| Two new vinyl insulation compounds that provide a high-level of electrical performance needed in wet-location industrial and appliance wiring have been recently intoduced by Teknor Apex Vinyl Division, USA. These compounds contain none of the lead-based heat stabiliser formulations conventionally used in wire for such applications. The new compounds, Apex� 80853C and 80853F, have achieved Underwriters Laboratories listing for continuous service at 75 and 105�C in wet and dry locations, respectively, in wire designated in the National Electrical Code (NEC) as THWN. This is nylon-jacketed, vinyl-insulated building wire used in wet locations, typically for industrial equipment applications, such as control wires for motors. Other wet-location uses anticipated for the compounds include machine-tool wiring, appliance wire, and outdoor flexible cord.
Lead-based heat stabilizers have been widely used in conventional vinyl insulation and jacketing compounds because they provide PVC polymer with high-resistance to thermal degradation, which can compromise electrical performance. �The development of Apex 80853C and 80853F compounds is the latest achievement in a long-time programme at Teknor Apex to eliminate lead-containing additives from its compounds. A wide range of our wire and cable products are now free of lead stabiliser yet provide electrical properties as good as or better than the compounds that they have replaced�, commented Mr Donald G. Ouellette, industry manager
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