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Home > products > M16878 Hookup Wire > MIL-W-16878/20 PTFE Tape-Wrapped Hook-Up Wire Mil-Spec 250V Aerospace Wire

MIL-W-16878/20 PTFE Tape-Wrapped Hook-Up Wire Mil-Spec 250V Aerospace Wire

Product Details

Place of Origin: Shanghai, China

Brand Name: Bing Wire & Cable

Certification: ISO9001, RoHS

Model Number: M16878/20

Document: M16878-20.pdf

Payment & Shipping Terms

Minimum Order Quantity: 500M

Price: Negotiable

Packaging Details: 500m/Coil

Delivery Time: 7-15 working days

Payment Terms: T/T,Paypal

Supply Ability: 5,000m/ 7 working days

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Highlight:
Conductor Material:
Sliver Plated Copper
Conductor Type:
Solid Or Stranded
Insulation Material:
PTFE Tape
Size:
38~20 AWG
Rated Voltage:
250V
Working Temperature:
-60~200℃
Color:
Customized
Sample:
Provided
Conductor Material:
Sliver Plated Copper
Conductor Type:
Solid Or Stranded
Insulation Material:
PTFE Tape
Size:
38~20 AWG
Rated Voltage:
250V
Working Temperature:
-60~200℃
Color:
Customized
Sample:
Provided
MIL-W-16878/20 PTFE Tape-Wrapped Hook-Up Wire Mil-Spec 250V Aerospace Wire

Product Overview

When your project demands reliability under extreme conditions, the MIL-W-16878/20 delivers. This PTFE tape-wrapped hook-up wire is built to MIL-W-16878/20 and NEMA HP-3 TYPE ET standards, using a silver-plated copper stranded conductor with tape-wrapped PTFE insulation — giving you a thinner wall, smaller outer diameter, and lighter weight than extruded alternatives.
Rated for 250V AC and continuous operation from -60°C to +200°C, it's engineered for environments where space is tight and performance can't be compromised.

Key Features and Benefits

Survives the heat: Continuous 200°C operation, short-term up to 300°C. PTFE insulation is self-extinguishing and won't melt or drip in flame.

Bends without breaking: The tape-wrapped construction flexes more easily than extruded insulation, making routing in cramped panels far less frustrating.

Chemically bulletproof: Resists acids, alkalis, solvents, moisture, UV — virtually inert in harsh environments.

Solder-friendly: High soldering iron temps won't shrink or melt the insulation, so terminations stay clean and reliable.

Lighter, leaner wiring: Thin-wall design means less bulk and lower weight per meter — a big deal in aerospace and portable gear.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Detail
Standard MIL-W-16878/20 / NEMA HP-3 TYPE ET
Conductor Silver-plated copper
Insulation PTFE tape-wrapped & sintered
Wall Type Thin-wall
Rated Voltage 250V AC
Temperature Range -60°C to +200°C (continuous)
AWG Range 38–20 AWG (custom sizes available)
Colors Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, White

Extensive Size and Dimension Chart

AWG Stranding Cond. Dia. (in/mm) Min OD (in/mm) Max OD (in/mm) Max DC Res. (Ω/km)
38 7/46 .005 / .13 .015 / .38 .021 / .53 1774
36 7/44 .006 / .15 .016 / .41 .022 / .56 1351
34 7/42 .008 / .20 .017 / .43 .023 / .58 848
32 7/40 .009 / .23 .019 / .48 .025 / .64 531
30 7/38 .012 / .30 .022 / .56 .030 / .76 348
28 7/36 .015 / .38 .025 / .64 .033 / .84 223
26 7/34 .019 / .48 .029 / .74 .037 / .94 131
24 7/32 .024 / .61 .034 / .86 .042 / 1.07 81
22 7/30 .030 / .76 .040 / 1.02 .048 / 1.22 52
20 7/28 .038 / .97 .048 / 1.22 .056 / 1.42 33

Target Industries and Equipment

Aerospace & Avionics: Aircraft instruments, control systems, navigation equipment

Radar & Defense: Communication devices, radar systems, ground support gear

Industrial Electronics: High-temp ovens, heating elements, sensor wiring

Medical Equipment: Devices requiring sterilization and chemical resistance

Test & Measurement: Precision instruments demanding signal integrity and durability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does M16878/20 compare to M16878/4?
A: The /20 type uses tape-wrapped PTFE insulation with a thin wall, while /4 uses extruded PTFE with a medium wall. The /20 is the lightest and most flexible option in the MIL-W-16878 series.
Q: Can M16878/20 be used for wire-wrap (solderless) terminations?
A: Yes, the tape-wrapped construction and stranded conductor make M16878/20 suitable for wire-wrap applications. However, automatic high-speed stripping can be more challenging with thin-wall tape-wrapped PTFE, especially on finer gauges.
Q: What conductor materials are available for M16878/20?
A: Silver-plated copper is the standard conductor per the MIL-W-16878/20 specification. Special conductors such as nickel-plated copper, stainless steel strands, or high-strength copper alloys may be available for custom orders.
Q: Is M16878/20 suitable for outdoor or UV-exposed applications?
A: Yes. PTFE is highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and weathering. It does not absorb moisture and remains stable in outdoor environments, making M16878/20 a reliable choice for exposed installations.
Q: What is the minimum bend radius for M16878/20 wire?
A: The tape-wrapped PTFE construction provides superior flexibility compared to extruded alternatives. While the exact minimum bend radius depends on AWG size, M16878/20 can typically be bent to a radius of 2–3 times its outer diameter without damage.
Q: What's the typical lead time?
A: Standard sizes and colors are often in stock for quick shipment. Custom orders typically take 2–4 weeks depending on quantity and specifications. Contact us for current availability.

Ready to Source Your M16878/13 Wire?

We manufacture MIL-spec hook-up wire to exacting standards. Every batch is tested for compliance with MIL-W-16878/20 specs. We offer:
  • Full AWG range (38–20) with various strand constructions
  • Custom colors, lengths, and packaging
  • Fast lead times and worldwide shipping
  • Direct technical support from wire specialists