Electrical insulation
The silicone layer around the conductor.
Do not treat the braid as a replacement for the required insulation.UL AWM specification guide
UL 3122 Silicone Wire Specification
Insulation inside.
A braided covering outside.
UL 3122 identifies a silicone-insulated wire with a lacquered braid. The construction includes a conductor, silicone insulation and a lacquered outer braid.
- Temperature reference
- 200°C (392°F)
- Voltage reference
- 300 V AC
- Distinctive layer
- Lacquered braid
- Conductor
- Silicone
- Outer braid
THE ROLE OF THIS STYLE
Why specify UL 3122 braided silicone wire?
A heat-exposed lead may need a specified outer covering in addition to its electrical insulation. The lacquered braid forms part of the specified UL 3122 construction.
Braid details: material, coating, finished diameter and end preparation.
THE REQUIREMENTWHAT TO IDENTIFY
A finished outer covering
The braid and its coating.
Coated glass-fibre braid is a common product construction. Confirm the supplied material rather than assuming it from the number alone.A usable termination
The complete diameter and preparation method.
Plan how the covering ends at the terminal and how the insulation is prepared.The style describes an internal-wiring construction. Its covering is not a general approval for exposed, abrasive or continuously moving service.
READ THE WIRE FROM INSIDE OUT
Three layers.
Three different jobs.
Keep conductor size, insulation dimensions and finished braid diameter separate on the product drawing.
The conductor
Provides the electrical connection. Solid and stranded constructions are different versions.
Conductor specification
Wire size, conductor finish and stranding for the selected terminal.
Silicone insulation
Forms the insulating layer directly around the conductor.
Insulation specification
Insulation wall and diameter before the outer covering; do not estimate them from the illustration.
Coated outer braid
A separate nonmetallic covering in the illustrated construction. The coated glass-fibre example is a reinforcing braid, not an electrical screen.
Braid specification
Braid material, coating, coverage and finished diameter; performance requirements need product evidence.
Construction example: OMERIN coated glass-fibre version. The historical style specifies a lacquered braid: UL 3122 historical style reference.
SIMILAR WORDS, DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS
A braid is not
automatically a screen.
“Braided” describes a structure. The material and the intended function determine what that structure does.
Nonmetallic outer covering
The glass-fibre braid shown here surrounds the silicone insulation. Specify its finish and mechanical requirements as part of the complete wire.
- Relevant checks
- Coating, finished diameter, cut-end handling and preparation.
- Do not infer
- EMC shielding, grounding capability or a rated electrical path.
Metallic electrical screen
A metallic screen is a different construction, with its own continuity and termination requirements. It is not present in the illustrated UL 3122 wire.
- Relevant checks
- Screen material, coverage and the specified screen connection.
- Do not substitute
- Ordinary glass-fibre braid for a required electrical screen.
COMPARE THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION
Braid and UL 3122 rating
Historical style references, not a substitution list. On a small screen, swipe across the table.
| What matters? | UL 3122THIS STYLE | UL 3132 ↗ | UL 3135 ↗ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating reference | 200°C (392°F) · 300 V AC | 150°C (302°F) · 300 V AC | 200°C (392°F) · 600 V AC |
| Insulation | Extruded silicone rubber | Extruded silicone rubber | Extruded silicone rubber |
| Outer covering | Lacquered braid specified | Covering optional | No separate covering specified in the legacy definition |
| Conductor scope | 26–16 AWG | 30 AWG–4/0 AWG | 26–12 AWG |
Sources: UL 3122 historical style reference, UL 3132 historical style reference, UL 3135 historical style reference. Check current product-specific requirements.
THE FINISHED WIRE AT THE CONNECTION
Preparing a braided lead
Review the actual end preparation with the wire and terminal supplier. The covering and the silicone underneath may require different handling.
BEFORE ASSEMBLY
Check the complete connection.
- Use the finished outside diameter for terminal entries and sleeves.
- Define where the covering and insulation end.
- Agree the cut-end treatment and inspect for loose fibres or damage.
- Check the temperature at the lead and at the termination.
Installation limits
- Mechanical duty
- A covering is not an unlimited abrasion or continuous-flex rating.
- Flame performance
- Horizontal flame is the historical style reference. Other classifications must belong to the actual product.
- Connection environment
- Do not infer water sealing, chemical resistance or outdoor suitability from a woven surface.
BEFORE YOU SPECIFY
Frequently asked questions
Does the braid make this a higher-voltage wire?
No. The braid alone does not determine the working voltage. Select the complete wire with the voltage and construction required by the equipment.
Is UL 3122 the same as any silicone wire covered by a sleeve?
No. A separately fitted sleeve and a manufactured coated-braid wire are different constructions. Check the product recognition and the equipment requirement rather than relying on appearance.
Can the finished diameter be taken from an unbraided version?
No. Use the dimensional drawing for the finished braided product. Check preparation and terminal fit on that same version.
FROM STYLE TO PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
Discuss a UL 3122 specification
For a UL 3122 enquiry, include conductor size, braid requirements and quantity.
Wire & insulation
Required conductor size, finish, stranding and insulation colour.
Braid & preparation
Covering material, coating, finished diameter and required end preparation.
Use & documents
Connection conditions, equipment drawing and product-recognition requirements.
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