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AWM (Appliance Wiring Material) cables are defined by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as an appliance wiring material. These wire types cover various cable configurations for many industries and applications, and many continuous flexible cables are manufactured to UL AWM standards.
Key features of AWM cables
- Flexible Conductors: AWM cables utilize flexible conductors made of stranded copper or aluminum. This makes the cable more straightforward to work with and route while reducing the risk of conductor damage.
- Durable Jacket: AWM cables feature a durable jacket to protect the insulation and conductors from damage. The jacket is typically made of PVC, nylon, or other materials resistant to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals.
- Temperature Resistance: AWM cables are engineered to withstand a wide temperature range, ensuring optimal performance in extreme heat or cold environments. This characteristic guarantees consistent reliability even under harsh conditions.
Applications for AWM Cables
AWM cables are widely used in demanding electronic equipment and electrical systems due to their reliability, durability, and safety.
Typical applications are listed below:
- Internal Connections: AWM cables connect components inside electronic equipment such as motherboards, graphics cards, hard disk drives, memory sticks, etc.
- External connections: AWM cables connect electronic equipment to external devices such as monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, CNC machines, etc.
- Power Transmission: AWM cables transmit power from a power supply to a motherboard or electronic component.
- Signal transmission: AWM cables transmit data and signals from sensors to control systems or computers to network devices.
- Safety and protection: AWM cables are often flame retardant and heat resistant to prevent fires and malfunctions.
AWM style categories
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) categorizes each variant of AWM into one of five categories. Each category is defined by several characteristics, including the number of conductors, whether a jacket is included, and whether the insulation and jacket are thermoset or thermoplastic.
The following is a list of UL AWM style subdivisions, the meaning of each category, and some common examples:
- Part 1 (1000-1999; 10000+) – Single conductor, thermoplastic insulation
- Part 2 (2000-2999; 20000+) – Multi-conductor, thermoplastic insulators and jacketing
- Part 3 (3000-3999) – Single conductor, thermoset insulation
- Part 4 (4000-4999) – Multi-conductor thermoset insulated sheathed wire
- Part 5 (5000-5999) – Single Conductor and Multi-Conductor Specialties
Complexity of AWM Styles
Because of the many AWM styles available, the subject matter can quickly become very complex. Different types of AWM wire may have different temperature ratings, voltage ratings, insulation types, colors, sizes, and lengths.
Different types of AWM wire may have different UL numbers, which makes things even more complicated. For example, UL 1007 wire is a common AWM wire type with a voltage rating of 300 V and a temperature rating of 80°C. UL 1015 wire is another common AWM wire type with a voltage rating of 600 V and a temperature rating of 105°C.
Importance of Choosing the Right AWM Wire
Choosing the appropriate type of AWM wire for your application is imperative to ensure it meets your needs and complies with relevant safety standards. If you are unsure which AWM wire is right for your application, consult a qualified professional.
Romtronic’s Expertise in AWM Cable Assemblies
Romtronic is a UL-listed company with a team of specialized engineers and manufacturing technicians capable of producing a diverse range of compliant AWM cable assemblies. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate AWM wire for your application, don’t hesitate to contact Romtronic for expert guidance.
Sam Wu is the Marketing Manager at Romtronic, holding a degree in Mechatronics. With 12 years of experience in sales within the electronic wiring harness industry, he manages marketing efforts across Europe. An expert in cable assembly, wiring harnesses, and advanced connectivity solutions, Sam simplifies complex technologies, offering clear, actionable advice to help you confidently navigate your electrical projects.
