Every one of the ETFE insulated wires manufacturers you contact will send a datasheet. The numbers on it decide whether the wire survives your application, yet many buyers skim past them. This guide explains what each line means and what to ask when something looks unclear.
Why the datasheet matters more than the brochure
A product page tells you ETFE is tough and light. A datasheet tells you whether a specific wire fits your voltage, your temperature and your routing. If you are still deciding who to buy from, our guide on choosing an ETFE wire manufacturer covers the supplier side. This page is about reading the numbers once you have them.
The main lines, one by one
The figures below come from the specification table for our ETFE insulated wires. Use them as an example of what a good datasheet should show.
| Line on the datasheet | Example value | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Rated voltage | 450/750 VAC | The working voltage the wire is designed for |
| Test voltage | 2500 VAC | A higher voltage used in testing to prove a safety margin |
| Rated temperature | -50 to 90°C fixed, -30 to 90°C moving | The working range of the finished wire, by installation type |
| Short-circuit temperature | 200°C | The limit the insulation is rated for during a short circuit, not normal running |
| Minimum bending radius | 8D moving, 6D fixed | How tightly the wire can be bent without damage |
| Oil resistance | EN 50363-2-1 | The standard the oil test follows |
| Packaging | Rolls, reels | How the wire is supplied |
Rated voltage and test voltage are not the same
Rated voltage is what the wire is meant to carry in service. Test voltage is higher because it proves the insulation has a safety margin. It is not a working figure. If a supplier quotes only one of the two, ask for the other.
Temperature figures can look contradictory
You may see "-50°C to 150°C" in one place and "-50 to 90°C" in another. These usually describe different things. One can be what the insulation tolerates as a material, and the other the rated temperature of the finished wire, which depends on the full construction and on whether the wire is fixed or moving. Our ETFE wires are built to perform between -50°C and 150°C, while the specification table lists the rated temperatures above. The fix is simple: ask which figure applies to the exact wire you plan to order, and design to that one.
Bending radius saves you from cracked wire
D stands for the wire's outer diameter. As an example, a 3 mm wire should not be bent tighter than 24 mm radius while moving (8D) or 18 mm when fixed (6D). Check this against your real routing, especially in panels, trays and harnesses. It matters most where ETFE is chosen for flexing, such as automotive harness cables.
Questions to ask before you approve a datasheet
If you are comparing materials before you commit, see ETFE vs FEP wires and our FEP insulated wires page. You can browse the wider range on our electrical cables page.
About Tanya Enterprises
We are a wire manufacturer in Vedvyaspuri Industrial Area, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. We use premium raw materials, test each batch against the specifications we promise, and customise conductor size, insulation thickness, length and colour coding to your requirement.
What is the difference between rated voltage and test voltage on a wire datasheet?
Rated voltage is the voltage the wire is designed to work at in service. Test voltage is a higher voltage applied during testing to prove the insulation has a safety margin. Never use the test voltage as a working voltage.
What does 8D free movement and 6D fixed installation mean for bending radius?
D is the outer diameter of the wire. For wire that moves, bend it no tighter than 8 times its diameter. For wire that stays fixed once installed, no tighter than 6 times its diameter.
Why do temperature figures for ETFE wire differ between sources?
Some figures describe what the insulation can tolerate, while others are the rated temperature of the finished wire, which depends on its full construction and installation type. Always ask the manufacturer which figure applies to the exact wire you are buying.
Can Tanya Enterprises customise ETFE insulated wires?
Yes. Conductor size, insulation thickness, wire length and colour coding can be customised, and the wire is supplied on rolls or reels.
Final thought
A datasheet is only useful if you read it against your own conditions. Check voltage, temperature, bending radius and documents before you approve an order, and ask the manufacturer to explain anything unclear. If you would like help, send your requirement through the form below.