Tape and Fiber Insulation

Tapes and Fibers

Litz wire, may be “served” or “unserved.” To be “served” simply means that the entire Litz wire construction is wrapped with a textile or yarn for added strength and protection.

“Unserved” Litz magnet wire has no wrapping or insulation. In either case, the use of additional tapes or insulations may be utilized to help improve voltage-withstand and protect the Litz wire against damage during winding. Fiber and Tape insulations are typically thin and well-suited for low voltage applications.

The tables below show some of the commonly used tapes and fibers, but more options are available.  If you need any assistance selecting a material type, just contact us – we’re here to help!

Tape Insulation

Tape InsulationRecommended Max. Use TemperatureCharacteristics
Polyester (PET) Mylar® (Heat sealable grades available)135°C- High dielectric strength
- Good abrasion often used as binder or barrier under extruded jackets and textile serves or braids
Nomex®
(aromatic polyamide)
200°C
(Up to 220°C under certain conditions)
- Excellent thermal properties
- Excellent electrical properties
- Excellent compatibility with varnishes, adhesives and transformer fluids
- Thinner grades are flexible
- Good resistance to tearing and abrasion
Polyimide Kapton®
(Heat sealable & adhesive grades available)
240°C
(Up to 400°C under certain conditions)
- Very high dielectric strength
- Very good chemical resistance
- UL 94 V-O flame rating
- Excellent mechanical properties
Fiberglass ClothUltimate operating temperature determined by application and glass type- Excellent electrical properties at high temperatures
- Conformable
- Varnish compatible grades available
- Excellent solvent resistance
MicaUltimate operating temperature determined by application and glass type- Excellent electrical properties at high temperatures
- Conformable
- Varnish compatible grades available
- Excellent solvent resistance
- Flame resistant
- Retains useful electrical properties during and after exposure to fire

Fiber Insulation

Fiber InsulationRecommended Maximum Operating TemperatureAdvantagesConsiderations
Cotton135°C- Low cost Serving
- Good resistance to abrasion
- Poor space factor compared to Nylon or Polyester
- Non-solderable
Nylon155°C- Good space factor
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Solderable
- Hygroscopic
Dacron® (Polyester)155°C- Good abrasion resistance
- Solderable
- Slightly higher maximum operating temperature than Nylon
- Better space factor than Cotton or Glass but poorer space factor than Nylon
Nomex®
(High Temperature Nylon)
250°C- Good space factor
- Good electrical properties at high temperatures
- Non-solderable
- Higher cost than other fibers
Glass260°C- Good electrical properties at high temperatures- Space factor equivalent to Cotton
- Non-solderable

Litz Blog

Latest litz wire news & info from our blog

Tell Me More About Type 9 Style Litz Wire

What is is, why it's special, and where it's used.

The 12 Most Important Features of Litz Wire

Just what makes Litz wire so special?
Electric Hybrid Vehicle Litz Wire New England Wire

Litz Wire and Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Technologies

Take a spin around the EV landscape and see where Litz wire is used!

Questions? Ready to start a project?

Get in touch with an engineer to get started.

New England Wire Technologies is a privately held, employee owned company with a rich history dating back to 1898. Our Lisbon, NH facilities consist of over 385,000 square feet of manufacturing, quality/testing, tooling/machine fabrication, and office space.

Visit New England Wire Website

Contact NEWT

130 North Main Street

Lisbon, NH 03585

Phone: (603) 838-6624
Fax: (603) 838-6160

Email Us: info@newenglandwire.com