16 AWG UL 3173 Hook-Up Wire | 125°C 600V XLPE Tinned Copper

Parent SKU :  16UL3173

SKU :  16UL3173-500-BK

SIS SWITCHBOARD WIRE FOR CONTROL & POWER CIRCUITS.
Wire Size 16 AWG
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 0.123 in. / 3.12 mm
Conductor Count 1
Voltage Rating 600V
Temperature Rating 125ºC

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This 16 AWG UL 3173 hook-up wire is a high-performance lead wire designed for environments that demand both thermal stability and mechanical toughness. Utilizing chemically cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, this wire offers superior protection against melting, flowing, and chemical degradation compared to standard PVC alternatives.

Why Choose 16 AWG UL 3173 Hook-Up Wire?

UL 3173 is a versatile industrial standard for internal wiring in motors, transformers, and electrical appliances. The 16-gauge size provides an excellent balance of ampacity and flexibility, making it ideal for control circuits and general-purpose power leads. Because the XLPE insulation is "thermoset," it will not soften or deform when exposed to soldering heat or high-temperature operation.

  • Superior XLPE Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene provides higher dielectric strength and better resistance to environmental stress cracking than standard insulation.

  • 125C Temperature Rating: Engineered for continuous operation in environments reaching up to 125C (257F).

  • Tinned Copper Conductor: Annealed tinned copper strands offer high conductivity and exceptional resistance to oxidation, ensuring long-term reliability in humid or corrosive settings.

  • Mechanical Durability: Highly resistant to abrasion, cut-through, and crushing, reducing the risk of short circuits in tight industrial enclosures.

  • Environmental Resistance: The XLPE jacket is impervious to most industrial oils, acids, alkalis, and solvents.

  • Triple Certification: Meets the rigorous standards for UL Style 3173, UL Style 3195, and CSA Type CL1251.

Technical Specifications: 16 AWG UL 3173

  • Conductor Size: 16 AWG

  • Stranding: 26/30 (Standard Flexibility)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 125C (257F)

  • Insulation Material: Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.030 inches (0.762 mm)

  • Nominal Outer Diameter: 0.122 inches (3.10 mm)

  • Approvals: UL 3173, UL 3195, CSA CL1251

Common Applications

  • Internal Motor Leads: Used for the internal connections of electric motors where heat and vibration are present.

  • Transformer Wiring: Ideal for lead wires in dry-type transformers.

  • Industrial Control Panels: Preferred for point-to-point wiring in control cabinets where space and reliability are priorities.

  • Heating and Cooling Units: Suitable for appliances and HVAC equipment exposed to consistent thermal cycling.


Technical Note: All dimensions and stranding counts are nominal. UL 3173 is intended for internal wiring of equipment and is not designed for use as a portable cord or for structural building wiring.

SPECIFICATION: UL Style 3173 / CSA CL1251

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 16 AWG
Conductor Material Tinned Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 26
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.123 in. / 3.12 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type XLPE
UL Listing Numbers UL 3173

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Submersible No
Temperature Rating 125ºC
Standards UL Type AWM Style 3173
CSA CL1251
UL Horizontal Flame Test
CSA FT2 Flame Test
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsSwitchboards, Control and Power Circuits, Applications up to 125° and 600 volts.
Common Uses
  • Large electrical switchgear
  • substations
  • distribution panels
  • circuit breakers
  • relays
  • contactors
  • terminal blocks
  • motor
  • coil leads
  • lighting fixtures
  • computers.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.015 lb

Shipping and Returns

Shipping and Returns

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.

16 AWG UL 3173 Hook-Up Wire | 125°C 600V XLPE Tinned Copper

Parent SKU :  16UL3173

SKU :  16UL3173-500-BK

SIS SWITCHBOARD WIRE FOR CONTROL & POWER CIRCUITS.
In Stock
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  16UL3173

SKU :  16UL3173-500-BK

Please select
Please select an option
$89/ea.
$176/ea.
$437/ea.
Please select an option
Min: 500 ft., Max: 20,000 ft.
Spool (500 ft.)
$89.00
Please select an option
Maximum reached, contact us for custom orders
Contact Us
  • Fast Shipping
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Phone Support

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This 16 AWG UL 3173 hook-up wire is a high-performance lead wire designed for environments that demand both thermal stability and mechanical toughness. Utilizing chemically cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, this wire offers superior protection against melting, flowing, and chemical degradation compared to standard PVC alternatives.

Why Choose 16 AWG UL 3173 Hook-Up Wire?

UL 3173 is a versatile industrial standard for internal wiring in motors, transformers, and electrical appliances. The 16-gauge size provides an excellent balance of ampacity and flexibility, making it ideal for control circuits and general-purpose power leads. Because the XLPE insulation is "thermoset," it will not soften or deform when exposed to soldering heat or high-temperature operation.

  • Superior XLPE Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene provides higher dielectric strength and better resistance to environmental stress cracking than standard insulation.

  • 125C Temperature Rating: Engineered for continuous operation in environments reaching up to 125C (257F).

  • Tinned Copper Conductor: Annealed tinned copper strands offer high conductivity and exceptional resistance to oxidation, ensuring long-term reliability in humid or corrosive settings.

  • Mechanical Durability: Highly resistant to abrasion, cut-through, and crushing, reducing the risk of short circuits in tight industrial enclosures.

  • Environmental Resistance: The XLPE jacket is impervious to most industrial oils, acids, alkalis, and solvents.

  • Triple Certification: Meets the rigorous standards for UL Style 3173, UL Style 3195, and CSA Type CL1251.

Technical Specifications: 16 AWG UL 3173

  • Conductor Size: 16 AWG

  • Stranding: 26/30 (Standard Flexibility)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 125C (257F)

  • Insulation Material: Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.030 inches (0.762 mm)

  • Nominal Outer Diameter: 0.122 inches (3.10 mm)

  • Approvals: UL 3173, UL 3195, CSA CL1251

Common Applications

  • Internal Motor Leads: Used for the internal connections of electric motors where heat and vibration are present.

  • Transformer Wiring: Ideal for lead wires in dry-type transformers.

  • Industrial Control Panels: Preferred for point-to-point wiring in control cabinets where space and reliability are priorities.

  • Heating and Cooling Units: Suitable for appliances and HVAC equipment exposed to consistent thermal cycling.


Technical Note: All dimensions and stranding counts are nominal. UL 3173 is intended for internal wiring of equipment and is not designed for use as a portable cord or for structural building wiring.

SPECIFICATION: UL Style 3173 / CSA CL1251

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 16 AWG
Conductor Material Tinned Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 26
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.123 in. / 3.12 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type XLPE
UL Listing Numbers UL 3173

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Submersible No
Temperature Rating 125ºC
Standards UL Type AWM Style 3173
CSA CL1251
UL Horizontal Flame Test
CSA FT2 Flame Test
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsSwitchboards, Control and Power Circuits, Applications up to 125° and 600 volts.
Common Uses
  • Large electrical switchgear
  • substations
  • distribution panels
  • circuit breakers
  • relays
  • contactors
  • terminal blocks
  • motor
  • coil leads
  • lighting fixtures
  • computers.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.015 lb

Shipping and Returns

Shipping and Returns

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 16 AWG
Conductor Material Tinned Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 26
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.123 in. / 3.12 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type XLPE
UL Listing Numbers UL 3173

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Submersible No
Temperature Rating 125ºC
Standards UL Type AWM Style 3173
CSA CL1251
UL Horizontal Flame Test
CSA FT2 Flame Test
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.

Usage & Installation:

Primary ApplicationsSwitchboards, Control and Power Circuits, Applications up to 125° and 600 volts.
Common Uses
  • Large electrical switchgear
  • substations
  • distribution panels
  • circuit breakers
  • relays
  • contactors
  • terminal blocks
  • motor
  • coil leads
  • lighting fixtures
  • computers.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.015 lb

Have Questions?

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

This 16 AWG hook-up wire is a professional-grade conductor designed for the internal wiring of appliances, control panels, and industrial electronics. The defining feature of UL 3173 is its XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) insulation. This material provides a superior thermal and mechanical barrier compared to standard PVC, making it the industry standard for wiring that must withstand "baking" temperatures inside motor housings or pressurized control cabinets.

UL 3173 is the safety standard for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated wire. This rating confirms the cable is approved for 600V service and can operate continuously at temperatures up to 125°C (257°F), providing superior thermal stability compared to standard thermoplastic wires.

16 AWG is a "medium" size. It's too small for a whole-house heater, but it's perfect for things like control signals, LED lighting, small motors, and cooling fans. In most industrial panels, 16 AWG is the "bridge" that carries instructions and power to the various parts of the machine.

At the 16-gauge level, wire is often used for sensitive control signals or medium-power loads where insulation failure can be catastrophic.

  • Non-Melting Properties: XLPE is a "thermoset" plastic. Unlike standard wires that melt and drip when overheated, XLPE maintains its shape. This is critical if a wire accidentally touches a hot component or experiences a brief current surge.
  • Soldering Resilience: Technicians prefer XLPE because the insulation does not "shrink back" when heat is applied during soldering. This ensures a clean, professional connection at terminal blocks and connectors.
  • Mechanical Toughness: XLPE is physically harder than PVC, offering better resistance to "cold flow" (where the insulation thins out over time under pressure) and accidental nicks during installation.

Standard lamp cords use PVC, which is soft and almost gummy. This wire uses XLPE, which has been chemically "cross-linked" to be tougher. Think of the difference between a rubber band and a plastic zip-tie; the XLPE is designed to be a permanent, rugged shield that won't get crushed or cut easily inside a machine.

125°C (257°F) is significantly hotter than boiling water. Most household wires are only rated for 60°C or 90°C. This higher rating gives you a massive "safety cushion." If the inside of your machine gets hot, or if the wire is placed near a heating element, it won't fail or become brittle like standard wire would.

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us