What types of insulation are on automotive wire?
There are four distinct types of insultation on automotive wire and cable: • GPT • GXL • SXL • TXL GPT is the only automotive primary wire insulation out of the four that is extruded insulation. Extruded insulation is rated -40 C to 80 C. It is created by heating PVC and then extruding it through a die on the stranding. This insulation can be melted with a heat source, changing the form. The other three automotive wire types, GXL, SXL, and TXL are all crossed-linked insulation. Cross-linked insulation is rated -51 C to 125 C. It is created by extruding PVC through a tube, under heat and pressure, in order to ‘cross-link’ or change the molecules of the insulation to another state.
There are two main categories of automotive wire – PVC and Cross-Linked. The biggest difference between the two categories is temperature range. Cross-linked automotive wire can withstand much higher temperatures than PVC automotive wire. The three main types of PVC automotive wire are: • GPT – used for general circuit wiring and rated to 80 °C • TWP – lead-free, thin wall automotive wire rated to 105 °C • HDT – heavy wall automotive wiring rated to 80 °C PVC is insulation is extruded, which is created by heating PVC and then extruding it through a die on the stranding. This insulation can be melted with a heat source, changing the form. The three most common types of cross-linked automotive wire are: • GXL – thin wall, most common type, works with most standard automotive connectors, rated to 125 °C • SXL – standard wall, rated to 125 °C • TXL – extra thin wall, best for applications that require minimal size and weight, rated to 125 °C Cross-linked insulation is created by extruding
