Xinya Blog / Oct 3, 2026
FEP vs ETFE vs PTFE Wire: UL1332, UL1330 and UL10086
Tags: ETFE wire, FEP wire, fluoropolymer wire, PTFE wire, UL10086, UL1330, UL1332
FEP, ETFE and PTFE are fluoropolymer materials used when PVC or XLPE cannot meet the temperature, chemical or space requirements of an application. They are not interchangeable simply because all three are described as fluoropolymer wire.
This guide compares published Xinya styles and explains the practical selection factors. For the complete range, see the UL Teflon and fluoropolymer wire family.
FEP, ETFE and PTFE wire comparison
| Style | Material | Voltage | Temperature | Published AWG range | Published construction data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL1332 | FEP | 300 V | 200 °C | 30-12 AWG | Insulation wall approximately 0.33 mm; O.D. 0.96-3.04 mm in the published table. |
| UL1330 | FEP | 600 V | 200 °C | 30-12 AWG | Insulation wall approximately 0.51 mm; O.D. 1.32-3.40 mm in the published table. |
| UL10086 | ETFE | 600 V | 150 °C | 32-20 AWG | Insulation wall approximately 0.26 mm; O.D. 0.72-1.50 mm in the published table. |
| UL1637 | PTFE | Confirm exact construction | Confirm exact construction | Confirm exact construction | PTFE-insulated shielded low-voltage construction; request the issued datasheet. |
The article separates the known ratings from items that still need confirmation. A PTFE construction can be suitable for very high service temperatures and aggressive chemical exposure, but the applicable voltage, temperature and approval data should always come from the exact product document.
FEP wire: UL1332 and UL1330
FEP is a melt-processable fluoropolymer used for high-temperature hook-up wire. UL1332 provides a 300 V, 200 °C FEP construction from 30-12 AWG. UL1330 provides a 600 V, 200 °C FEP construction over the same AWG range with a thicker insulation wall.
Choose between them by voltage first. UL1332 has a smaller insulation wall in the published table, while UL1330 provides a higher voltage rating for the same temperature class. Confirm the final connector, stripping process and bend radius before selecting the smaller construction.
ETFE wire: UL10086
ETFE is a fluoropolymer with useful mechanical toughness and chemical resistance. UL10086 is published as a 600 V, 150 °C ETFE-insulated style from 32-20 AWG. The insulation wall is approximately 0.26 mm and the overall diameter range is 0.72-1.50 mm in the catalogue data.
UL10086 can be a good fit when a compact 600 V fluoropolymer wire is required and 150 °C is acceptable. It should not be selected only because its diameter is small; check temperature, chemical exposure and the end-product approval requirements.
PTFE wire and high-temperature applications
PTFE is widely recognised for high service temperature and chemical resistance. Xinya lists the PTFE-insulated shielded low-voltage wire UL1637. Because the catalogue data for this construction does not publish the same voltage and temperature summary as UL1330 and UL1332, request the exact datasheet before specifying it for a controlled application.
How to choose a fluoropolymer wire
- Confirm the maximum conductor temperature, not only the ambient temperature.
- Start with the required voltage rating and then compare insulation wall and diameter.
- Review chemical exposure, moisture, abrasion and flexing requirements.
- Check whether the cable will be stripped, crimped, soldered or potted.
- Confirm the UL style, file scope and available issued documentation.
- Match the colour, length and packaging to the production process.
Material selection matrix
| Selection factor | FEP: UL1332 and UL1330 | ETFE: UL10086 | PTFE construction: UL1637 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published service temperature | 200 °C for the listed FEP styles | 150 °C for UL10086 | Request the exact construction datasheet |
| Published voltage | 300 V for UL1332; 600 V for UL1330 | 600 V for UL10086 | Confirm the exact construction |
| Insulation wall | Approximately 0.33 mm for UL1332; 0.51 mm for UL1330 | Approximately 0.26 mm | Confirm the drawing and finished diameter |
| Typical selection driver | High temperature with a choice of 300 V or 600 V construction | Compact 600 V construction at 150 °C | Specific PTFE material or shielded low-voltage requirement |
When to move from XLPE to fluoropolymer
XLPE and halogen-free cross-linked polyolefin constructions are often suitable for elevated-temperature industrial wiring. A fluoropolymer should be considered when the required service temperature, chemical exposure or dielectric requirement exceeds what the XLPE construction can document.
Do not change material only because a fluoropolymer has a higher headline temperature. A thinner wall, smaller conductor or different stranding can change current capacity, mechanical durability and termination performance. Compare the complete construction and confirm the end-product test requirements.
Processing and stripping considerations
Fluoropolymer insulation has different mechanical behaviour from PVC. Stripping, cutting, crimping and soldering processes should be qualified on the exact construction. Confirm the conductor type, insulation wall and finished diameter with the harness or assembly supplier before production.
If the wire will be subjected to repeated flexing, tight bend radii or high-vibration service, request the bend and flex information available for the construction. A material with higher temperature resistance is not automatically suitable for a continuously flexing application.
Certification and documentation
The listed UL 758 AWM styles cite UL File No. E170689 in the manufacturer catalogue. For finished-product approvals, request the issued certificate or datasheet and confirm the exact style and construction. See the certification page for available records.
FAQ
Is FEP better than ETFE?
Neither material is universally better. FEP is used in UL1332 and UL1330 at a 200 °C rating, while ETFE is used in UL10086 at 150 °C with a compact construction. The required voltage, temperature and mechanical environment determine the choice.
Can PTFE replace FEP wire?
Only after confirming the exact voltage, temperature, diameter, mechanical requirements and approval scope. Similar material names do not make two constructions interchangeable.
What should I send for a quotation?
Send the style, AWG, colour, length, temperature, voltage and application. If the wire is used in an assembly, include the drawing or BOM through the request a quote form.
Review the range: browse the fluoropolymer wire family or the full UL AWM wire catalogue.
