Choosing the Best UL Hook-Up Wire for Your Project

Eight Options for a Custom Cable Assembly Build

Specific to electrical cables and wiring harnesses, UL has developed dozens of standards that are outlined in the Appliance Wiring Material specification titled UL 758. Within this, each unique four- or five-digit code defines the requirements for voltage range, maximum temperature, wire AWG size, insulation and jacket material, flammability, and markings. Raw cable manufacturers are required to complete audits from Underwriters Laboratories and obtain approval before the wire can be produced floating-sidebar that bears this four- or five-digit code and corresponding UL or AWM markings.

For any new project that involves prototyping, proof of concept testing, or initial fit checks, a formally approved UL wire may not be needed after all. There are times when speed is most important, and a product must be delivered- waiting for 5 weeks for 10K feet of a specialty UL wire is simply not an option- in times like these it’s important to understand what specific wire performance requirements are needed.

Maybe another UL wire spec is more readily available and still meets the requirements. There are tens of thousands of wire options out there, and the trust is that most could work and do the job! But if a UL-approved wire is needed, consider one of these eight options to move your project forward.