Protective wraps for temp. probes

WileECoyote

I have done a lot of electronics work over the years and I have often seen wires with special braided shielding to protect them from heat and fire. The shielding is often refered to as "sleeving" or "loom" and the protection levels vary depending on the type of material which it is made from. Here is a typical photo:


I have the Maverick RediChek wireless thermometer setup and I would like to protect the probe wires but it is a hassle to wrap them in foil each time. So I had the idea of just ordering a few feet of some high-temp wire sleeving and then sliding it over the probe wires. They make it in many different diameters, colors, and materials and the prices can range from $1 to $10 per foot or more so I did some shopping around.

It seems that fiberglass sleeving will be best to protect the temp probes since it is rated fire-proof up to 1100 degress F and it is still very flexible, and it is also much cheaper than the nomex, metallic, scillica, and other materials. I found a local dealer which might have the right product and I am checking with him in the morning. He might be able to give me a good discount if we get a large spool of 100' or more. It would probably work out between $10-$20 for roughly 12 feet of 1/4" fiberglass sleeving which would be enough to do both temp. probes from end to end. Alternatively, I could just order 2-3 feet and only protect the ends of each probe which go into the egg but I like the idea of wrapping the full length to keep the probes clean from liquid spills or charcoal etc.

Would anyone on the forum be interested in purchasing the fiberglass shielding if we get it cheap enough? I would only charge you my cost and ship it you for free via US mail since it is very lightweight. Just thought I would check to see if there was enough interest so I would know what quantity to ask for.

And if anyone has already done this then please let me know how it worked out.

Celtic Wolf

FYI: Fiberglass in itself is not food safe. Use at your own risk.

Spaceman Spiff

I did this using wraps for automotive engine wires.

For me it wasn't worth the trouble.

Not using probes in a high heat environment or exposing them to direct flames 'fixed' my problem.

Spacey

RRP

Been there done that 7 years ago. As you can see it's still intact after years of smoke and exposure. The thing you need to know is that mesh unravels just looking at it! How I solved the problem was to make ferrules using small lengths of brass tubing. You need one on each end. In order to get the sleeve through the tubing I used Scotch tape on the end of the sleeve and then slipped the tube over it. Once the probe is inside the sleeve I removed the tape and used electrician pliers to crimp the ferrules to keep in place. I still have some of the tubing left "someplace" which I know is not fiberglass and it was food safe.


Personally I like this probe protection but find foil is no great effort and will use a foil wrapped probe many many times before replacing it.

WileECoyote

Celtic Wolf: you are right to be careful on the food-safe issue, however the braid materials that I am looking at are certified not to release any chemicals or odors up to their rated temperatures, so they will be safe for grilling or any other use.

Spaceman: I don't plan to use the probes at extreme temps but they might be exposed to high heat for short periods of time during searing, flashbacks, etc. and I mainly want to protect the probes from smoke, fat, grease, rubs, spills, water, etc.

RRP: great minds must think alike! The braid which I am looking at is designed not to fray when it is cut thus the ferrules won't be needed. I agree that foil is cheap but it is a pain to apply and remove each time, and I don't want to leave it on since it is harder to store the probes this way.

A local wire dealer claims to have the perfect braid for this situation so I am going to stop over his place and test it soon. If he gives it to us cheap then I will pickup some extra and sell it to any interested parties at my cost with free shipping. I hope to post pics of my solution soon.