What is Mil-Spec Wire?
MIL-Spec wire is wire built in accordance with military specifications, specially designed for the harshest environments. MIL-Spec cable performs well in applications requiring absolute-reliability in physical and demanding environments.
What can MIL-Spec Wire be used for?
Since it is designed for extreme conditions, the MIL-Spec wire can be used for an array of purposes. Common applications include shielding and protective covering, airframe wire, point to point wiring, antennas, bus-bar, ground wire, and bonding moving parts. Mil-Spec wire can be used in high frequency and high-temperature applications. The US government, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon depend on Allied's Mil-Spec wire.
I am not in the military, should I still use Mil-Spec Wire?
It depends. Mil-Spec wire is designed to meet tough requirements, to hold up in challenging applications, and to withstand harsh environments. Depending on the application, you may want strong and durable Mil-Spec wire. However, many civilian applications do not require military-grade wire and can rely on other wire and cable options to meet their needs. For commercial applications, it may be more affordable to purchase commercial wire as it is generally less expensive than Mil-Spec.
Sometimes I see MIL-Spec numbers next to different sets of identification numbers. What do they mean?
Some MIL-Specs are being transitioned into standards developed by non-government organizations like the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SEA). The numbers for their standards usually begin with a notation of either NEMA or SAE. Products are often identified with both sets of numbers since MIL-Specs are widely used and recognized in the wire and cable industry. Although it is easy to identify a product with one specification or another, you should not assume that they are interchangeable. Make sure to look closely at product spec sheets to confirm that you are getting the specific wire or cable that you need.
What are the differences between MIL-Spec M27500 and M22759 wires?
While both M27500 and M22759 are used in military and aerospace applications, they differ in insulation types, temperature ranges, and voltage ratings. M27500 cables often have a wider operational temperature range and higher voltage rating compared to M22759 wires. Additionally, M27500 may require EMI and/or RFI shielding, whereas M22759 does not necessarily include shielding.
What is the MIL-W-16878 military specification?
MIL-W-16878 defines the construction, materials, and performance characteristics of wires intended for military and aerospace applications. Wires meeting this specification are designed to perform reliably in extreme environments.
What are M16878/11, M16878/12, and M16878/13 wires?
These are types of MIL-Spec wires insulated with Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP). While they share similar properties, they vary slightly in construction and performance characteristics tailored to specific applications.
What is M55021 cable?
M55021 cable is a MIL-Spec electrical cable intended for internal wiring of electrical equipment. It has been regulated by specifications such as MIL-C-55021, MIL-DTL-55021, and ANSI/NEMA WC 55021-2013.
What is M27500 cable?
M27500 cable is a popular MIL-Spec wire designed for low voltage power or signal applications in avionics and aircraft. Although this MIL-Spec has been replaced by the NEMA WC 27500 specification, it is still commonly referred to by its original designation.
What is M16878/6-Type ET wire?
M16878/6-Type ET wire is a MIL-Spec wire used as a low-voltage (250 volts) lead wire in military equipment. It features PTFE insulation suitable for extreme temperatures ranging from -60°C to 200°C and offers excellent resistance to chemicals, oil, fuels, and moisture.
What is M16878/5 Type EE wire, and how does it differ from M16878/4 Type E wire?
M16878/5 Type EE wire is designed for applications requiring a higher voltage rating, typically up to 1,000 volts, with specialized PTFE insulation optimized for these voltage levels. In contrast, M16878/4 Type E wire also features PTFE insulation but is suited for lower voltage applications, generally up to 600 volts.
