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Allied University
mil spec

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.

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