimensions — we tailor the closure.
2

Fit the closure

  • Silicone side facing out.
  • Ensure seam fully overlaps with no gaps.
  • Place seam away from direct heat source.
3

Seal ends if required

  • Use self-amalgamating silicone tape at ends.
  • Add stainless tie-wraps in high heat/vibration areas.
Common mistakes: wrong measurement, seam not fully overlapped, ends left exposed. These reduce insulation and allow heat/oil/moisture to penetrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to expand.

1) What temperature can Firesleeve withstand?
Good quality Firesleeve with a glass fibre substrate and high-grade silicone elastomer coating offers continuous protection at 260°C and can withstand a molten metal splash at 1200°C.

2) Does Firesleeve support combustion?
No. Firesleeve does not support combustion due to its glass fibre and silicone rubber construction.

3) Does Firesleeve prevent fire?
Firesleeve helps delay ignition, resist flames and protect hoses, wiring harnesses and fuel lines from flash-fire exposure.

4) Does Firesleeve only come in red?
Red is stocked as standard, but Firesleeve can be produced in other colours (e.g. black, blue, green, yellow, silver) depending on your application and order requirements.

5) Can Firesleeve be used in mining applications?
Yes — MSHA “accepted” Firesleeve can be used in mining applications. Genuine MSHA accepted Firesleeve includes a visible stamp showing the acceptance number (e.g. IC-0413/0001).

6) Can Firesleeve be used outdoors?
Yes. Firesleeve is generally UV and weather resistant due to its silicone elastomer coating.

7) Do Firesleeves contain halogens?
No — Firesleeve is halogen free. The glass fibre substrate is mineral-based and inherently fire resistant, and the silicone chemistry used is non-halogenated.

8) Are all Firesleeves equal?
Not all Firesleeves are created equal. Lower-quality alternatives may use reduced substrate and thinner silicone coatings — compromising durability and safety.
  • Good quality: uniform silicone coverage, good elasticity, minimal odour when heated.
  • Poor quality: patchy coverage/holes, pungent odour, cracking/melting at lower temperatures.

9) Best way to seal the ends of Firesleeve?
Use self-amalgamating silicone tape tightly over the ends, overlapping onto the hose/cable by 10–15mm. Add stainless tie-wraps in high vibration/high heat areas.

10) Can Firesleeve withstand debris strike?
Yes — the silicone outer covering is durable and designed for harsh environments where abrasion and debris strike are common.

11) What is the lead-time for Firesleeve and Velcro closures?
Lead time depends on product and quantity. Standard red Firesleeve in common sizes can often be despatched quickly; non-standard colours are made to order; Velcro closures are fabricated in-house to your dimensions.

12) Is the hook and loop used in your closures flame retardant?
Yes — the hook & loop system is flame retardant and designed to meet strict fire standards used in aerospace and rail applications.

13) What is the strength of the hook and loop used on closures?
Strength depends on tape width and condition (new vs cycles). If you need a spec sheet for a tender, tell us your standard and we’ll provide the relevant measured values for your build.

14) How do I know how much exhaust / pipe wrap I need?
Use a wrap calculator with outside diameter and length, then choose a wrap width (e.g. 25/50/75/100/125mm) to estimate metres required.

15) Is basalt a good insulator?
Yes — basalt sleevings are excellent thermal and acoustic insulators, resist flame, and are suited to high temperature service. Basalt is also stable at very low temperatures for certain cryogenic applications.

16) Can basalt sleeves be used outdoors?
Yes — basalt sleeves are durable, UV resistant and chemically inert, making them suitable for harsh weather, moisture and exposure to road salts and industrial environments.

8 reasons to use our Firesleeve

A quick value summary you can drop into proposals and specs:

  • Established UK manufacturer (Lancashire) with decades of experience.
  • British made and independently owned.
  • ISO 9001 quality management with controlled production steps.
  • Technical support from an experienced team.
  • Trusted globally through distributor network.
  • Flexible production (sizes/specs without long lead times).
  • Short supply chains (fewer delays, better visibility).
  • Lower carbon footprint versus long-distance imports.

Still unsure?

Send these details and we’ll recommend the right product and size:

  • Hose/cable outside diameter (largest point)
  • Length to protect
  • Heat source type + typical temperature
  • Any oils/chemicals present
  • Movement/vibration and abrasion risk
Supplying the biggest names in automotive, shipping, engineering, forging and energy companies in the world

British-made
Global Market Leaders

EXPORTING AROUND THE WORLD MADE EASY BY PYROSLEEVE
—
metres of wrap (includes +20%)
Circumference — mm
Pipe length — mm
Effective width — mm
Supplying the biggest names in automotive, shipping, engineering, forging and energy companies in the world

British-made
Global Market Leaders

Visit Our Offices and Factory