MIL-DTL-81381
wire
MIL-DTL-81381
wires have stranded conductors of copper or high-strength copper alloy, and insulation
of FEP/polyimide tape with a polyimide coating (or polyamide braid) for enhanced abrasion resistance.
All are rated at 600 volts.
Conductors are available with silver plating (40 µ" minimum), nickel plating (50µ" minimum), or tin plating
(per ASTM B 33).
Although these wires were designed for aerospace use, they are ideal for commercial applications which
can benefit from their high temperature rating and resistance to abrasions and solvents.
Construction characteristics—MIL-DTL-81381 wires
MIL-W-81381
Specification
M81381/7
M81381/8
M81381/9
M81381/10
M81381/11
M81381/12
M81381/13
M81381/14
M81381/17
M81381/18
M81381/19
M81381/20
M81381/21
M81381/22
Insulation Material (Wall Thickness)
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0065")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0065")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0065")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0065")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (10 AWG and smaller), or
polyamide braid (8 AWG and larger) (.0085" or .0170")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (10 AWG and smaller), or
polyamide braid (8 AWG and larger) (.0084" or .0154")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0095")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0095")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0050")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0050")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0050")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0050")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (.0065")
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with polyimide coating (10 AWG and smaller), or
polyamide braid (8 AWG and larger) (.0085" or .0170")
Conductor
Material
SPC
NPC
SPCA
NPCA
SPC
NPC
SPCA
NPCA
SPC
NPC
SPCA
NPCA
TPC
TPC
Temperature
Rating
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
150
150
Page
58
58
59
59
60
60
61
61
62
62
63
63
64
64
Temperatures are maximum in ˚C. All values are nominal unless otherwise indicated.
Materials abbreviations: NPC:
Nickel-plated copper.
NPCA:
Nickel-plated high-strength copper alloy.
SPC:
Silver-plated copper.
SPCA:
Silver-plated high-strength copper alloy.
TPC:
Tin-plated copper.
MIL-DTL-81381 part numbering and example
M81381/7
–
30
–
9
2
AWG size
Insulation color
Code
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N
C
Color
Black
Brown
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Violet
Gray
White
Opaque dark yellow
Unpigmented
Stripe color
Code
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Color
Black
Brown
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Violet
Gray
White
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57
MIL-DTL-81381/7, /8
wire—light weight
MIL-DTL-81381/7 and /8
wires have two layers of
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape insulation with a polyimide
hard coat for increased cut-through and abrasion
resistance.
Originally designed for aerospace use, these wires
are ideal for other applications requiring excellent
thermal stability, tight dimensional tolerances, and
high reliability.
These wires are especially well-suited in applications
where smoke emission, overload stability, and
flammability are major concerns.
Performance:
Voltage rating:
600V.
Temperature rating:
-55 to 200˚ C.
Construction Details
Insulation:
Two layers of FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with
modified aromatic polyimide coating.
Conductor:
/7: Silver-plated copper;
/8: Nickel-plated copper.
Colors:
Color coded to MIL-STD-104 (see page 57
for details ).
Identification:
to MIL-DTL-81381.
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/7 (silver-plated conductor)
M81381
P/N
M81381/7-10-*
M81381/7-12-*
M81381/7-14-*
M81381/7-16-*
M81381/7-18-*
M81381/7-20-*
M81381/7-22-*
M81381/7-24-*
M81381/7-26-*
AWG
Size
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
Stranding
37/26
37/28
19/27
19/29
19/30
19/32
19/34
19/36
19/38
Conductor Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.106 (2.69)
.110 (2.79)
.084 (2.13)
.087 (2.21)
.065 (1.65)
.068 (1.73)
.052 (1.32)
.054 (1.37)
.046 (1.17)
.048 (1.22)
.037 (.94)
.038
(.97)
.029 (.74)
.030
(.76)
.023 (.58)
.024
(.61)
.018 (.46)
.019
(.48)
Insulation Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.120 (3.05)
.124 (3.15)
.097 (2.46)
.101 (2.57)
.078 (1.98)
.082 (2.08)
.065 (1.65)
.068 (1.73)
.059 (1.50)
.062 (1.57)
.049 (1.24)
.052 (1.32)
.041 (1.04)
.044 (1.12)
.034
(.86)
.037 (.94)
.031
(.79)
.034 (.86)
Weight
30.3
19.4
12.7
8.3
6.5
4.3
2.8
1.9
1.3
(44.8)
(28.7)
(18.8)
(12.3)
(9.6)
(6.4)
(4.1)
(2.8)
(1.9)
Maximum
Resistance
1.19
(3.90)
1.90
(6.23)
2.88
(9.45)
4.52 (14.83)
5.79 (19.00)
9.19 (30.14)
15.1 (49.53)
24.3 (79.70)
38.4 (125.96)
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/8 (nickel-plated conductor)
M81381
P/N
M81381/8-10-*
M81381/8-12-*
M81381/8-14-*
M81381/8-16-*
M81381/8-18-*
M81381/8-20-*
M81381/8-22-*
M81381/8-24-*
M81381/8-26-*
AWG
Size
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
Stranding
37/26
37/28
19/27
19/29
19/30
19/32
19/34
19/36
19/38
Conductor Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.106 (2.69)
.112 (2.84)
.084 (2.13)
.089 (2.26)
.065 (1.65)
.069 (1.75)
.052 (1.32)
.055 (1.40)
.046 (1.17)
.049 (1.24)
.037 (.94)
.039
(.93)
.029 (.74)
.031
(.79)
.023 (.58)
.024
(.61)
.018 (.46)
.020
(.51)
Insulation Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.120 (3.05)
.124 (3.15)
.097 (2.46)
.101 (2.57)
.078 (1.98)
.082 (2.08)
.065 (1.65)
.068 (1.73)
.059 (1.50)
.062 (1.57)
.049 (1.24)
.052 (1.32)
.041 (1.04)
.044 (1.12)
.034
(.86)
.037 (.94)
.031
(.79)
.034 (.86)
Weight
31.7
20.2
13.2
8.5
6.8
4.5
3.0
2.0
1.4
(46.9)
(29.9)
(19.5)
(12.6)
(10.1)
(6.7)
(4.4)
(3.0)
(2.1)
Maximum
Resistance
1.24
(4.07)
1.98
(6.49)
3.00
(9.84)
4.76 (15.61)
6.10 (20.01)
9.77 (32.05)
16.0 (52.48)
25.9 (84.95)
42.2 (138.42)
Dimensions in inches (mm). Weights in pounds/1000 feet (Kg/1000 M). Resistance in
Ω/1,000
feet (Ω/Km), @20˚ C.
All values are nominal unless otherwise indicated.
*
Add color coding per MIL-STD-104 (see page 57).
58
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Toll Free: (800) 423-5873
International: +1 (661) 295-3100
MIL-DTL-81381/9, /10
wire—light weight—high strength conductor
MIL-DTL-81381/9 and /10
wires have two layers of
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape insulation with a polyimide
hard coat for increased cut-through and abrasion
resistance, and a high-strength copper alloy
conductor for greater break strength.
Originally designed for aerospace use, these wires
are ideal for other applications requiring excellent
thermal stability, tight dimensional tolerances, and
high reliability.
These wires are especially well-suited in applications
where smoke emission, overload stability, and
flammability are major concerns.
Performance:
Voltage rating:
600V.
Temperature rating:
-55 to 200˚ C.
Construction Details
Insulation:
Two layers of FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with
modified aromatic polyimide coating.
Conductor:
/9: Silver-plated high-strength copper alloy;
/10: Nickel-plated high-strength copper alloy.
Colors:
Color coded to MIL-STD-104 (see page 57
for details.
Identification:
to MIL-DTL-81381.
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/9 (silver-plated high-strength conductor)
M81381
P/N
M81381/9-20-*
M81381/9-22-*
M81381/9-24-*
M81381/9-26-*
M81381/9-28-*
M81381/9-30-*
AWG
Size
20
22
24
26
28
30
Stranding
19/32
19/34
19/36
19/38
7/36
7/38
Conductor Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.037 (.94)
.039
(.99)
.029 (.74)
.031
(.79)
.023 (.58)
.024
(.61)
.018 (.46)
.020
(.51)
.014 (.36)
.015
(.38)
.011 (.28)
.012
(.30)
Insulation Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.049 (1.24)
.052 (1.32)
.041 (1.04)
.044 (1.12)
.034
(.86)
.037 (.94)
.031
(.78)
.034 (.86)
.026
(.66)
.029 (.74)
.023
(.58)
.026 (.66)
Weight
4.4
2.9
1.9
1.3
.9
.6
(6.5)
(4.3)
(2.8)
(1.9)
(1.3)
(.9)
Maximum
Resistance
10.7 (35.10)
17.5 (57.40)
28.4 (93.15)
44.8 (146.9)
74.4 (244.0)
117.4 (385.0)
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/10 (nickel-plated high-strength conductor)
M81381
AWG
Conductor Diameter
Insulation Diameter
Weight
P/N
Size Stranding
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
M81381/10-20-*
20
19/32
.037 (.94)
.040 (1.02)
.049 (1.24)
.052 (1.32)
4.6 (6.8)
M81381/10-22-*
22
19/34
.029 (.74)
.031
(.79)
.041 (1.04)
.044 (1.12)
3.0 (4.4)
M81381/10-24-*
24
19/36
.023 (.58)
.025
(.64)
.034
(.86)
.037 (.94)
2.0 (3.0)
M81381/10-26-*
26
19/38
.018 (.46)
.020
(.51)
.031
(.78)
.034 (.86)
1.4 (2.1)
M81381/10-28-*
28
7/36
.014 (.36)
.016
(.41)
.026
(.66)
.030 (.76)
1.0 (1.5)
M81381/10-30-*
30
7/38
.011 (.28)
.013
(.33)
.023
(.58)
.027 (.69)
.7 (1.0)
Dimensions in inches (mm). Weights in pounds/1000 feet (Kg/1000 M). Resistance in
Ω/1,000
feet (Ω/Km), @20˚ C.
All values are nominal unless otherwise indicated.
*
Add color coding per MIL-STD-104 (see page 57).
Maximum
Resistance
11.4 (37.39)
18.6 (61.01)
30.1 (98.73)
49.4 (162.03)
79.0 (259.12)
129.6 (425.09)
Toll Free: (800) 423-5873
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59
MIL-DTL-81381/11, /12
wire—medium weight
MIL-DTL-81381/11 and /12
wires have two layers of
FEP/polyimide tape insulation with a polyimide
hard coat (10 AWG and smaller) or polyamide braid
(8 AWG and larger) for increased cut-through and
abrasion resistance.
Originally designed for aerospace use, these wires
are ideal for other applications requiring excellent
thermal stability, tight dimensional tolerances, and
high reliability.
These wires are especially well-suited in applications
where smoke emission, overload stability, and
flammability are major concerns.
Performance:
Voltage rating:
600V.
Temperature rating:
-55 to 200˚ C.
Construction Details
Insulation:
First layer: Polyimide/FEP tape;
Second layer: FEP/polyimide/FEP tape;
Third (outer) layer: modified aromatic
polyimide coating (10 AWG and smaller);
Aromatic polyamide braid with
clear finisher (8 AWG and larger).
Conductor:
/11: Silver-plated copper;
/12: Nickel-plated copper.
Colors:
Color coded to MIL-STD-104 (see page 57
for details.
Identification:
to MIL-DTL-81381.
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/11 (silver-plated conductor)
M81381
P/N
M81381/11-2-*
M81381/11-4-*
M81381/11-6-*
M81381/11-8-*
M81381/11-10-*
M81381/11-12-*
M81381/11-14-*
M81381/11-16-*
M81381/11-18-*
M81381/11-20-*
M81381/11-22-*
M81381/11-24-*
AWG
Size
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
Stranding
665/30
133/25
133/27
133/29
37/26
37/28
19/27
19/29
19/30
19/32
19/34
19/36
Conductor Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.320 (8.13)
.340 (8.64)
.250 (6.35)
.263 (6.68)
.198 (5.03)
.208 (5.28)
.158 (4.01)
.166 (4.22)
.106 (2.69)
.110 (2.79)
.084 (2.13)
.087 (2.21)
.065 (1.65)
.068 (1.73)
.052 (1.32)
.054 (1.37)
.046 (1.17)
.048 (1.22)
.037 (.94)
.038
(.97)
.029 (.74)
.030
(.76)
.023 (.58)
.024
(.61)
Insulation Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.350 (8.89)
.378 (9.60)
.280 (7.11)
.306 (7.77)
.228 (5.79)
.251 (6.38)
.188 (4.78)
.206 (5.23)
.122 (3.10)
.127 (3.23)
.100 (2.54)
.105 (2.67)
.081 (2.06)
.086 (2.18)
.068 (1.73)
.073 (1.85)
.063 (1.60)
.067 (1.70)
.053 (1.35)
.057 (1.45)
.045 (1.14)
.049 (1.24)
.040 (1.01)
.044 (1.12)
Weight
235 (347.8)
148 (219.0)
95.1 (140.7)
61.8 (91.5)
31.1 (46.0)
20.2 (29.9)
13.2 (19.5)
8.7 (12.9)
7.0 (10.4)
4.6
(6.8)
3.0
(4.4)
2.1
(3.1)
Maximum
Resistance
.170
(.56)
.264
(.87)
.418 (1.37)
.658 (2.16)
1.19 (3.90)
1.90 (6.23)
2.88 (9.45)
4.52 (14.83)
5.79 (19.00)
9.19 (30.14)
15.1 (49.53)
24.3 (79.70)
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/12 (nickel-plated conductor)
M81381
P/N
M81381/12-2-*
M81381/12-4-*
M81381/12-6-*
M81381/12-8-*
M81381/12-10-*
M81381/12-12-*
M81381/12-14-*
M81381/12-16-*
M81381/12-18-*
M81381/12-20-*
M81381/12-22-*
M81381/12-24-*
AWG
Size
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
Stranding
665/30
133/25
133/27
133/29
37/26
37/28
19/27
19/29
19/30
19/32
19/34
19/36
Conductor Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.320 (8.13)
.340 (8.64)
.250 (6.35)
.268 (6.81)
.198 (5.03)
.212 (5.38)
.158 (4.01)
.169 (4.29)
.106 (2.69)
.112 (2.84)
.084 (2.13)
.089 (2.26)
.065 (1.65)
.069 (1.75)
.052 (1.32)
.055 (1.40)
.046 (1.17)
.049 (1.24)
.037 (.94)
.039
(.99)
.029 (.74)
.031
(.79)
.023 (.58)
.024
(.61)
Insulation Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.350 (8.89)
.378 (9.60)
.280 (7.11)
.306 (7.77)
.228 (5.79)
.251 (6.38)
.188 (4.78)
.206 (5.23)
.122 (3.10)
.129 (3.28)
.100 (2.54)
.107 (2.72)
.081 (2.06)
.087 (2.21)
.068 (1.73)
.074 (1.88)
.063 (1.60)
.068 (1.73)
.053 (1.35)
058 (1.47)
.045 (1.14)
.050 (1.27)
.040 (1.01)
.045 (1.14)
Weight
235 (347.8)
148 (219.0)
95.1 (140.7)
61.8 (91.5)
32.4 (19.5)
20.9 (30.9)
13.8 (20.4)
9.0 (13.3)
7.2 (10.7)
4.8
(7.1)
3.2
(4.7)
2.2
(3.3)
Maximum
Resistance
.177
(.58)
.275
(.90)
.436 (1.43)
.694 (2.28)
1.24 (4.07)
1.98 (6.49)
3.00 (9.84)
4.76 (15.61)
6.10 (20.01)
9.77 (32.05)
16.0 (52.48)
25.9 (84.95)
Dimensions in inches (mm). Weights in pounds/1000 feet (Kg/1000 M). Resistance in
Ω/1,000
feet (Ω/Km), @20˚ C.
All values are nominal unless otherwise indicated.
*
Add color coding per MIL-STD-104 (see page 57).
60
www.thermaxconnects.com
Toll Free: (800) 423-5873
International: +1 (661) 295-3100
MIL-DTL-81381/13, /14
wire—medium weight—high strength conductor
MIL-DTL-81381/13 and /14
wires have two layers of
FEP/polyimide/FEP tape insulation (three layers for
28 AWG) with a polyimide hard coat for increased
cut-through and abrasion resistance, and a high-
strength copper alloy conductor for greater break
strength.
Originally designed for aerospace use, these wires
are ideal for other applications requiring excellent
thermal stability, tight dimensional tolerances, and
high reliability.
These wires are especially well-suited in applications
where smoke emission, overload stability, and
flammability are major concerns.
Performance:
Voltage rating:
600V.
Temperature rating:
-55 to 200˚ C.
Construction Details
Insulation:
(26 AWG and larger):
First layer: Polyimide/FEP tape;
Second layer: FEP/polyimide/FEP tape;
Third (outer) layer: modified aromatic
polyimide coating.
(28 AWG):
Three layers of FEP/polyimide/FEP tape with
modified aromatic polyimide coating.
Conductor:
/13: Silver-plated high-strength copper alloy;
/14: Nickel-plated high-strength copper alloy.
Colors:
Color coded to MIL-STD-104 (see page 57
for details.
Identification:
to MIL-DTL-81381.
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/13 (silver-plated high-strength conductor)
M81381
P/N
M81381/13-20-*
M81381/13-22-*
M81381/13-24-*
M81381/13-26-*
M81381/13-28-*
AWG
Size
20
22
24
26
28
Stranding
19/32
19/34
19/36
19/38
7/36
Conductor Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.037 (.94)
.039
(.99)
.029 (.74)
.031
(.79)
.023 (.58)
.024
(.61)
.018 (.46)
.020
(.51)
.014 (.36)
.015
(.38)
Insulation Diameter
Minimum
Maximum
.055 (1.40)
.059 (1.50)
.047 (1.19)
.051 (1.30)
.041 (1.04)
.045 (1.14)
.036
(.91)
.040 (1.02)
.031
(.79)
.035 (.89)
Weight
4.8
3.1
2.2
1.5
1.2
(7.1)
(4.6)
(3.3)
(2.2)
(1.8)
Maximum
Resistance
10.7 (35.10)
17.5 (57.40)
28.4 (93.15)
44.8 (146.94)
74.4 (244.03)
Dimensions, Resistance, and Weights—M81381/14 (nickel-plated high-strength conductor)
M81381
AWG
Conductor Diameter
Insulation Diameter
Weight
P/N
Size Stranding
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
M81381/14-20-*
20
19/32
.037 (.94)
.040 (1.02)
.055 (1.40)
.060 (1.52)
5.0 (7.4)
M81381/14-22-*
22
19/34
.029 (.74)
.031
(.79)
.047 (1.19)
.051 (1.30)
3.3 (4.9)
M81381/14-24-*
24
19/36
.023 (.58)
.025
(.64)
.041 (1.04)
.045 (1.14)
2.3 (3.4)
M81381/14-26-*
26
19/38
.018 (.46)
.020
(.51)
.036
(.91)
.040 (1.02)
1.6 (2.4)
M81381/14-28-*
28
7/36
.014 (.36)
.016
(.41)
.031
(.79)
.035 (.89)
1.2 (1.8)
Dimensions in inches (mm). Weights in pounds/1000 feet (Kg/1000 M). Resistance in
Ω/1,000
feet (Ω/Km), @20˚ C.
All values are nominal unless otherwise indicated.
*
Add color coding per MIL-STD-104 (see page 57).
Maximum
Resistance
11.4 (37.39)
18.6 (61.01)
30.1 (98.73)
49.4 (162.03)
79.0 (259.12)
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