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Authorized Suzhou distributor · Xinya Electronic Co., Ltd. 📞 +86 15862457677 📫 [email protected]
Xinya AWM Wire Authorized Suzhou distributor · Xinya Electronic Co., Ltd.

UL3266 vs UL3173 vs UL3398: XLPE Hook-Up Wire Guide

XLPE hook-up wire is selected when PVC does not provide enough heat resistance, dielectric performance or long-term stability. UL3266, UL3173 and UL3398 are three documented AWM styles in the Xinya range, but they differ in insulation material, AWG coverage and overall diameter.

This guide explains what to compare before choosing an XLPE or halogen-free high-temperature hook-up wire. If you are still comparing PVC and XLPE, start with the UL1007 vs UL1015 guide and then review the UL XLPE and high-temperature hook-up wire family.

UL3266, UL3173 and UL3398 at a glance

Style Insulation Published AWG range Published overall diameter Key selection point
UL3266 XLPE 10-32 AWG 1.0-4.3 mm Broad AWG coverage with solid and stranded constructions.
UL3173 XLPE 10-26 AWG 2.0-5.05 mm Larger-diameter XLPE construction for applications that can accept it.
UL3398 Halogen-free cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO) 10-30 AWG 1.05-4.3 mm Halogen-free construction in a compact diameter range.

The table above reflects the published catalogue data. Always confirm the exact style, voltage rating, temperature rating and approval scope for the construction being quoted.

What XLPE and XLPO mean

XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene. The cross-linked structure improves heat resistance and dielectric performance compared with standard thermoplastic PVC. XLPO refers to cross-linked polyolefin, a related family of materials that can provide a halogen-free construction.

Halogen-free is a material statement, not a complete fire-performance claim. If the project requires low smoke, flame spread or toxicity performance, confirm the exact test standard and document for the finished cable or assembly.

UL3266: broad AWG coverage

UL3266 is listed from 10-32 AWG with an overall diameter range of 1.0-4.3 mm. The catalogue states both solid and stranded constructions. The broad range makes UL3266 suitable when a project needs multiple conductor sizes from one XLPE style family.

Review the construction table for conductor diameter, insulation wall, overall diameter and maximum resistance. Do not select only by AWG because different conductor constructions can have different diameters and resistance values.

UL3173: larger XLPE construction

UL3173 is published from 10-26 AWG with an overall diameter of 2.0-5.05 mm. The construction table lists seven solid and fifteen stranded rows. Insulation wall is approximately 0.8-0.83 mm, and the maximum conductor resistance range is 3.54-150 Ω/km at 20 °C DC in the published rows.

The larger overall diameter can be an advantage when mechanical durability and insulation wall are important, but it must fit the connector, terminal, grommet and routing space. Compare it with other XLPE options before selecting the largest construction.

UL3398: halogen-free XLPO construction

UL3398 uses halogen-free cross-linked polyolefin insulation and is published from 10-30 AWG with an overall diameter of 1.05-4.3 mm. The catalogue lists eleven colours and both solid and stranded conductors.

UL3398 is a logical candidate when a project requires a halogen-free material and the published voltage, temperature and approval scope match the application. Confirm the exact standard, temperature rating and end-product requirements before placing the order.

How to select an XLPE hook-up wire

  • Confirm the working voltage and maximum conductor temperature for the exact style.
  • Check AWG, conductor construction and maximum resistance.
  • Compare insulation wall and overall diameter against the assembly design.
  • Confirm whether the application requires a halogen-free material.
  • Review flexibility, abrasion, oil, chemical and moisture exposure.
  • Check the UL file scope, product marking and available documentation.

Application examples for XLPE and XLPO hook-up wire

XLPE and halogen-free cross-linked constructions are commonly considered for control panels, power supplies, industrial equipment, appliances, lighting, instrumentation and internal harnesses where the conductor temperature or dielectric requirement exceeds a standard PVC rating.

The exact application still determines the approval path. If the wire is part of a recognized component, a UL-listed assembly, a CE-marked product or a customer-specific harness, confirm the end-product standard before selecting the style.

Insulation, diameter and routing checks

An XLPE construction with a larger insulation wall may provide more dielectric separation, but it also increases the overall diameter and may reduce flexibility. Compare the final diameter with the terminal, heat-shrink, grommet, cable gland and routing path.

For tight equipment layouts, compare UL3398 and UL3266 against UL3173. For larger power conductors, confirm the bend radius and support requirements rather than selecting only by AWG. Mechanical performance and temperature rating must both fit the application.

Certification and documentation

The manufacturer catalogue cites UL File No. E170689 for the listed UL 758 AWM styles. Certification documents are held by the manufacturer. Request the issued document and confirm that the exact style is within its scope. See the compliance page for the available records.

FAQ

Is XLPE always better than PVC?

Not always. XLPE is selected for higher heat resistance, dielectric performance or material requirements. PVC may be sufficient, easier to process or more cost-effective when the application stays within its ratings.

Is UL3398 the same as XLPE?

UL3398 uses a halogen-free cross-linked polyolefin construction. It is related to cross-linked materials but should be specified by its exact style and material when a halogen-free requirement applies.

Can I use the same AWG across UL3266, UL3173 and UL3398?

The same AWG may be available in more than one style, but diameter, insulation wall, conductor construction and resistance can differ. Compare the construction table and confirm the final assembly requirements.

Need a construction comparison? Send the style, AWG, colour, length and application through the request a quote form or review the full wire catalogue.

Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Certifications, lead time, payment, shipping and MOQ — the points buyers ask about most often. If something is still unclear, send us your requirement and we will answer directly. See the full FAQ →

01 Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?

We are a wire harness manufacturer — cutting, stripping, crimping, sealing and testing are all carried out in-house at our Suzhou plant. We are also an authorised distributor of Xinya brand electronic wire, so you can source both the wire and the finished harness from one supplier.

02 What certifications do your electronic wires have?

Our electronic wires carry UL, VDE, PSE and CE approvals, together with RoHS and REACH compliance for the European market; TUV approvals are available for PV and renewable-energy wire. Certificates and test reports are issued by the manufacturer and can be supplied with your quotation on request.

03 How long is the lead time?

For electronic wire, popular styles such as UL1007, UL1015, UL1061 and UL1569 are normally available quickly; other styles, non-standard colours and cut lengths usually take around 7 days. Wire harnesses are made to order, so the schedule depends on your drawing, connector availability and quantity — we confirm it in the quotation.

04 What are your payment terms?

We commonly accept T/T (telegraphic transfer), PayPal and Western Union. Typically a 30% deposit is required before production, with the balance paid before shipment.

05 How do you ship the goods?

Samples and small orders are shipped by international express (DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT) or by air freight. Larger orders normally go by sea to reduce freight cost. We can quote EXW, FOB, CIF or door-to-door terms and will recommend the option that best fits your budget and delivery date.

06 Do you have a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

We keep a low MOQ to support your business. Generally the MOQ is 1 piece for standard models, although it may vary slightly for customised products. Small trial orders are welcome.

07 Can you build harnesses to our own drawing or sample?

Yes. We build to print and build to sample — send us a 2D drawing, a BOM, connector part numbers or even a photo of the part in use, and we will assemble, test and quote accordingly.

08 Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?

Yes. We are happy to build a prototype first so that you can approve the fit, crimp and finish before committing to volume. Send the drawing and the target quantity and we will quote sample cost and lead time.

09 What information do you need to give a quotation?

For wire: the style or UL number, AWG, voltage and temperature rating, insulation, conductor, colour and length. For harnesses: the drawing or BOM, connector brand and part number, terminal and housing type, wire specification, cut length and tolerance, sleeving or tubing, label and packaging requirements, quantity and destination. If anything is unclear we will ask — or propose a construction for you.

10 Do you support OEM / ODM and private labelling?

Yes. We work with customer-specified connectors and brands as well as JST, Molex and HongXing, and can add printed markers, custom labels, printed bags and your own carton artwork for OEM and ODM projects.

11 How do you control quality?

Every order goes through incoming wire inspection, cutting and stripping checks, crimp height and terminal pull-force testing, 100% continuity and open-and-short testing, and a final dimensional and visual inspection. Inspection records can be supplied with the shipment when your project requires them.

12 Can you help with wire and connector selection?

Yes — our engineers help match wire gauge, insulation and temperature rating to your current, voltage and working environment, and select a terminal and housing combination that crimps reliably. Describe the application or send a sample and we will propose a construction.

13 Can you supply cut lengths and custom packaging?

Yes. Wire can be supplied in cut lengths, coils or spools, with PE bags, cartons, pallets and printed labels arranged to suit your warehouse or production line.

14 Do you ship worldwide, and can I visit the factory?

We ship worldwide, with regular shipments to Europe, North America, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Australia. You are welcome to visit our plant in Suzhou, and you can see our production lines in the factory videos on this site.

15 What happens if there is a quality problem after delivery?

Contact us with the order or batch number and photos of the issue. We will check it against our production and inspection records and, where the fault is confirmed on our side, arrange replacement or credit.

Send us your requirement See our production lines

Need wire to a specification?

Send the style, AWG range, colour and length — or your BOM and drawing. We will come back with construction, availability and lead time. This catalogue publishes no prices; every enquiry is quoted directly.

Request a quote