Product Overview
When your 600V aerospace wiring system runs hot and space is tight, MIL-W-16878/25 is the PTFE insulated aerospace wire engineered for the job. Built to the MIL-W-16878/25 specification with a nickel-plated copper conductor and medium-wall PTFE insulation, this M16878/25 wire delivers continuous operation at 260°C — 60°C higher than silver-plated alternatives — while maintaining the dielectric integrity and chemical resistance that PTFE is known for.
The medium-wall PTFE insulation on MIL-W-16878/25 provides a uniformly thick barrier with superior abrasion resistance and consistent dielectric performance. Combined with the 600V rating and 260°C temperature class, this nickel-plated medium-wall wire fills a specific niche in the MIL-W-16878 family.
Key Features
*600V AC rating: Medium-wall extruded PTFE insulation provides reliable dielectric strength for higher-voltage aerospace and industrial wiring.
*260°C continuous operation: Nickel-plated copper conductor sustains performance at temperatures that would degrade silver-plated alternatives.
*Extruded PTFE build: Uniform wall thickness delivers consistent dielectric performance, superior abrasion resistance, and effective moisture barrier.
*Solder-iron resistant: PTFE insulation withstands soldering heat without melting, shrinking, or losing insulating properties — ensuring clean, reliable terminations.
*Chemical and moisture resistant: PTFE remains inert against solvents, oils, acids, humidity, UV, and ozone, extending service life in harsh environments.
*Wide AWG coverage: Available in 32–10 AWG with multiple stranding options, accommodating diverse current-carrying and flexibility requirements.
*MIL-Spec quality: Built to MIL-W-16878/25 construction standards with full batch traceability and consistent material integrity.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Specification |
MIL-W-16878/25 |
| NEMA Designation |
HP-3 Type E |
| Conductor Material |
Nickel-plated copper |
| Insulation Material |
Extruded PTFE |
| Wall Type |
Medium-wall |
| Rated Voltage |
600V AC |
| Temperature Rating |
-60°C to +260°C continuous |
| AWG Range |
32–10 AWG (standard), custom sizes available |
| Available Colors |
Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, White |
Where M16878/25 Performs Best
* Aerospace Power Distribution
Aircraft electrical systems operating at 600V require wiring that can handle voltage spikes, vibration, and temperature cycling. MIL-W-16878/25's medium-wall PTFE insulation and nickel-plated conductor provide the durability needed in avionics bays and engine compartment wiring where silver-plated types would fail prematurely.
* Industrial Process Control
Near furnaces, kilns, and high-temperature manufacturing equipment, control signal and power wiring must survive both heat and chemical exposure. The 260°C rating and chemical resistance of M16878/25 make it a practical choice for sensor wiring, instrument cables, and control panel interconnects in harsh industrial settings.
* Power Electronics and Converters
High-voltage DC converters, inverters, and power supplies generate significant heat while operating at elevated voltages. The medium-wall extruded PTFE on MIL-W-16878/25 provides the dielectric strength for 600V operation while the nickel-plated conductor handles thermal cycling without degradation.
* Mili-tary and Defense Electronics
Defense systems demand wires with proven reliability under extreme conditions. MIL-W-16878/25 meets specification requirements for construction, materials, and performance — suitable for communication arrays, radar systems, and ground support equipment operating in temperate to hot climates.
* Laboratory and Test Equipment
Precision instruments that undergo thermal cycling, exposure to cleaning solvents, or operation near heat sources benefit from the stability of PTFE insulation. M16878/25 maintains its electrical properties over thousands of thermal cycles, ensuring measurement accuracy and long-term reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is MIL-W-16878/25 wire?A: MIL-W-16878/25 is a 600V, medium-wall PTFE insulated aerospace wire with a nickel-plated copper conductor, rated for continuous operation up to 260°C. It is equivalent to NEMA HP-3 Type E and is designed for high-temperature, high-reliability applications.Q: Can M16878/25 replace M16878/26?A: They share the same nickel-plated copper conductor and 260°C rating. The difference is insulation method: M16878/25 is extruded (better abrasion resistance, uniform wall), while M16878/26 is tape-wrapped (better flexibility). Substitution depends on your routing and mechanical requirements.Q: Is M16878/25 the same as M16878/4?A: Both are 600V medium-wall extruded PTFE types equivalent to NEMA HP-3 Type E. However, M16878/4 uses a silver-plated copper conductor (200°C rating) while M16878/25 uses a nickel-plated copper conductor (260°C rating). They are not direct substitutes when operating temperatures exceed 200°C. Q: What AWG sizes are available for M16878/25?A: We typically supply MIL-W-16878/25 in 32–10 AWG ranges. Specific strand constructions and less common sizes can be quoted on request. Q: Is M16878/25 suitable for soldering?A: Yes. The extruded PTFE insulation withstands soldering iron temperatures without melting, shrinking, or deforming, ensuring clean and reliable terminations.Q: What makes nickel-plated copper better than silver-plated copper for high temperature?A: Nickel plating remains stable at temperatures up to 260°C, whereas silver plating can degrade, oxidize, or migrate at elevated temperatures, leading to increased contact resistance and potential failure. For applications running above 200°C, nickel plating is the preferred conductor finish.Q: Is M16878/25 RoHS compliant?A: RoHS-compliant options are available. Please confirm your requirement when requesting a quote.
Get a Quote for MIL-W-16878/25 Wire
If you need MIL-W-16878/25, M16878/25, or 600V PTFE insulated aerospace wire with nickel-plated medium-wall construction, share your AWG size, stranding, color, length, and quantity. We will provide pricing, lead time, and datasheet support.