Modern electrical systems must operate flawlessly in environments filled with heat, moisture, vibration, and dust. The components within enclosures – whether in rail heavy machinery, or outdoor control panels – rely on advanced insulation to remain protected.
Silicone foam for electrical insulation is engineered to meet these challenges. At Alanto, we supply high-performance silicone-based materials that help protect sensitive electronics in the most demanding settings. In this blog, we explain why silicone foam is a top choice for insulation and sealing in harsh conditions.
What Is Silicone Foam?
Silicone foam is a closed-cell or semi-closed-cell elastomer made from silicone polymers. It combines excellent compressibility with long-term durability and thermal resistance. It’s widely used as an insulating, sealing, and cushioning material in electrical and electronic applications.
Supplied in sheets, rolls, strips, or custom-cut parts, silicone foam is flexible enough for dynamic seals while tough enough for extreme environments.
Key Properties That Enhance Electrical Protection
1. Thermal Resistance
Heat resistant silicone foam maintains stability at high temperatures – often up to +200°C. This makes it suitable for components that generate heat or operate near power supplies, transformers, and engines.
2. Moisture and Dust Sealing
As an enclosure sealing foam, it prevents moisture, dust, and particles from entering housings. This protects electrical circuits, prolongs equipment life, and helps maintain compliance with ingress protection (IP) ratings.
3. Electrical Insulation
Silicone foam provides strong dielectric strength, helping to insulate wires, connectors, and enclosures. It acts as a barrier to short circuits and unintentional grounding.
4. UV and Weather Resistance
Silicone resists weathering, ozone, and UV degradation. It is perfect for outdoor electrical enclosures, renewable energy units, and infrastructure assets.
5. Flame Retardancy
Available in UL94 V-0 grades, industrial silicone gasket material helps protect electronics in fire-sensitive applications such as transport, control panels, and industrial power units.
Where Is Silicone Foam Used?
This versatile material is trusted for electrical protection in sectors such as:
- Transport: Under-bonnet electronics, signal boxes, HVAC units.
- Industrial Control Panels: Insulation and sealing for cabinets and switchgear.
- Medical Devices: Heat shielding and soft insulation.
- Telecoms: Weatherproof seals for outdoor communications boxes.
- Renewables: Insulation inside solar inverters and battery units.
Silicone Foam vs Traditional Insulation Materials
Compared to EPDM, neoprene, or thermoplastics, silicone offers:
- Higher temperature resistance.
- Better long-term flexibility.
- Superior UV and environmental protection.
- Consistent performance across a wide temperature range.
This makes it the material of choice for reliability-focused electrical engineers.
Custom Formats from Alanto
Alanto supplies silicone insulation for electronics in:
- Precision die-cut gaskets.
- Sheets and roll stock.
- Adhesive-backed formats for simple installation.
- CNC-routed components for exacting enclosures.
We match grades, hardness levels, and thicknesses to your insulation and sealing requirements.
FAQs
Is silicone foam electrically conductive?
No. It’s an excellent insulator and helps prevent electrical faults.
Can it be used outdoors?
Yes. It resists UV, ozone, and weather exposure.
What temperature can it handle?
Standard grades operate from -60°C to +200°C, with some specialised grades exceeding this.
Is it flame retardant?
Yes. We offer UL94 V-0 rated silicone foam for high-spec applications.
Can you supply custom parts?
Absolutely. We convert silicone foam into parts that fit your specific enclosure or product design.
Conclusion: Durable Insulation That Engineers Trust
When performance and protection are non-negotiable, silicone foam for electrical insulation is a smart, future-proof choice. Its thermal, sealing, and insulation properties ensure sensitive electronics stay safe and reliable – wherever they’re installed.
Alanto delivers tailored silicone foam solutions for a wide range of industrial and electrical applications. Get in touch for expert advice and precision-converted materials.
Email: sales@alanto.co.uk | Call: +44 (0) 1922 723740
