Product Overview
MIL-W-16878/23 is a 250V thin-wall extruded PTFE insulated wire with a nickel plated copper conductor, equivalent to NEMA HP-3 Type ET. This M16878/23 mil-spec wire is designed for high-temperature internal wiring where space, weight, and thermal endurance are critical. Unlike silver-plated versions rated to 200°C, the nickel plated copper construction supports continuous operation up to 260°C, making it suitable for harsh thermal environments.
The extruded PTFE insulation provides a uniform, smooth wall with excellent dielectric strength, chemical resistance, and solder-iron resistance, while the thin-wall design keeps the outer diameter small for dense equipment wiring.
Key Features and Benefits
*250V AC rating: Thin-wall extruded PTFE insulation meets NEMA HP-3 Type ET voltage class.
*Up to 260°C continuous: Nickel plated copper conductor enables higher temperature operation than silver-plated 200°C types.
*Extruded PTFE insulation: Uniform wall thickness with strong abrasion resistance and consistent dielectric performance.
*Lightweight thin-wall build: Smaller OD helps save space in compact harnesses and high-density assemblies.
*Excellent chemical resistance: PTFE resists solvents, oils, acids, moisture, UV, and ozone.
*Solder-resistant insulation: Holds up under soldering heat without melting or shrinking.
*Stable electrical properties: High dielectric strength, low dielectric loss, and high volume resistivity.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Detail |
| Specification |
MIL-W-16878/23 / NEMA HP-3 TYPE ET |
| Wire Type |
250V thin-wall extruded PTFE insulated wire |
| Conductor |
Nickel plated copper, stranded or solid |
| Insulation |
Extruded PTFE |
| Wall Type |
Thin-wall |
| Rated Voltage |
250V AC |
| Temperature Range |
Up to 260°C continuous with nickel plated copper |
| Example Size |
38-20 AWG |
| Colors |
Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, White |
Typical Applications
M16878/23 250V thin-wall extruded PTFE wire is commonly used in high-temperature equipment where 200°C silver-plated wire may not be sufficient.
*High-temperature electronic equipment and instrumentation
*Aerospace and avionics internal wiring
*Power supplies, transformers, and control modules
*Industrial heating systems and sensor wiring
*Test equipment and laboratory instruments
*Mili tary and defense communication hardware
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is MIL-W-16878/23 wire?A: MIL-W-16878/23 is a 250V thin-wall extruded PTFE insulated wire with a nickel plated copper conductor, equivalent to NEMA HP-3 Type ET.
Q: What temperature can M16878/23 withstand?A: With a nickel plated copper conductor, it supports continuous operation up to 260°C, higher than the 200°C rating of silver-plated PTFE types.
Q: Is M16878/23 the same as NEMA HP-3 Type ET?A: Yes. M16878/23 corresponds to NEMA HP-3 Type ET for thin-wall extruded PTFE insulated wire.
Q: How does M16878/23 differ from M16878/24?A: Both are 250V nickel plated copper types, but M16878/23 uses extruded PTFE, while M16878/24 uses tape-wrapped PTFE. Extruded insulation offers a more uniform wall; tape-wrapped construction is generally more flexible.
Q: Can M16878/23 be used at 20AWG?A: Yes. 20AWG is a commonly available size. We can quote other AWG sizes, strand constructions, and insulation diameters on request.
Q: Is this wire suitable for soldering?A: Yes. Extruded PTFE insulation resists soldering temperatures without melting or shrinking.
Get a Quote for M16878/23 Wire
If you need MIL-W-16878/23, M16878/23, or NEMA HP-3 Type ET 250V PTFE wire, please share your AWG size, conductor construction, color, length, and quantity. We will confirm specifications, pricing, and lead time.