Often times in the application of electrical cables, we neglect the thermal characteristics of the polymers used in the cable insulation. Here is a list of the temperature range each of the common electrical cable polymers can withstand while in service or operation:
| Cable Insulation/Polymer | Designed Temperature Range (°C) |
| PVC (Standard) | -20 - 80 |
| PVC (Premium) | -55 - 105 |
| Polyethylene | -60 - 80 |
| Polypropylene | -40 - 105 |
| Cross-Linked Polyethylene | -40 -130 |
| Ethylene Propylene Rubber | -60 - 150 |
| CSPE | -40-105 |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | -40 - 105 |
| CPE | -40- 105 |
| Silicone Braidless | -65 - 150 |
| Silicone with Braid | -65 – 200 |
| Teflon | -70 - 260 |