What Is The Difference Between UL3135 And UL3239

Contents

1.What is UL3135 Wire?

2.What is UL3239 Wire?

3.Key Differences Between UL3135 and UL3239

4.Practical Applications of UL3135 Wires

5.Practical Applications of UL3239 Wires

6.Comprehensive Summary of UL3135 and UL3239

7.Why choose Guangdong Zhengfeng Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.?

8.Contact Us

In the realm of industrial and electronic wiring, the choice of cables directly affects equipment safety, operational stability, and service life. Among the numerous wire standards, UL-certified wires are widely recognized for their rigorous safety performance and reliable quality, making them the preferred choice for global manufacturers and project contractors. UL3135 wire and UL3239 wire, as two representative high-temperature resistant silicone wires, are widely used in high-demand scenarios such as household appliances, industrial machinery, and high-voltage equipment. However, many users often confuse these two wire types when selecting them. This article will comprehensively interpret UL3135 wire and UL3239 wire, including their core specifications, key differences, practical applications, and selection criteria, helping you make accurate choices for your projects. 

What is UL3135 Wire?
UL3135 wire is a type of high-temperature resistant silicone wire certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) under the UL 3135 standard, mainly characterized by excellent high-temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical corrosion resistance. It is widely used in wiring scenarios that require stable operation under high-temperature environments, and its core performance and structural characteristics are clearly defined by the UL standard.

From the structural perspective, UL3135 wire adopts tinned soft copper wire as the conductor. The tin plating treatment not only enhances the conductor's corrosion resistance but also improves its solderability, making the wiring and maintenance process more convenient. The insulation layer is made of high-quality silicone rubber (Silicone), which is the key to its high-temperature resistance. Silicone rubber insulation has good thermal stability, ensuring that the wire can maintain stable insulation performance without aging or cracking under extreme temperature conditions.

In terms of core technical parameters, UL3135 wire has a rated voltage of 600V and a rated temperature range of -60°C to 200°C. This wide temperature range allows it to adapt to both low-temperature storage environments and high-temperature working scenarios such as heating equipment. In addition, it has excellent electrical performance, with the maximum conductor resistance varying according to the wire gauge (AWG). For example, the maximum conductor resistance of 26 AWG UL3135 wire is 152 Ω/km, while that of 12 AWG is 6.30 Ω/km. It also has good resistance to oil, ozone, and repeated bending, making it suitable for confined spaces and occasions requiring frequent movement of wires.

It should be emphasized that UL3135 wire has obtained dual certification from UL and CSA in many cases, which means it can be used in both the United States and Canada, greatly expanding its scope of application. At the same time, it complies with the RoHS directive, meeting the global environmental protection requirements and ensuring that there are no harmful substances in the production and use process.

What is UL3239 Wire?

UL3239 wire is a high-voltage resistant silicone wire (or modified FEP insulated wire) certified by UL under the UL 3239 standard. Unlike UL3135 wire, its core advantage lies in its excellent high-voltage resistance, which is specially designed for wiring scenarios requiring long-term stable operation under high-voltage environments. It is widely used in high-voltage electronic equipment and industrial power systems.

In terms of structure, UL3239 wire also usually uses tinned soft copper wire as the conductor, and some high-end models can also be customized with silver-plated or nickel-plated copper conductors to further improve conductivity and corrosion resistance. The insulation layer is the core difference from UL3135 wire: most UL3239 wires use high-pressure resistant silicone rubber insulation, and some models adopt extruded modified FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) insulation. Modified FEP insulation has the advantages of easy stripping and high abrasion resistance, which is convenient for automated processing and improves the efficiency of batch production.

The core technical parameters of UL3239 wire are focused on high-voltage resistance. Its rated voltage ranges from 3KV to 60KV, and there are multiple specifications such as 10KV, 15KV, 20KV, 30KV, etc., to meet different high-voltage application requirements. The rated temperature range is generally -40°C to 150°C, and some models with tinned copper conductors of 26 AWG or larger can reach a rated temperature of 200°C. In terms of electrical performance, it has excellent dielectric withstand voltage. For example, 10KV UL3239 wire can withstand 20KV AC voltage for one minute, and 20KV UL3239 wire can withstand 40KV AC voltage. It also has good flame retardancy (meeting UL VW-1 requirements), radiation resistance, and ozone resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments such as power supplies and electronic equipment in high-voltage scenarios.

Key Differences Between UL3135 and UL3239

Although both UL3135 wire and UL3239 wire are UL-certified high-temperature resistant wires and have similarities in conductor materials, they have significant differences in core performance, technical parameters, and application scenarios. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate selection. The following will elaborate on the key differences from five aspects:

1. Rated Voltage: Low-Voltage vs High-Voltage
This is the most core difference between the two. UL3135 wire is a low-voltage wire with a fixed rated voltage of 600V, which is suitable for low-voltage power supply and signal transmission scenarios such as household appliances and general industrial machinery. UL3239 wire is a high-voltage wire with a rated voltage ranging from 3KV to 60KV, which is specifically designed for high-voltage environments such as transformers, television receivers, and high-voltage power supplies. It should be noted that using low-voltage UL3135 wire in high-voltage scenarios will lead to insulation breakdown, short circuits, and even fire hazards; while using high-voltage UL3239 wire in low-voltage scenarios will cause unnecessary cost waste.

2. Temperature Resistance Range: Higher Upper Limit for UL3135
In terms of temperature resistance, UL3135 wire has a higher rated upper temperature limit, reaching 200°C, and can work stably in high-temperature environments such as heating equipment and raw material melting furnaces. The rated upper temperature limit of UL3239 wire is generally 150°C, and only some specific models (with tinned copper conductors of 26 AWG or larger) can reach 200°C. This is because the high-voltage insulation layer of UL3239 wire has higher requirements on material stability, and the temperature resistance is appropriately adjusted to ensure high-voltage insulation performance. In low-temperature resistance, UL3239 wire is slightly better (-40°C vs -60°C for UL3135), but both can adapt to most low-temperature environments.

3. Insulation Material and Performance Focus
Both use special insulation materials, but the performance focus is different. UL3135 wire uses silicone rubber insulation, focusing on high-temperature resistance and flexibility, ensuring that it can be bent freely in confined spaces and maintain insulation performance at high temperatures. UL3239 wire can use silicone rubber or modified FEP insulation, focusing on high-voltage resistance and dielectric performance. The modified FEP insulation also has the advantage of easy stripping, which is suitable for automated production lines. In addition, UL3239 wire has higher requirements for insulation thickness, and the insulation thickness increases with the increase of rated voltage (for example, 10KV UL3239 wire has an insulation thickness of 0.46mm, and 20KV is 0.61mm), while the insulation thickness of UL3135 wire is relatively fixed (generally 0.75mm-1.00mm).

Practical Applications of UL3135 Wires

UL3135 wires feature low voltage (600V), high temperature resistance (200℃), good flexibility, and corrosion resistance, making them widely used in household appliances, industrial machinery, and lighting equipment. Here are some typical practical applications:

1. Household Appliance Wiring

UL3135 wires are widely used in the internal wiring of high-temperature household appliances, such as rice cookers, ovens, microwave ovens, hair dryers, and water heaters. Taking an oven as an example, its internal temperature can reach 200℃ during operation. UL3135 wires maintain stable insulation performance under these conditions, ensuring safe operation. Simultaneously, their good flexibility allows them to be installed in the confined spaces inside household appliances without easily being damaged by bending.

2. Industrial Machinery and Heating Equipment

In industrial production, UL3135 wires are used for wiring in industrial machinery, heating elements, raw material furnaces, and other equipment. These devices typically operate in harsh environments with high temperatures and oil contamination.

3. Lighting Equipment

UL3135 wires are also used in high-temperature lighting equipment, such as high-power LED lights, stage lighting, and industrial lighting. The light sources and drivers in these devices generate significant heat during operation. UL3135 wires can withstand the high-temperature environment surrounding the light source, ensuring stable current transmission and avoiding safety hazards caused by wire aging. Furthermore, their good flexibility facilitates the design of lighting equipment.

4. Other Special Applications

Due to its wide temperature range (-60°C to 200°C), UL3135 wires are also suitable for wiring in some extreme environments, such as the internal wiring of internal combustion engines and mercury switches. It maintains stable performance in cold regions and high-temperature engine compartments, ensuring the normal operation of equipment.

Practical Applications of UL3239 Wires

UL3239 wires possess excellent high-voltage resistance, flame retardancy, and radiation resistance, and are primarily used in high-voltage electronic equipment and industrial power systems with stringent safety requirements. Typical practical applications include:

1. High-Voltage Power Supplies and Transformers

It is widely used in the internal wiring of high-voltage power supplies (such as switching power supplies and inverters) and transformers. These devices require the transmission of high-voltage electricity, and the high-voltage withstand capability of UL3239 wires (3KV-60KV) ensures effective insulation between wires, preventing short circuits and arcing.

2. High-Voltage Electronic Equipment

UL3239 wires are used in electronic equipment requiring high-voltage operation, such as television receivers, radar equipment, and medical equipment (e.g., high-voltage X-ray machines).

3. Industrial High-Voltage Equipment and Power Systems

In industrial production, UL3239 wires are used for wiring high-voltage motors, high-voltage circuit breakers, and high-voltage distribution cabinets. UL3239 wires possess excellent high-voltage resistance, ozone resistance, and radiation resistance, enabling them to withstand harsh industrial environments and ensure the safe and stable operation of power systems. Furthermore, their flame-retardant properties meet the UL VW-1 standard, effectively preventing the spread of fire in the event of a fault.

4. Special Harsh Environment Applications

Due to their excellent radiation and corrosion resistance, UL3239 wires are also used in special environments such as nuclear power plants.

Comprehensive Summary of UL3135 and UL3239

To sum up, UL3135 wire and UL3239 wire are both high-quality UL-certified wires with excellent high-temperature resistance and reliability, but they are designed for different application scenarios due to differences in core performance. The following is a comprehensive summary to help you quickly grasp the key points of selection:

UL3135 wire is a low-voltage high-temperature resistant wire with a rated voltage of 600V and a rated temperature of -60°C to 200°C. It has the advantages of high flexibility, oil resistance, and easy soldering. It is suitable for low-voltage high-temperature scenarios such as household appliances, industrial heating equipment, and lighting equipment. When selecting, you need to focus on the wire gauge and current-carrying capacity to match the power requirements of the equipment.

UL3239 wire is a high-voltage resistant wire with a rated voltage of 3KV to 60KV and a rated temperature of -40°C to 150°C (partially 200°C). It has the advantages of excellent dielectric performance, flame retardancy, and radiation resistance. It is suitable for high-voltage scenarios such as high-voltage power supplies, transformers, and industrial high-voltage equipment. When selecting, you need to focus on the rated voltage and insulation thickness to ensure that it matches the high-voltage requirements of the equipment.

In general, the selection of UL3135 wire and UL3239 wire should follow the principle of "matching with application scenarios": if it is a low-voltage high-temperature environment, choose UL3135 wire; if it is a high-voltage environment, choose UL3239 wire. At the same time, it is necessary to select products that have passed formal UL certification to ensure product quality and safety performance.

Why choose Guangdong Zhengfeng Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.?

When choosing UL3135 and UL3239 electrical wires, selecting a reliable supplier is just as important as choosing the right type of wire. Guangdong Zhengfeng Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Zhengfeng Wire") has been deeply involved in the wire and cable industry for many years, focusing on the R&D, production, and sales of UL-certified wires. With high-quality products and professional services, it has won the trust of customers worldwide. Four reasons to choose Zhengfeng Cable:

1. Strict Quality Control and Formal Certification

Zhengfeng Cable's UL3135 and UL3239 wires have passed UL's rigorous testing and certification. Adhering to the principle of "quality first," we use high-quality tinned copper conductors and imported silicone rubber insulation materials, and employ advanced production processes to ensure that every meter of wire meets UL standards. At the same time, our products comply with the RoHS environmental directive, meeting the environmental requirements of global markets such as Europe and the United States.

2. Comprehensive Product Specifications and Customization Capabilities

Zhengfeng Cable has a complete product line of UL3135 and UL3239 wires, covering all commonly used wire gauges and voltage specifications. We can also provide personalized customization services according to customer needs, such as custom conductors, insulation colors, and packaging specifications. Whether it's small-batch samples or large-volume orders, we can meet your needs.

3. Professional Technical Support and Comprehensive After-Sales Service

Zhengfeng Cable boasts an experienced professional technical team specializing in the research and development and application of wires and cables. We can provide you with one-on-one technical consultation, helping you select the most suitable wire type based on your application scenario and resolving technical issues encountered during wiring. Furthermore, we have a comprehensive after-sales service system. If any quality problems arise with your purchased products, we will respond quickly and provide solutions such as replacement or return to protect your rights.

4. Highly Competitive Prices and Stable Supply Capacity

As a direct manufacturer, Zhengfeng Cable eliminates intermediaries, enabling us to provide you with high-quality products at highly competitive prices. We possess advanced production equipment and a large-scale production base, ensuring a stable supply. Simultaneously, our extensive international trade experience allows us to provide convenient logistics and customs clearance services, ensuring timely delivery of your products.

If you require UL3135, UL3239, or other UL-certified wires, or need professional technical consultation, please feel free to contact us. We are dedicated to providing you with high-quality products and services.

Contact Us

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 138 2929 2517 / +86 147 4930 7879
Email: manager01@wire-cablemanufacturer.com

Guangdong Zhengfeng Wire&Cable Co., Ltd. look forward to cooperating with you and creating a win-win situation!