M16878 vs. M22759 Cable: Comparing Popular Military Specs
The US military has many overlapping military standards, so choosing the exact cable for your needs can be a challenge because many of them are similar. In this blog installment, we compare two popular military specs, M16878 and M22759, to help your unit choose the best cable for unique needs and purposes.
M16878 Wire
M16878 is a durable military cable that is manufactured for demanding conditions.
M16878 Structure
Depending on the subtype, M16878 can have different conductors, including silver-plated, nickel-plated, copper-clad steel, standard copper, and tinned copper. The last one is the most popular conductor among the subtypes.
Teflon is common insulation for M16878. For extra durability, it is double-wrapped. Aside from Teflon, common insulations are PVC, XLPVC, and silicone rubber. The cable also can have an outer glass braid for thermal insulation.
M16878 Applications
M16878 is used for a variety of military and aircraft purposes because of the range of its constructions, temperature ratings, and voltages is so vast. Wiring of military appliances is among the most common applications.
M16878 Subtypes
There are many subtypes of a cable with M16878 specs. Let's overview some of the most common ones and see how they differ.
M16878/1 is a cable with PVC or XLPVC insulation and a 600 V rating. The conductor is either silver-plated copper or tinned copper. The operating temperature is 105 C. This cable is not designed for high-temp applications. M16878/2 and M16878/3 are variations of the same spec; the only difference is that the former has a 1000 V rating, and the latter has a 3000 V rating.
M16878/4 is a cable with a silver-plated conductor and Teflon insulation. The recommended operating temperature is 200 C, and the voltage is 600 V. M16878/5 is the same with 1000V, and M16878/6 has 250 volts.
M16878/7 and M16878/8 have silver-plated conductors and silicone rubber insulations. Their voltage is 600V and 1000V, respectively.
M16878/11, M16878/12, and M16878/13 have FEP insulations and tinned copper conductors. Following the same logic established above, they have 600 V, 1000 V, and 250 V ratings in this exact order. Based on high-temperature insulation, these cables fall into a more premium segment of M16878 spec.
M22759 Cable
M22759 is similar to M16878/11, M16878/12, and M16878/13 because it has FEP insulation. This makes the M22759 suitable for the most demanding military conditions. It has a high-temperature rating and excellent flame resistance.
M22759 Cable Construction
Unlike M16878, these cables also have jackets in addition to insulation. It is commonly Teflon. The conductors can be tinned or plated with nickel or silver.
While FEP insulation is a possibility, M16878 also has variations with polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) insulations, which are designed for aerospace applications because it is resistant to soldering and damage from exposure to high temperatures.
M16878 often has a fiberglass shield for extra protection from electromagnetic interference.
M22759 Applications
M22759 is used in a variety of extreme military conditions, with aerospace applications being some of the most common.
Subtypes of M22759 Spec
- M22759/1 has a silver-plated conductor, FEP insulation, a Teflon jacket, and glass tape. This 600 V/ +200°C cable is perfect for aircraft engines.
- M22759/2 and M22759/3 are nickel-plated with Teflon insulation and jacket, perfect for abrasive conditions. M22759/4 is quite similar but plated with silver instead.
- Cables from M22759/17 onwards have tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) insulation, which behaves even better in aerospace. Some have cross-linked ETFE insulation, which allows for a higher temperature rating.
M16878 vs. M22759: Difference In Simple Words
M16878 and M22759 are the most common and versatile military specs. They are used in many different military-related applications thanks to the versatility of construction. However, M22759 is generally more suitable for high-temperature aerospace applications thanks to its insulation and jacket.
