Learn THHN Wire Properties

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Electrician Family, Dad Rages when his Son’s don’t know what THHN Wire is, Wire Quiz, Thoughts?

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What happens here

The project begins with an "Master Electrician Dad" quizzing his "Apprentice Sons" on important characteristics of copper building wire. The first segment of the quiz focuses on THHN (Thermoplastic High Heat Resistant Nylon) insulation. The dad specifically asks about the outer coating of THHN wire. He explains that this outer coating is made of Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene), a specialized thermoplastic material. This Teflon layer serves a crucial function in DIY electrical installations: it reduces friction, making it significantly easier to pull multiple THHN wires through electrical conduits. This reduced friction minimizes the risk of damaging the wire's primary insulation during "hard pulls" that might otherwise cause the insulation to rip or abrade against the conduit walls or other wires. He also highlights the temperature rating for THHN, noting it's rated for 90 degrees Celsius (194°F), which is higher than the 60 degrees Celsius (140°F) rating typically found on Romex (NM-B) cable, indicating its suitability for applications where higher operating temperatures might be encountered.

Goal: Understand the insulation composition, purpose of the outer coating, and temperature rating of THHN copper building wire.

Tools and materials

Copper Building Wire — Visual example of THHN wire insulation discussed in the quiz
Electrical Conduit — Providing context for how THHN wire is typically installed and protected
Romex Cable — Comparison to illustrate temperature rating differences in common building wires

What they say

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So, what's THHN insulation? What is the outer coating? Are you kidding me? You don't know what the outer coating on THHN wire? The out The very outer coating. Thermoplastic. Teflon. Oh, I don't know that's a hard one. Yeah, you know how we ever pull when you pull in a bundle with a bunch of hard pulls, sometimes you see that outer jacket get all ripped up and it looks like the insulation's ruined. Then you get a closer look and it's just that outer That's the Teflon coating. That's only there to help you pull. There's a company, I think it's Southwire that use simple pull. That's just it. It's not on the Romex. I noticed that right away. Exactly. And that because of that insulation is why Romex is rated at 60°C Mhm. and THHN is rated for 90°C. That's right. That's the only reason that

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