Klein Tools Occupational Protective Connecting Devices - Manual (Page 7)

Type of Material
Nylon
Exposure to
Excessive Heat
Poor resistance.
Becomes brittle,
has a shriveled
brown appearance.
Fibers will break
when flexed.
Weakens at 300°F
(149°C). Exposure to
Chemicals
Generally good
resistance, except
around strong
acids and phenolic
compounds
(phenol is present
in coal tar and
wood tar), which
cause it to become
brittle.
Exposure to
Molten Metal
or Flame
Poor resistance.
Strands fuse
together and form
hard shiny spots.
Has hard and
brittle feel.
Will not support
combustion. Exposure to
Paints or
Solvents
Generally offers
good resistance.
However, paint can
penetrate into the
weave and dry.
This can cause
webbing to become
hard and brittle and
can eventually
break the fibers.
Some solvents
may affect fibers
(see “Exposure to
Chemicals”).
Exposure Near
Live Electrical
Lines and
Equipment
Poor protection (no
dielectric strength).
Provides no
protection to
exposure to live
electrical lines or
equipment.
Physical Properties of Materials*
Polyester Poor resistance.
Fibers become
brittle and will
shrivel, turn brown
in color, and break
when flexed.
Should not be used
above 180°F
(82°C). Good resistance to
most chemicals,
including
hydrochloric acid,
aqueous alkalies
and many solvents.
Exposure to
incompatible
chemicals may
change fiber color
and texture, similar
to a brownish
smudge or smear.
Also, fibers will
become less
elastic, with
transverse cracks
caused by bending. Poor resistance.
Fiber strands fuse
together and
become hard,
brittle, and shiny. Generally offers
good resistance.
However, paint can
penetrate into the
weave and dry.
This can cause
webbing to
become hard and
brittle and can
eventually break
the fibers.
Some solvents
may affect fibers
(see “Exposure to
Chemicals”). Poor protection (no
dielectric strength).
Provides no
protection to
exposure to live
electrical lines or
equipment.
Polypropylene Poor resistance.
Same as nylon,
except weakens at
230°F (110°C). Excellent
resistance to most
chemicals, but
is attacked by
chlorinated
hydrocarbons at
elevated
temperatures. Poor resistance;
same as nylon. Good resistance.
However, may
be attacked by
chlorinated
hydrocarbons. Good protection
(high dielectric
strength).Generally
provides good
protection, when in
dry, clean condition,
on exposure to live
electrical lines and
equipment.
Metal
(Aircraft Cable,
Vinyl Coated) Excellent
resistance. Excellent
resistance. Good resistance.
However, coating
may melt or char. Excellent
resistance. Poor protection (no
dielectric strength).
Provides no
protection against
exposure to live
electrical lines or
equipment.
* Due to the wide variety of conditions in the workplace, this chart should only be considered as a general guide, and a qualified
person should evaluate the specific applications and hazards to which the material will be exposed. For more information,
call Klein Tools at 1-800-553-4676.
Construction of Klein Connecting Devices
(continued)