Multicore PTFE and FEP Insulated Fluoroplastic Control Cable
Multicore fluoroplastic control cable combines the exceptional chemical resistance and high-temperature performance of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) insulation in a multi-core cable construction for control wiring in chemical processing equipment, laboratory analytical instruments, semiconductor manufacturing systems, and aerospace installations where standard polymer-insulated control cables cannot withstand the combination of chemical exposure and elevated operating temperature.
PTFE-insulated cores (rated 260°C, UL AWM Style 1659) provide the broadest chemical resistance and highest temperature rating of any extruded polymer insulation — resisting virtually every acid, alkali, solvent, and industrial chemical at operating temperature. FEP-insulated cores (rated 200°C, UL AWM Style 1332) offer a smoother surface finish and more flexible construction than PTFE at a slightly lower maximum temperature, making FEP the preferred choice where cable routing flexibility and pullthrough ease are priorities. Both insulation types are produced under UL Follow-Up Service File No. E333030.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | PTFE version (UL 1659) | FEP version (UL 1332) |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation material | Extruded PTFE (TFE) | Extruded FEP |
| Temperature rating | –60°C to 260°C | –60°C to 200°C |
| Voltage rating | 600V AC | 300V AC |
| UL AWM style | 1659 (File E333030) | 1332 (File E333030) |
| Min avg insulation thickness | 20 mils (26–10 AWG) | 13 mils min avg (UL 1332) |
| Conductor material | Tinned or silver-plated copper | Tinned copper |
| AWG range | 26 AWG – 10 AWG | 26 AWG – 16 AWG |
| Available core counts | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 cores | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 cores |
| Optional shield | Tinned copper braid or Al foil + drain | Tinned copper braid or Al foil + drain |
| Outer jacket | PTFE or FEP (optional) / bare cores | FEP jacket (standard) |
| Surface finish | Matte — slightly higher friction | Smooth, glossy — low friction |
| Chemical resistance | Broadest — resists all common chemicals | Excellent |
| Standard | UL AWM 1659, RoHS compliant | UL AWM 1332, RoHS compliant |
Reprinted from Product iQ with permission from UL Solutions. ©2026 UL LLC. File No. E333030, last updated 2025-12-01.
Key Features
PTFE version (UL 1659)
- 260°C continuous — highest temp fluoropolymer cable
- Resists virtually all industrial acids, alkalis, solvents
- Low dielectric constant (2.1) — ideal for signal circuits
- Silver-plated conductor option for high-frequency signals
- Non-stick surface — low friction routing through conduit
FEP version (UL 1332)
- 200°C continuous — smooth glossy surface
- More flexible than PTFE — easier to route in tight spaces
- Transparent or translucent available — visual core identification
- Lower friction than PTFE — easier cable pulling
- Preferred for cleanroom and semiconductor applications
- PTFE and FEP versions in one product range — specify insulation based on temperature and surface finish requirement
- Shielded configurations — copper braid or aluminium foil EMI shielding for signal circuits near VFDs or high-current cables
- 2 to 12 cores — multi-circuit control wiring in single cable reduces cable tray fill in chemical plant environments
- RoHS and REACH compliant — fluoropolymer insulation contains no restricted substances under RoHS
Common Applications
Chemical processing control wiring
Multi-core fluoroplastic control cable is the standard specification for instrument cable runs in chemical plant where the cable route passes through areas with acid vapour, solvent exposure, or corrosive process gas — environments that degrade PVC jackets within months but leave fluoroplastic insulation completely unaffected over decades of service.
Laboratory analytical instruments
Used for inter-module signal and power wiring in gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, HPLC systems, and thermal analysis equipment where the cable must withstand the combined chemical and thermal environment of the instrument oven while maintaining signal integrity on sensitive measurement circuits.
Semiconductor manufacturing
Specified for wiring inside diffusion furnaces, CVD reactors, and plasma etching equipment where contamination from cable decomposition products would damage wafers and the cable must withstand both the elevated process temperature and the corrosive process gas environment.
Other applications
- Aerospace and defence wiring harnesses (PTFE, MIL-spec compatible)
- Medical device internal wiring requiring sterilisation compatibility
- Nuclear plant instrumentation and control cable
- Offshore and subsea control cable bundles
Ordering Information
Specify insulation type (PTFE or FEP), AWG, core count, shield option, and length. Silver-plated conductor available for PTFE version. Custom outer jacket and non-standard core counts from 500 m MOQ. Sample lengths from 5 m.
UL 1659 and 1332 documentation available on request. Contact us for pricing within 24 hours.
Why Choose CableApex
CableApex manufactures multicore fluoroplastic control cable under UL Follow-Up Service (File No. E333030) for Styles 1659 (PTFE) and 1332 (FEP), using paste-ram extrusion for PTFE and melt extrusion for FEP on dedicated fluoropolymer lines. 100% online spark testing and conductor resistance verification on all production. We supply to chemical equipment OEMs, analytical instrument manufacturers, semiconductor equipment builders, and aerospace tier suppliers across more than 40 countries.
