In the 1970’s we were driving around in cars like the Austin Allegro, Vauxhall Viva and the Ford Cortina. These and all other vehicles were manufactured with simple wiring systems produced using low voltage automotive PVC cable. In the mid 80’s manufacturers started to specify more electrical components and features in their vehicles and as a result the wiring harnesses were getting heavier and were starting to take up too much space. A new type of cable was needed to meet the ever increasing requirement to fit even more electrical components in the
future. The new cable needed to meet the following requirements;
- 30% Lighter in weight
- Save Space
- More resistant to abrasion
- Have a higher temperature rating (105°C)
- Resistant to Petrol, Diesel, Oils and diluted acids
- Good resistance to moisture
- Meets European “End of Vehicle Life” directive.
A new cable was developed and 20 years later is now used extensively
throughout Europe. The international standard is ISO6722 and is known as “Thin Wall High Temp Cable” or “Thin Wall Hard Grade Cable”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can Thin Wall carry more Amps but is thinner?
A. Modern Thin Wall Cables are produced using high performance insulation compound that allows a thinner wall yet gives a higher Amp rating.
Q. Is Thin Wall Cable More Expensive?
A. When Thin Wall Cable was developed it was more expensive but in recent years increased demand has brought the price down to a level where all Thin Wall Singles, Twins and Multicores are now cheaper than the old style PVC Cables.
Q. Can I get all the old style PVC Cables in the equivalent Thin Wall?
A. Yes, all the Old Style Cables have a Thin Wall equivalent.
Q. Is the Thin Wall Cable suitable for use at low and high temperatures?
A.Thin Wall Cable has a much greater temperature range than the Old Style PVC Cable. Thin Wall will operate down to -40°C and up to 105°C with excursions up to 120°C.
Q. Is the sheath on the Twins and Multicores 105°C?
A. The sheath on Twins and Multicores has no electrical properties, its main purpose is to resist abrasion, help in cable routing and therefore for reasons of cost is only rated at 70°C.
Q. Can I get Thin Wall Cable in smaller reel sizes?
A. All Thin Wall Cable is now available in smaller reel sizes suitable for aftermarket use.
Q. Can I crimp my existing Terminals on to Thin Wall Cable?
A. Most crimp tools are suitable for use with Thin Wall cable.
