Frequently Asked Questions- UL 3252 High Temperature Lead Wire
What specific instructions should I adhere to when using UL 3252 wire? This is a high temperature wire. However, there is a specific range of temperatures where it is supposed to be used. You cannot use the wire in applications that experience more than 250 degrees Celsius operating temperatures. It is therefore important to ensure you use it within the temperatures ranges of up to 250 degrees Celsius. The voltage is rated at 600 volts so maintain that.
How can I identify UL 3252 wire? The construction of the wire and labeling are things to help you know if it is UL 3252. The conductor is made of soft annealed, nickel plated copper meaning if you strip out the insulation, you will see a wire that has coppery appearance on the inside and the outside layer appears silver white. The insulation is made of silicon rubber and jacket is made of fiberglass braids.
What are the specifications of the UL 3252? This wire is RoHS compliant, and meets AWM I A/B and FT2 standards.
In what applications can I use UL 3252? There are many applications you can use this wire. It is mainly used to wire furnace and ovens, heating elements, motors, and in lighting fixtures.
My electrician says I can use UL 3074 instead of UL 3252, is that true? While you may use UL 3074 wire for the place of UL 3252, you need to be careful on the temperature range. UL 3074 is primarily made of tinned copper material, which means that it’s temperature ranging is about 200 degrees Celsius. If the equipment you are wiring is going to exhibit continuous temperatures above that, then it may not be advisable you use the wire. However, you can get the nickel-coated version of 3074 wire, which may pretty work the same or similar to UL 3252. Always use the wire that can meet the conditions of the location or equipment where it is going to be used. Give some allowance of the temperatures because depending on different circumstances, the temperatures may change. Do not the wire is areas that tend to experience higher temperatures than rated for the wire.
