Regardless of the environment in which the cables are used, the stability and safety of the circuits has always been a topic of emphasis. Fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP wire) is used mostly among a host of cable materials. FEP insulation wire has excellent insulation, heat resistance, chemical resistance and more characteristics as well as plays an important role in power engineering.
So follow along and see how this Teflon type wire performs in our comparison between different materials!
What Is Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)?
FEP wire represents fluorinated ethylene propylene. It is used as a fluoroplastic as the outer layer of cables to insulate and protect temperature sensor wires. Conductor types for FEP wires include sterling silver-plated copper, nickel-plated copper, bare copper, and tinned copper. The combination of materials also enables flexible movement, resists abrasion, and is more durable than PVC.
Main features encompass:
- Wide FEP wire insulation temperature rating range (-200°C to 200°C)
- Rated voltage (600V)
- Various conductor sizes on request (32 to 10 AWG)
- Extruded molding (no delamination)
- Fillers are flame-retardant fibers with moisture-resistant coating.
- Available with silver or tin plated conductors
Okay, now that we’ve covered the tech specs, let’s dive into why these features make FEP Wire absolutely awesome for your needs.
Advantages of FEP Wire
The high performance performance is as follows：
- High temperature resistance and UV resistance-FEP Teflon wire film offers exceptional thermal stability, with a continuous service temperature range from -65 to 200 °C. Moreover, The high temperature wire can withstand intermittent service temperatures as high as 260 °C.
- Flexible and can be remolded-FEP wire insulation has excellent flexibility. It shows excellent performance and occupies an advantage in the field of machinery that requires repeated bending or movement.
- Low friction for longer service life-FEP cables have a low coefficient of friction. FEP material has a very smooth surface and greatly reduces the risk of friction and abrasion. The low friction characteristics increase the efficiency of the installation and extend its service life.
- High dielectric strength-The high dielectric strength of FEP wire means that it is better able to conduct electrostatic fields non-linearly. It is one of the key factors in ensuring optimal signal transmission with minimal loss. The high dielectric strength advantage of FEP cable significantly improves the electrical performance and overall safety of the equipment.
- Excellent chemical, liquid, aging and ozone resistance-In addition to this, FEP wires have excellent resistance to chemicals, liquids, aging and ozone. These properties make them desirable for connecting a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment as well as systems that operate under harsh operating conditions.
What is FEP used for?
- Medical Wiring
FEP wire can be used for medical equipment wiring. They provide excellent chemical resistance and reliable electrical insulation.
- Laboratory Appliances and Tubing
In laboratories, FEP cables are used in appliances and piping to ensure that experiments are conducted safely and efficiently due to their high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance.
- Aerospace Wiring
In the aerospace industry, FEP wires are used in the electrical systems of aircraft and spacecraft. Light weight, high strength and reliable high temperature resistance are valued in the aerospace sector.
- Industrial High Temperature Applications
In industry, FEP insulation wires are used in high temperature environments such as glass plants, boiler locations, chemical processing plants, near steam pipes and ovens.
- Electronic Wiring
The electronics industry uses FEP wires for the design and manufacture of complex circuits. Its excellent electrical insulation properties and mechanical strength in use make it the preferred choice in the market.
FEP wire vs PTFE
PTFE and FEP wires are the most common types of fluoroplastics available on the market. So what exactly is the difference between these two types? Find out what makes fluoropolymers so unique and which fluoroplastic is best for your specific application.
Basic Composition: FEP cable jacket is composed of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene, while PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is made by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene monomer. The chemical composition of the two results in different performance characteristics.
Heat Resistance: PTFE jacketed cable has a higher heat resistance than FEP, and can withstand temperatures up to 260°C. FEP has a higher maximum operating temperature than FEP. It is the highest working temperature of any fluoroplastic. In contrast, FEP wire typically has a maximum operating temperature of around 200°C. This allows PTFE to be used in high temperature applications. This gives PTFE an advantage in high temperature applications.
Molding and Processing: FEP sheathed cable is easier to mold and process than PTFE, and its better melt flow makes it suitable for producing films and complex shapes. PTFE wire is not suitable for many thermoplastic molding processes due to its high melting point.
At ZW cable, we specialize in providing professional fluoropolymer solutions for your specific application. Learn more about our fluoropolymer products.
FEP Wire Conclusion
FEP wires are advanced cables with excellent thermal and chemical resistance that are well suited for use in harsh environments and in a variety of applications.The superior durability and flexibility of FEP wires provide a solid advantage in maintaining long-term operational stability. When selecting and maintaining FEP wires, we must also consider their unique characteristics and specific application scenarios.
FAQs：
What is the difference between FEP and silicone wire?
Both materials are good electrical insulators in terms of electrical properties. However, there are slight differences in performance and use
FEP fluoroplastic cables are harder than silicone rubber cables and have better abrasion resistance. FEP fluoroplastic is harder than silicone rubber and its ultimate tensile strength is twice that of silicone rubber. It can improve the cut and abrasion resistance of the product. Silicone rubber insulated wire and cable is the opposite, it is very soft. Suitable for repeated bending occasions.
In terms of applications, FEP wire is mostly used in aerospace, electrical and electronic applications and is better suited for transmitting high frequency AC signals. Silicone wires retain their capacitive charge for long periods of time and are widely used in medical devices and household appliances.
More comparisons： Silicone vs PVC Wire: Which One Is Right for Your Project
Is FEP a thermoplastic?
Definitely, FEP wire is a thermoplastic. It is also easy to thermoform, tilt, taper, flare, and flap.
How is FEP made?
FEP wire is made through the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP). The process involves using free-radical polymerization, resulting in a copolymer that exhibits excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and non-stick properties.
