Product Overview
When your project demands reliability under extreme conditions, the MIL-W-16878/20 delivers. This PTFE tape-wrapped hook-up wire is built to MIL-W-16878/20 and NEMA HP-3 TYPE ET standards, using a silver-plated copper stranded conductor with tape-wrapped PTFE insulation — giving you a thinner wall, smaller outer diameter, and lighter weight than extruded alternatives.
Rated for 250V AC and continuous operation from -60°C to +200°C, it's engineered for environments where space is tight and performance can't be compromised.
Key Features and Benefits
Survives the heat: Continuous 200°C operation, short-term up to 300°C. PTFE insulation is self-extinguishing and won't melt or drip in flame.
Bends without breaking: The tape-wrapped construction flexes more easily than extruded insulation, making routing in cramped panels far less frustrating.
Chemically bulletproof: Resists acids, alkalis, solvents, moisture, UV — virtually inert in harsh environments.
Solder-friendly: High soldering iron temps won't shrink or melt the insulation, so terminations stay clean and reliable.
Lighter, leaner wiring: Thin-wall design means less bulk and lower weight per meter — a big deal in aerospace and portable gear.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Detail |
| Standard |
MIL-W-16878/20 / NEMA HP-3 TYPE ET |
| Conductor |
Silver-plated copper |
| Insulation |
PTFE tape-wrapped & sintered |
| Wall Type |
Thin-wall |
| Rated Voltage |
250V AC |
| Temperature Range |
-60°C to +200°C (continuous) |
| AWG Range |
38–20 AWG (custom sizes available) |
| Colors |
Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, White |
Extensive Size and Dimension Chart
| AWG |
Stranding |
Cond. Dia. (in/mm) |
Min OD (in/mm) |
Max OD (in/mm) |
Max DC Res. (Ω/km) |
| 38 |
7/46 |
.005 / .13 |
.015 / .38 |
.021 / .53 |
1774 |
| 36 |
7/44 |
.006 / .15 |
.016 / .41 |
.022 / .56 |
1351 |
| 34 |
7/42 |
.008 / .20 |
.017 / .43 |
.023 / .58 |
848 |
| 32 |
7/40 |
.009 / .23 |
.019 / .48 |
.025 / .64 |
531 |
| 30 |
7/38 |
.012 / .30 |
.022 / .56 |
.030 / .76 |
348 |
| 28 |
7/36 |
.015 / .38 |
.025 / .64 |
.033 / .84 |
223 |
| 26 |
7/34 |
.019 / .48 |
.029 / .74 |
.037 / .94 |
131 |
| 24 |
7/32 |
.024 / .61 |
.034 / .86 |
.042 / 1.07 |
81 |
| 22 |
7/30 |
.030 / .76 |
.040 / 1.02 |
.048 / 1.22 |
52 |
| 20 |
7/28 |
.038 / .97 |
.048 / 1.22 |
.056 / 1.42 |
33 |
Target Industries and Equipment
Aerospace & Avionics: Aircraft instruments, control systems, navigation equipment
Radar & Defense: Communication devices, radar systems, ground support gear
Industrial Electronics: High-temp ovens, heating elements, sensor wiring
Medical Equipment: Devices requiring sterilization and chemical resistance
Test & Measurement: Precision instruments demanding signal integrity and durability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does M16878/20 compare to M16878/4?
A: The /20 type uses tape-wrapped PTFE insulation with a thin wall, while /4 uses extruded PTFE with a medium wall. The /20 is the lightest and most flexible option in the MIL-W-16878 series.
Q: Can M16878/20 be used for wire-wrap (solderless) terminations?
A: Yes, the tape-wrapped construction and stranded conductor make M16878/20 suitable for wire-wrap applications. However, automatic high-speed stripping can be more challenging with thin-wall tape-wrapped PTFE, especially on finer gauges.
Q: What conductor materials are available for M16878/20?
A: Silver-plated copper is the standard conductor per the MIL-W-16878/20 specification. Special conductors such as nickel-plated copper, stainless steel strands, or high-strength copper alloys may be available for custom orders.
Q: Is M16878/20 suitable for outdoor or UV-exposed applications?
A: Yes. PTFE is highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and weathering. It does not absorb moisture and remains stable in outdoor environments, making M16878/20 a reliable choice for exposed installations.
Q: What is the minimum bend radius for M16878/20 wire?
A: The tape-wrapped PTFE construction provides superior flexibility compared to extruded alternatives. While the exact minimum bend radius depends on AWG size, M16878/20 can typically be bent to a radius of 2–3 times its outer diameter without damage.
Q: What's the typical lead time?
A: Standard sizes and colors are often in stock for quick shipment. Custom orders typically take 2–4 weeks depending on quantity and specifications. Contact us for current availability.
Ready to Source Your M16878/13 Wire?
We manufacture MIL-spec hook-up wire to exacting standards. Every batch is tested for compliance with MIL-W-16878/20 specs. We offer:
- Full AWG range (38–20) with various strand constructions
- Custom colors, lengths, and packaging
- Fast lead times and worldwide shipping
- Direct technical support from wire specialists