A type of insulation used for magnet wire. Applications include hermetic motors, universal type motors, large AC and DC motors and generators, automotive alternators, power transformers, relays, solenoids and coils.

Magnet wire insulating film based on an aromatic polyamide-imide resin. It is based on trimellitic anhydride (TMA). The film is tough, smooth and abrasion-resistant. It has high dielectric strength that is maintained under humid conditions and after long-time aging. It resists deformation under heat and pressure. It can be used in applications as high as 220°C (428° F). This enamel has found its greatest use as an overcoating for other enamels.

Chemical name for Neoprene. A synthetic, rubber-like compound used for jacketing where wire and cable will be subject to rough usage, moisture, oil, greases, solvents and chemicals. May also be used as low insulating material. Characterized by outstanding ozone and weather resistance and good resistance to oils and solvents. It does not support combustion. See Neoprene.

A material similar to PTFE, but which is a true thermoplastic and can be injection molded. Its chemical resistance is not quite as outstanding as PTFE and the temperature limit is lower, but it has higher tensile strength.

Pertaining to a solid mass consisting of many smaller crystals.

A synthetic diamond which is manufactured by compacting individual synthetic diamond crystals.

Polyethylene terephthalate is a synthetic material that, for the wire and cable industry, is used extensively in the production of a high strength moisture resistant film used as a cable core wrap. Polyester film products are characterized by excellent physical properties, good chemical resistance, good electrical properties and a wide range of service temperatures from -60°C to 150°C. See Mylar. Polyester can also be extruded over a conductor to provide a robust, but inflexible insulating jacket.

Films composed of synthetic resin based on polyesters of terephthalic acid and polyhydric alcohols with or without a superimposed polyester film. The polyesters may be modified with other resins. The enamels can be used alone or two may be employed where one serves as an overcoat for the other. In addition, they may be overcoated with other polymers including nylon, amide-imide and polyester-imide enamels.

A form of the synthetic material polyester that is a type of insulation used for magnet wire.

A form of the synthetic material polyester that is a type of insulation used for magnet wire.

A thermoplastic material composed of ethylene polymers, commonly used as a jacketing material for outdoor cables. Derived from the polymerization of ethylene gas. Outstanding electrical properties include good moisture resistance, high dielectric strength, low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss at all frequencies, excellent resistance to cold flow and good abrasion resistance. Widely used for insulation on telephone signal and control cables, high frequency electronic cables, high and low voltage power cables, line wire, neutral supported secondary and service drop cables.

Polymers that contain halogen. See Halogen and Halogen-Free.

A polymer that can be produced as a film that is used in tape form for high temperature applications where light weight is important. This film has good physical properties over a wide temperature range. It exhibits excellent cut-through resistance at temperatures in excess of 250° (482°F). It maintains its electrical properties at elevated temperatures. It has excellent solvent resistance. However, it is degraded by concentrated acids and alkalis and long-term exposure to steam. Used for magnet wire construction.

The polymerization product of isobutylene. See Butyl Rubber.

A rubber material with an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain.

A chain of many repeating chemical units or molecules bonded together. A compound formed by polymerization that results in the chemical union of mono­mers or the continued reaction between lower molecular weight polymers. The term polymer is often used in place of plastic, rubber or elastomer.

A chemical reaction in which low molecular weight molecules unite with each other to form molecules with higher molecular weights. The molecules of one type of monomer are linked together to form large molecules whose molecular weight is a multiple of that of the original substance. When two or more monomers are involved, the process is called copolymerization.

A family of thermoplastic polymers used as an insulating dielectric, based on the unsaturated hydrocarbons known as olefins. When combined with butylene or styrene polymers they form compounds such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

AC circuits with two or more interrelated voltages, usually of equal amplitudes, phase differences and periods. If a neutral conductor exists, the voltages referenced to the neutral are equal in amplitude and phase. The most common version is that of three-phase, equal in amplitude with each phase 120° apart.

A thermoplastic similar to polyethylene but stiffer and with a higher softening point (temperature). Derived from the polymerization of propylene with a specific catalyst such as aluminum alkyl. Polypropylene has a lower density than polyethylene resins. Its chemical and electrical properties are similar to those of polyethylene. Its fluid resistance is somewhat superior. It is flammable, but flame-retardant grades have been formulated. It can be degraded by heat and light unless protected by antioxidants.