Fish Spine Beads
High-purity alumina and steatite fish spine beads providing flexible insulation for curved wires, electrodes and heating elements.
Tags: High-Purity Alumina Beads Steatite Beads Custom Bore/Length Configurations
About this product
Fish spine beads are interlocking ceramic insulator beads designed to protect and insulate curved or bent wires, electrodes and heating elements where rigid insulator tubes can’t be used. Threaded along a conductor, they provide continuous electrical isolation while allowing the assembly to flex and curve around components. Available in high-purity alumina for high-temperature and high-voltage service, and in steatite for general industrial electrical applications. Both standard and custom sizes can be supplied to match specific bore, length and overall diameter requirements.
What that means for you
Flexible insulation
Provides continuous electrical isolation along curved or bent conductors where rigid tubes can't be used.
High dielectric strength
High-purity alumina maintains insulation under high voltage and high temperature.
Wide size range
Standard and custom bore, length and overall diameter to match conductor specifications.
Cost-effective alternative
Lower cost than rigid tubes for curved conductor and heating element applications.
Reliable, flexible insulation around bends and corners, greater system stability, fewer failures and longer service life — even in high-temperature electrical environments.
Specs at a glance
| Property | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material grades | High-purity alumina or steatite | Voltage and temperature dependent |
| Bore size | Standard and bespoke | Match to conductor diameter |
| LengthMaterial grades | Standard and custom | Per assembly requirementVoltage and temperature dependent |
| Bore size | Match to conductor diameter | |
| Length | Per assembly requirement |
Individual products in this range
Material options
Our fish spine beads are produced in two main insulating ceramic materials, each suited to specific service conditions:
– High-Purity Alumina — high dielectric strength, high-temperature service
– Steatite — excellent insulation for general industrial electrical applications
Where these products work
Other ceramic components
Your questions answered
When should I use fish spine beads instead of insulator tubes?
Use beads wherever a conductor needs to curve, bend or flex — where a rigid insulator tube can’t physically follow the path. Threaded along the wire, they provide continuous insulation while allowing flexibility.
What materials are available?
High-purity alumina for high-temperature, high-voltage service, and steatite for general industrial electrical applications.
Are custom bore and length sizes available?
Yes. Standard sizes are supplied alongside custom bore, length and overall diameter combinations to match specific wire gauges and assembly geometries.
What's the temperature rating?
It depends on the material. Alumina beads operate reliably in high-temperature heating element and furnace environments, while steatite beads suit standard industrial electrical service.
Can you supply matching ceramic insulator tubes for the straight sections?
Yes. We offer a full range of ceramic insulator tubes, multi-bore tubes and ignition tubes that work alongside fish spine beads in complete wire management assemblies.
No FAQs match your search.
Datasheet, drawing or quote — pick your next step
Send us your conductor specification — our team will help you select the right bead size, bore and material for your wiring or electrode assembly.