What Is M16878/5 Wire?
MIL-W-16878/5 wire is a military specification hook-up wire for internal wiring of electrical and electronic equipment. The wire has extruded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulation, offering excellent thermal properties with usable temperature ratings from minus 60 degrees Celsius through to 200°C. M16878/5 wire has a maximum voltage rating of 1,000 volts RMS. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association's standard NEMA HP3-Type EE applies to this wire. This wire has outstanding resistance to gasoline, oils, fluids, chemicals, and weathering. Wire sizes are from 32 American Wire Gauge (AWG) to 4 AWG. Wires between 32 AWG to 10 AWG have a dual UL 1180 rating.38 items
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EE22 19$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 4.25
- AWG Size: 22
- Cond. Material: Silver-Coated Copper
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EE22 27$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 4.40
- AWG Size: 22
- Cond. Material: Silver-Plated Copper
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EE22 7$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 4.11
- AWG Size: 22
- Cond. Material: Silver-Coated Copper
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EE20 1$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 5.00
- AWG Size: 20
- Cond. Material: Silver-Plated Copper
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EE20 19$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 5.99
- AWG Size: 20
- Cond. Material: Silver-Coated Copper
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EE20 7$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 5.75
- AWG Size: 20
- Cond. Material: Silver-Coated Copper
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EE19 1$0.00 / 1000 FT
- Approx LBS/MFT: 7.00
- AWG Size: 19
- Cond. Material: Silver-Plated Copper
How Is M16878/5 Wire Manufactured?
M16878/5 cable has a single conductor with insulation but no jacket.
Conductor
The conductor is solid or stranded silver-plated copper wire. There are multiple stranding options including seven, 19, and 133 strands, allowing users to choose between stiff, moderately flexible, and extremely malleable solutions. Silver plating reduces weathering and temperature degradation while improving conductivity and high-frequency performance.
Insulation
The wire has extruded PTFE insulation with a wall thickness of 0.015 inches. Extruded PTFE is smooth with a low coefficient of friction to allow users to feed the wire through small openings and tight raceways. PTFE insulation is chemically inert, self-extinguishing, and has excellent abrasion and cut-resistance.
Applications for M16878/5 Wire
HP3-Type EE wire is ideal for internal wiring applications for electronics and electrical equipment used in harsh environments. These include extreme cold and heat together with exposure to fuel, oil, chemicals, and cleaning solvents. Military uses include aerospace and ground-based equipment. Other applications include engine compartments, cold rooms, and high-frequency electronics.
How to Interpret the NEMA Classification
The NEMA HP3 standard applies to PTFE insulated hook-up wires manufactured to military specifications M16878/4, /5, and /6. HP3 indicates PTFE insulation, while the next group of letters indicates the voltage. In this case, Type EE means the wire is suitable for 1,000-volt applications.
M16878/5 Wire Specifications
Conductor: | Solid and stranded silver-plated copper |
Insulation: | Extruded PTFE |
UL Standard: | UL 1180 |
MIL Standard: | MIL-W-16878/5 |
NEMA Standard: | NEMA HP3 - Type EE |
Voltage Rating NEMA HP3 - Type EE: | 1000 volts RMS |
Voltage Rating UL 1180: | 300 volts RMS, peak voltage 600 volts |
Temperature: | -60°C to 200°C |
Chemical Resistance: | Good |
Gasoline, oil, solvents, and hydraulic fluid resistance: | Excellent |
Weathering: | Resists weathering and ozone attack |
Abrasion Resistance: | Good |
Thermal aging resistance: | Good |
Colors: | Full range of colors |
Sizes: | 32 AWG to 4 AWG |
European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive: | RoHS Compliant |
Difference Between NEMA HP3-Type EE and UL 1180 Style
Many wires in this category have a dual UL 1180 rating. This specification is for single conductor wires with extruded insulation falling under the umbrella of the Appliance Wiring Material Standard (AWM) UL 758. The main difference between the two standards is the UL 1180 specification limits the maximum voltage to 300 volts. This apparent contradiction means that while the wire design allows for a maximum voltage of 1,000 volts when you use the wire in terms of UL 1180, you're limited to a maximum of 300 volts AC. UL 1180 permits a peak voltage of 600 volts in electronic applications.
Characteristic | M16878/5 (NEMA HP3 - Type EE) | UL 1180 |
---|---|---|
Maximum Voltage | 1,000 volts RMS | 300 volts AC, 600 volts peak |
Temperature Rating | -60°C to 200°C | 200°C |
Max Temperature in Gasoline | 80°C | 80°C |
Sizes (AWG) | 32 AWG to 4 AWG | 32 AWG to 12 AWG |