Lately InterConnect’s enlightening blogs have been focusing on Kapton insulated wire and TKT insulated wire. This time we will discuss a different type of wire used on F-15 and F-18 military jets as well as commercial aircraft including the Boeing B737, B747, B757, B767, B777 as well as the Airbus A320, A330, and A340.
Crosslinked Tefzel insulated wire is a Dupont TM wire also known as XL-ETFE. It has Tefzel insulation that has been subjected to heat or pressure in order to undergo a chemical change known as cross-linking. This chemical change ensures that the physical properties of the material are set. According to Dupont, if the crosslinked Tefzel insulation is subjected to heat again, the material will not melt, flow or drip.
SPEC 55 wire is insulated with modified radiation cross-linked ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) polymer. It uses a silver plated copper conductor and combines the easy handling of a flexible wire with excellent scrape abrasion and cut-through characteristics. It is the Raychem version of XL-ETFE.
Below is information about this wire type according to IPC’s Insulation Selection Guidelines. To view the guideline dated 07/07/2015, go to https://ipc.kavi.com/higherlogic/ws/public/documents?view=.
I hope you found this blog informative. InterConnect Wiring has mentioned this wire type in our previous blog entitled, “What Does It Take to Rewire an F-15 Fighter Aircraft?” Click here to see that information.
