This guide presents a deep dive into AWM cable styles. It allows you to determine the best potential way to secure cables for your control circuits and internal wiring projects. AWM is used to manufacture appliances and electronic devices so that the internal wiring is suitable for the intended application. You can find AWM cables in anything from the internal wiring of stoves and washing machines to industrial tools and computers.

AWM-style cables are a classified component under UL (Underwriter Laboratories) standard, so all AWM cables have names like UL 2464, with UL recognition and corresponding number. When a wire is labeled as AWM, it means it conforms to specific UL standards for appliance wiring materials. 

Are AWM Cables and Hook-Up Wire The Same?

Generally, all AWM (Appliance Wiring Material) cables, certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), can be considered a hook-up wire. However, there are some distinctions here.

A hook-up wire usually means a single insulated conductor wire used to make internal connections inside electronic devices. These cables are generally not exposed to the highest temperatures and harshest environmental conditions and have a low voltage. AWM cables are a term that often coincides with hook-up wires. However, they could be multi-conductors and are much more varied regarding temperature rating and insulation materials. Another difference is that not all hook-up wire on the market is certified by AWM. Those hook-up wires that are not cannot be used in UL applications.

Classification of AWM Ul Style Cables

As of 2024, there are over 7 thousand AWM-style cables. They are regulated by UL Standard 758 Appliance Wiring Materials. Aside from the descriptions of these cables, this standard focuses on specific requirements that exist for them, methods of testing, marking, and labeling.

There are five sections of UL Standards:

   1. Single conductor cables with thermoplastic insulation (unique numbers 1000-1999; and 10000+).

These are your standard hook-up wire for internal wiring of appliances without extreme heat resistance. 

Some of the most popular types are:

• UL 1007:  General -purpose for internal wiring of electronic equipment. PVC insulation and tinned copper conductor. 300 V. Dual-rated as UL 1569.
• UL 1015: Same as above, with thicker insulation and a 600 V rating.
• UL 1061:  300 V rating and thin insulation.
• UL 1180:  A tinned copper, silver, or nickel-conductor PTFE-insulated cable with a 200°C temperature rating for applications where chemical exposure and exposure to extreme temperatures occur.
• UL 1198: A 200°C cable for lightweight applications with exposure to chemicals. UL 1199 is a variation with a 200°C rating.
• UL 1213: Lightweight cable with PTFE insulation used in lightweight insulations.
• UL 1283: A cable for internal wiring of machine tools and appliances double-rated as MTW.
• UL 1330: A FEP-insulated high-temperature 200°C cable immersed in gasoline. UL 1331 is a 150°C version.
•  UL 1429: A 150V cable with XLPVC insulation used in military equipment.
• UL 1430: Same as above, but ranked 300V.
• UL 1431: Same as the two styles above, ranked for 600V.
• UL 1422/UL 1423: (PVDF)-Kynar- insulated wires with solid silver-plated copper conductors for powering back panels and test fixtures.

     2. Multi-conductor cables with thermoplastic insulation and a jacket (unique numbers 2000-2999; and 20000+)

These cables are often used in control systems of electronic devices like computers. Common examples are:

• UL 2919: Designed primarily for wiring data systems and computer electronics, it has PVC insulation.
• AWM 2464: A very popular type of cable used in control circuits.

     3. Single-conductor cables with thermoset insulation (unique  numbers 3000-3999)

These are the types of hook-up wire with very high-temperature resistance made for internal appliances of things like industrial machinery and automotive wiring. Thermoset insulation is designed to not melt in challenging environmental conditions. Examples are:

• UL 3271: High-temperature (125°C) for internal wiring of appliances.
• Ul 3212 and UL 3214:  Durable high-temp 150°C wire for motors and lighting fixtures.
• UL 3239: An easy-to-strip with excellent dielectric strength and 10KV-25KV temperature rating for the internal appliance of stoves, heaters, and dryers.
• UL 3317: A cable with irradiated PVC insulation, resistance to abrasion and cut-through.

    4.  Multi-conductor cables with thermoset insulation and a jacket (unique numbers 4000-4999)

These are high-temperature silicone cables meant for even more robust industrial conditions. For instance:

• UL 4511: A 200 deg C, 600 V that passes the horizontal test. UL 4535 is the same, except the temperature rating is 150°C.

    5. Single / multi-conductor specialty cables (unique numbers 5000-5999)

These are the cables for specialized industries like aerospace or medical equipment:

• UL 5107: A 450° C 600V MGT cable with nickel-coated conductor used in the wiring of steel mills, glass manufacturing, and ovens of all types.

Nassau National Cable has a collection of high-quality hook-up wire at competitive pricing, including UL 3340-3374, Ul 3173, UL 1283/1284, Ul 1061, UL1007/1569, and others.