UL 1056 Lead Wire 12 AWG — 105°C, 600 Vac, Heavy-Wall PVC for Refrigerating Equipment Main Circuits
UL 1056 in 12 AWG is a stranded single-conductor lead wire with extruded PVC insulation, rated 105°C maximum at 600 Vac, recognised for internal wiring of indoor and outdoor refrigerating equipment. As the heaviest gauge commonly specified within the UL 1056 range, 12 AWG serves as the lead wire connecting compressor terminals, main contactors and primary distribution points where current demand exceeds what 14 or 16 AWG can comfortably carry. CableApex supplies UL 1056 12 AWG as a UL Recognized Component — file on record.
When to Specify 12 AWG Instead of 14 AWG
| Consideration | 14 AWG | 12 AWG (this page) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical role | Motor lead, secondary feed | Main compressor lead, primary distribution |
| Current headroom | Moderate | Higher — suits inrush-heavy compressor starts |
| Run length tolerance | Standard | Better for longer runs at same voltage drop |
| PVC wall & rating | 105°C / 600 Vac, 60 mils avg | 105°C / 600 Vac, 60 mils avg (identical) |
UL 1056 12 AWG Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| UL Style | 1056 — single conductor with extruded insulation |
| Temperature Rating | 105°C maximum |
| Voltage Rating | 600 Vac |
| Conductor | 12 AWG, stranded only (style range 20–10 AWG stranded) |
| Insulation | Extruded PVC, 60 mils minimum average thickness, 54 mils minimum at any point |
| Flame Rating | Horizontal flame; VW-1 vertical flame test available |
| Oil Rating | Optional — 60°C or 80°C oil resistant |
| UL Recognition | UL Recognized Component — file on record |
| Marking | Per UL Subject 758 marking requirements |
| Permitted Use | Internal wiring of indoor or outdoor refrigerating equipment |
| RoHS / REACH | Documentation available on request |
Applications
Within its permitted use — internal wiring of indoor or outdoor refrigerating equipment — UL 1056 12 AWG serves as a lead wire for main compressor terminal connections, primary contactor feeds and internal distribution points where the combination of high inrush current at compressor start-up and continuous run current calls for a larger conductor cross-section than 14 AWG provides. It suits both indoor evaporator-section wiring and outdoor condensing unit installations under the same UL recognition. Where the wiring contacts refrigerant oil, specify the 60°C or 80°C oil-resistant option. For applications outside refrigerating equipment, confirm application suitability before specifying.
Key Features
- Heaviest stranded gauge in the UL 1056 range for main circuit leads
- Higher current headroom than 14 AWG for compressor inrush loads
- Same 60 mils average PVC wall and 105°C / 600 Vac rating across the range
- Optional 60°C or 80°C oil resistant rating
- Horizontal flame; VW-1 vertical flame test available
- UL Recognized Component — file on record
Request a Quote
CableApex supplies UL 1056 12 AWG from 100 m per color and responds to B2B inquiries within 12 hours with pricing, oil-rating option, lead time and packing details. Submit your specification through the form below.
Other UL 1056 sizes: 14 AWG · 16 AWG · UL 1032 PVC Wire (1000 Vac / 1200 Vdc)
