Conductor Insulation Codes

Wire
Description
Abbreviation
AVB Asbestos and Varnished Cambric, 194-230°F., Dry with AVL wet.
B Outer Braid usually of Glass.
FEP Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Insulation, Rated over 90ºC (194°F). Dry only.
Same as FEP, but with glass braid (B) or Asbestos type outer covering. 200ºC
FEPB
(392°F). Dry only.
H Higher Loaded Current Temp. May be used 75ºC (167°F). Max.
HH Much Higher Temperature 90ºC (194°F). Max.
Mineral Insulated, Metal Shielded cable. Magnesium Oxide, 194°F or 482°F.,
MI Dry or wet locations, with copper or Alloy Steel outer covering. Mineral
insulated and Metal Shielded.
Extruded Nylon or Thermoplastic Polyester jacket, Tough and Very Resistant
N
to Gas and Oil.
O Neoprene Jacket. See SO cable.
R Rubber or Neoprene insulation. (Best Quality Rubber) Household Wiring.
RP Best Quality Rubber Insulation.
Silicone Rubber or Silicone Asbestos, 90ºC (194°F). For dry and Damp Areas.
SA Silicone Rubber insulation with Glass or other Braided covering. (392°F.
Special Applications)
Hard Service Cord. Flame Retardant and Moisture Resistant. 18 -2 Awg. 2 or
SE more conductors, Use Underground, stage and Garage and not Fire Resistant.
Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation and outer covering.
Switchboard wire 90ºC (194°F). Thermoplastic Flame Resistant for
SIS
Switchboards. Synthetic Heat resistant Rubber. Dry only.
Same as S cord, except with outer jacket of (thermoplastic) Materials. 18-2
ST
Awg. 2 or more Conductors. Rated for Stage and Garage Use.
Wire wrapped in thermoplastic insulation for protection from below 0ºC (32°F)
T
to 65ºC (150°F). Tinsel Cord 60ºC (140ºF)
TA Thermoplastic and Asbestos, 90ºC (194°F). Switchboard use only.
T-Wire with water-resistant insulation. Should not be buried directly in ground.
TW
140° Flame Retardant, Heat and Moisture resistant thermoplastic.
Extended Polytetrafluoroethylene. 250ºC (482°F). Dry Locations only,
TFE Apparatus or Raceway lead wiring or open wiring, Avl. With Nickel or nickel
coated copper wire only.
TW-Wire 75ºC (167°F). With heavier heat resistant insulation. Dry and Wet
THW Locations, Flame Retardant. (194°F. Special Applications within electric
discharge lighting equipment, 1,000w. open circuits or less.)
Thermoplastic 90ºC (194°F). Insulation with outer nylon (or equivalent) jacket
THHN Heat Resistant, Flame Retardant with nylon or equivalent jacket. Dry and
Damp Locations.
Thermoplastic 75ºC (167°F). Wet Locations. Flame Retardant, Heat Resistant.
THHW
(194°F for dry Locations.)
Extruded Polytetra Fluoroethylene. 250ºC (482°F). Dry areas only for
TFE
Apparatus and raceway wiring or open wiring.
Thermoplastic insulation, 75ºC (167°F). with outer nylon (or equivalent) jacket;
THWN
Flame Retardant, Heat and Water Resistant.
UF Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit Cable, 60ºC (140°F).
 Conductor Insulation Codes

Underground Service Entrance cable not fire resistant but high temp. Wire
167°F. Replaces Lead shielded cable. Heavily rubber coated, with outer
USE
covering extra water resistant, can also be type “T” with thermoplastic
protection.
V Varnished Cambric, #6 to MCM2000, 85ºC (185°F), Dry use only.
-W Fsor damp and/or wet locations.
Crossed linked Synthetic polymer, Very Tough, Moisture and Heat Resistant.
X
Fixture wire.
Moisture Resistant Thermoset, 90ºC (194°F). For dry and Damp locations and
XHHW
167°F. For wet locations. Flame Retardant, and moisture resistant.
Dry and Damp Locations, 90ºC (194°F) (302°F. Dry locations in special
Z
applications) Modified Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene.
Modified Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene Wet Locations, 75ºC (167°F); (194°F.
ZW
Dry and Damp; 302°F. Dry, special Applications).