M16878/5 - Type EE

Additional Information

What is M16878/5 Type EE Wire?

M16878/5 Type EE Wire, also known as Mil W 16878 Type EE wire, is a high-quality cable designed with a single conductor and insulated without a jacket. This wire conforms to military specifications, making it suitable for demanding applications where reliability and performance are critical.

The insulation used in Type EE Wire provides excellent protection against environmental factors, chemical degradation from petrochemicals, extreme temperatures and voltage demands, and abrasion, making it ideal for use in aerospace, military, and other rugged environments. Its single-conductor design allows for flexibility and ease of installation, accommodating various wiring configurations while ensuring optimal electrical performance.

Allied Mil-W-16878 Type EE Wire Options

Conductor

The conductor is solid or stranded silver-plated copper wire. Multiple stranding options, including seven, 19, and 133 strands, allow users to choose between stiff, moderately flexible, and extremely malleable solutions. Silver plating reduces weathering and temperature degradation while improving conductivity and high-frequency performance.

Insulation

The wire has extruded PTFE insulation with a wall thickness of 0.015 inches. Extruded PTFE is smooth with a low coefficient of friction to allow users to feed the wire through small openings and tight raceways. PTFE insulation is chemically inert, self-extinguishing, and has excellent abrasion and cut-resistance.

Applications for M16878/5 Type EE Wire

M16878/5 Type EE Wire, classified under NEMA HP3-Type EE, is well-suited for a range of internal wiring applications in electronics and electrical equipment operating in harsh environments. This wire is particularly adept at withstanding extreme temperatures, exposure to fuel, oil, chemicals, and cleaning solvents, making it indispensable in demanding military and aerospace settings.

Common Applications of M16878/5 Type EE Wire:

• Aerospace equipment
• Ground-based military equipment
• Engine compartments of vehicles and machinery
• Cold rooms or refrigeration units
• High-frequency electronic devices

What Does M16878/5 Type EE mean?

M16878/5 Type EE refers to a specific category of hook-up wires manufactured to military specifications under the NEMA HP3 standard. The designation "HP3" signifies that these wires feature PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) insulation, known for its high-performance properties. The "Type EE" classification further indicates that these wires are suitable for applications requiring a voltage rating of up to 1,000 volts.

The NEMA classification system simplifies the identification and selection of wires based on their insulation material and voltage compatibility, ensuring they meet the specific needs of high-voltage applications within military and other demanding environments.

M16878/5 Type EE vs M16878/4 Type E

The differences between M16878/5 Type EE and M16878/4 Type E wire primarily relate to their voltage ratings and specific variations in PTFE insulation. 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. The distinction between M16878/5 Type EE and M16878/4 Type E lies in their voltage capabilities, ensuring that each wire type is tailored to meet the specific voltage requirements and performance standards of different electrical applications within military and other critical environments.

Common Alternatives of M16878/5 Type EE Wire

Common alternatives to Type EE wire include various wire types that offer similar high-performance characteristics and insulation materials suitable for extreme applications.

When Considering Alternatives To M16878/5 Type EE Wire, Options Include:

• M16878/4 Type E Wire: Similar to Type EE, but designed for lower voltage applications (up to 600 volts) with PTFE insulation.
• M22759/11 Wire: Featuring PTFE insulation, suitable for aerospace and military applications requiring high temperature and chemical resistance.
• M22759/32-26 Wire: Featuring a tinned copper conductor and Cross-Linked Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (XL-ETFE) insulation with a high-temperature and 600 volt rating and resistance to environmental factors similar to Type EE wire.

These alternatives provide flexibility in selecting wires based on voltage requirements, insulation materials, and specific performance characteristics to meet the needs of diverse applications within military, aerospace, and other demanding environments.

M16878/5 Wire Specifications

Conductor:	Solid and stranded silver-plated copper
Insulation:	Extruded PTFE
UL Standard:	UL 1180
MIL Standard:	MIL-W-16878/5
NEMA Standard:	NEMA HP3 - Type EE
Voltage Rating NEMA HP3 - Type EE:	1000 volts RMS
Voltage Rating UL 1180:	300 volts RMS, peak voltage 600 volts
Temperature:	-60°C to 200°C
Chemical Resistance:	Good
Gasoline, oil, solvents, and hydraulic fluid resistance:	Excellent
Weathering:	Resists weathering and ozone attack
Abrasion Resistance:	Good
Thermal aging resistance:	Good
Colors:	Full range of colors
Sizes:	32 AWG to 4 AWG
European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive:	RoHS Compliant

Difference Between NEMA HP3-Type EE and UL 1180 Style

Many wires in this category have a dual UL 1180 rating. This specification is for single conductor wires with extruded insulation falling under the umbrella of the Appliance Wiring Material Standard (AWM) UL 758. The main difference between the two standards is the UL 1180 specification limits the maximum voltage to 300 volts. This apparent contradiction means that while the wire design allows for a maximum voltage of 1,000 volts when you use the wire in terms of UL 1180, you're limited to a maximum of 300 volts AC. UL 1180 permits a peak voltage of 600 volts in electronic applications.

Characteristic	M16878/5 (NEMA HP3 - Type EE)	UL 1180
Maximum Voltage	1,000 volts RMS	300 volts AC, 600 volts peak
Temperature Rating	-60°C to 200°C	200°C
Max Temperature in Gasoline	80°C	80°C
Sizes (AWG)	32 AWG to 4 AWG	32 AWG to 12 AWG