Hi -- I'm designing an Arduino project that will involve some multi-conductor cable (10 × AWG 22 conductors inside shielding) to be used inside of a sauna. Temps where the cable in question will run might get to 180F (82C) or even slightly higher.
I have found various cables that look great, but they come with a 75C temp rating (167F). They typically have voltage ratings in the ≥300V range.
I'm trying to figure out if this is a concern for me -- I will only be using the cable for low voltage (5V) , low current circuits (just powering the Arduino and sending GPIO signals, etc.)
My impression from research is that cable temp ratings have more to do with max current capacity and voltage breakdown and so forth. But if the insulation is going to actually deform at 167F/75C then I will have to figure something else out.
They put that rating there for a reason. Check with the manufacturer to find out for sure if it will survive. I am not sure what the controls do but I would not want to be in there with that cable. Not that the cable will hurt me but what will happen if it fails. Depending on what it is controlling you may be on your own using an Arduino, it also has a temperature rating.
Such ratings are for the insulation of the wires. Most wires use PVC insulation which will eventually turn to dust and let wires touch each others. But that will take years to occur. How many years do you expect your wiring to be installed? Most such wiring will be replaced by remodeling the sauna in 10-15 years, I suspect. So you will have nothing to worry about.
You can, perhaps, find teflon insulation or silicon rubber insulation, but likely not necessary.
Are you going to have fuses to protect you installation?
Then as long as the insulation doesnt fail you should be OK, but PVC WILL deteriorate with long eposure to high temps. You can get cables insulated with Teflon, silicone rubber etc but supply might be an issue.
Yes, there will be appropriate fuses; thanks for confirming.
My difficulty is finding cable that 1) is high-temp rated, 2) contains ≥10-conductors, and 3) is available in short lengths (i.e. not 100' spools). I can find any two of those, but all three is tough.
I've been searching on newark.com but not finding something that meets those three criteria. Let me know if you know of a source I should check!
Looks like the Arduino boards are rated to 85C so I think I'm going to get away with that... going to need to confirm some temps in the sauna to make sure I'm not pushing it too close.
