Selecting the Ideal Automotive Wire: TXL vs. GXL vs. SXL
When it comes to automotive wire, the list of the options on the market is vast, so it is relatively easy to get lost when choosing the cable for your goals. However, the choice turns out to be pretty easy once you determined the primary component that makes automotive wires differ. The secret to selecting the right type of auto electrical cable is insulation. Depending on the particular type, automotive cables are available in cross-link polyethylene (XLPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Interested to know which one should you choose? Without further ado, let's dive into the characteristics of all popular automotive cables.
Automotive Wire with XLPE Insulation
XLPE is extremely durable insulation that can endure high temperatures and abrasion. Moreover, this type of insulation prevents the electrical wire from aging prematurely. For this reason, XLPE-insulated automotive cables are used in most industrial applications, including heavy-duty ones. These cables are also very versatile because they are suitable for most automotive connectors and terminals. Three most popular types of cross-linked auto wires are TXL, GXL, and SXL. All of them carry an impressive temperature range of -40°C to 125ºC, and have potent heat resistance properties. Moreover, all three wires are certified by international automobile giants, including Chrysler and Ford. Let's lean into the (not so) subtle differences between them.
TXL Wire
TXL cables have an extra-thin wall compared to other cables in their range. In fact, it is the smallest and the most lightweight of all automotive cables. For this reason, they are more flexible during the installation, which allows your technician to easily install them in tight spaces. This cable's voltage rating is only 50 volts, which makes it perfect for medium to lightweight industrial applications that call for flexibility.
SXL Wire
SXL is your standard cross-linked auto electrical cable that is mostly used in industrial general circuit wiring. Since it is the golden standard of industrial auto wiring, it is also often called "primary automotive wire." SXL cables possess excellent abrasion resistance. They are incredibly versatile and have various applications in the automotive industry, including being used for motor leads. In general, they are designed for applications that call for high resistance.
GXL Wire
In many ways, GXL cable is similar to SXL; however, it is lighter and has a slightly smaller diameter. Just like TXL, GXL has a low voltage rating; however, it is not as flexible. It is mainly used in the elements of the engine that are expected to sustain high heat.
Automotive Wire with PVC Insulation
Polyvinyl chloride insulation is excellent with oil, dirt, and acids. Therefore, auto wires with PVC are perfect for the under hood of cars, vehicle cabins, other applications in heavily polluted environments. PVC auto wires are used in construction industry, marine industry, and in the military. While automotive cables with PVC insulation are flame retardant, they are not designed for the applications that call for a high-temperature tolerance because their temperature range is smaller than XLPE auto-wire. The three types of PVC auto-wire are GPT, TWP, and HDT.
GPT Wire
GPT is the golden standard of automotive Wires with PVC Insulation. It's standard-sized wall makes it perfect for general-circuit wiring. The temperature range of GPT is -40°C to 85ºC. When someone says "trailer wire", they usually mean GPT.
TWP Wire
TWP is a lightweight wire with thin walls. However, it is not near as small as TXL. Its temperature range is slightly higher than its PVC counterparts, standing at -40°C to 105ºC. Therefore, it is perfect for oil- and dirt-heavy applications that call for some flexibility and endurance of high temperatures. Basically, it can serve as a dupe to TXL in conditions that are demanding.
HDT Wire
HDT is the thickest automotive wire with a medium temperature range of -40°C to 85ºC. Because of its thick walls, it is used in the most demanding environments. HDT is quite sturdy, and it is the least flexible of all auto cables. It is most often used on the surface of cars, trucks, trailers, and other vehicles.
Choosing a wire for your private vehicle or industry should be pretty easy now that you know the basic alphabet of automotive wires. Visit our website to shop for all types of automobile cables.
