UL 1330 FEP High Temp Lead Wire 16 AWG — 200°C at 600 Vac with Optional FEP or Glass Braid Covering
UL 1330 in 16 AWG is a single-conductor appliance wiring material with extruded FEP insulation, rated 200°C maximum at 600 Vac. At 16 AWG the base insulation falls in the style’s 30–10 AWG bracket at 20 mils minimum average thickness, 18 mils minimum at any point. What often determines whether this size is specified as-supplied or with an added layer is the covering: UL 1330 permits either an additional FEP layer at 10 mils or heavier, or a glass braid at 7 mils or heavier, over the base insulation. CableApex supplies UL 1330 16 AWG as a UL Recognized Component — file on record.
Choosing a Covering: FEP Layer or Glass Braid
The base FEP insulation on UL 1330 already delivers the electrical and chemical performance the style is rated for. A covering is added for mechanical reasons, and the two permitted options address different mechanical problems. An additional extruded FEP layer at 10 mils or heavier increases the total fluoropolymer wall and adds cut-through resistance while keeping the smooth low-friction outer surface intact — useful where the lead must still slide easily through a bushing but needs more margin against a sharp edge or a clamp point. A glass braid at 7 mils or heavier behaves quite differently: it presents a fibrous, textured outer surface that absorbs abrasion sacrificially and resists direct contact with hot metal far better than a smooth polymer face, at the cost of higher pull friction and a slightly less predictable outside diameter. For a 16 AWG lead wire routed against a heating element bracket or through a repeatedly serviced compartment, the glass braid is usually the more durable answer; for a lead pulled through a long harness run, the FEP layer preserves the handling advantage.
Covering Options Compared at 16 AWG
| Consideration | No covering | FEP, 10 mils or heavier | Glass braid, 7 mils or heavier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer surface | Smooth fluoropolymer | Smooth fluoropolymer | Textured fibrous braid |
| Abrasion resistance | Baseline | Improved cut-through margin | Highest — sacrificial fibre layer |
| Pull friction through passages | Lowest | Low | Higher |
| Added wall | — | 10 mils minimum | 7 mils minimum |
| Typical reason to specify | Clean routed harness | Long pulls with clamp contact | Contact with hot metal or serviced areas |
UL 1330 16 AWG Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| UL Style | 1330 — insulated wire |
| Temperature Rating | 200°C maximum |
| Voltage Rating | 600 Vac |
| Conductor | 16 AWG, solid or stranded (style range 30 AWG–4/0 AWG) |
| Insulation | FEP, 20 mils minimum average thickness, 18 mils minimum at any point |
| Optional Covering | FEP, 10 mils or heavier; or glass braid, 7 mils or heavier |
| Flame Rating | Horizontal flame; VW-1 vertical flame test available |
| Oil Rating | Optional — oil resistant 80°C |
| Gasoline Resistance | Optional — tag may indicate suitability for immersion in gasoline and gasoline vapour |
| UL Recognition | UL Recognized Component — file on record |
| Marking | Per UL Subject 758 marking requirements |
| Permitted Use | Internal wiring of appliances; tag may indicate suitability for immersion in gasoline, gasoline vapour, and 80°C in oil |
| RoHS / REACH | Documentation available on request |
Practical Notes on Specifying a Covering
Two points are worth settling before an order is placed. First, the covering adds to the finished outside diameter — a minimum of 10 mils of FEP or 7 mils of braid on each side of the wire — which affects harness fill calculations and whether the lead still passes through an existing grommet or bushing size. Second, termination hardware sized for the bare insulated wire may not accept the covered version without verification, particularly with a glass braid, which does not compress in the same way a polymer layer does. Both coverings are applied over the base insulation and are specified at time of order; they are not standard on all product. State the covering requirement, along with any oil or gasoline tag markings, when submitting an inquiry.
Applications
Within its permitted use — internal wiring of appliances — UL 1330 16 AWG serves as a high-temperature lead wire for element connections, motor leads and internal power runs in appliances operating in zones approaching 200°C. With the glass braid covering specified, it suits leads routed in direct proximity to hot metalwork or through compartments opened during routine service. With the FEP covering, it suits long harness pulls where added cut-through margin is wanted without giving up the low-friction outer surface. Where exposure to gasoline, gasoline vapour or hot oil is expected, the corresponding tag options are available. For applications outside internal appliance wiring, confirm application suitability before specifying.
Key Features
- Two covering options: FEP 10 mils or heavier, or glass braid 7 mils or heavier
- 200°C maximum at 600 Vac; FEP base wall 20 mils average at 16 AWG
- Glass braid gives sacrificial abrasion protection against hot metalwork
- Solid or stranded conductor within a 30 AWG–4/0 AWG style range
- Optional 80°C oil and gasoline resistance tag markings
- UL Recognized Component — file on record
Request a Quote
CableApex supplies UL 1330 16 AWG from 100 m per color and responds to B2B inquiries within 12 hours. Specify conductor construction (solid or stranded), colors, covering choice and any oil or gasoline tag markings required through the form below.
Related FEP styles: UL 1330 18 AWG · UL 1330 20 AWG · UL 1331 FEP Wire (150°C / 600 Vac)
