Cable Jacket Types

Reference Chart

Below is an easy to follow reference chart to help you decide which jacket type is right for you.

Type Description AWG Size Range Number of Conductors Insulation / Jacket Material Voltage Applications
TPT Tinsel Parallel Thermoplastic 27 Tinsel 2 PVC / No Jacket 250
TS Tinsel Service 27 Tinsel 2 Rubber / Rubber 125
TST Tinsel Parallel Thermoplastic 27 Tinsel 2 PVC / PVC 125
SPT-1 Service Parallel Thermoplastic – 1/64″ Insulation 18 2 or 3 PVC / No Jacket 300 Indoor use only: cords for lamps small fans, radios, televisions, etc.
SPT-2 Service Parallel Thermoplastic – 2/64″ Insulation 18-16 2 or 3 PVC / No Jacket 300 Indoor use only: cords for lamps small fans, radios, televisions, etc.
SPT-3 Service Parallel Thermoplastic – 3/64″ Insulation 18-10 2 or 3 PVC / No Jacket 300 Indoor use only: cords for lamps small fans, radios, televisions, etc.
SPE-1 Service Parallel Elastomer – 1/64″ Insulation 18 2 or 3 Elastomer /No Jacket 300
SPE-2 Service Parallel Elastomer – 2/64″ Insulation 18-16 2 or 3 Elastomer /No Jacket 300
SPE-3 Service Parallel Elastomer – 3/64″ Insulation 18-10 2 or 3 Elastomer /No Jacket 300
SV Service Vacuum 18 2 or 3 Rubber / Rubber 300
Key

S    Service Grade (also means extra hard service when not followed by J, V, or P)

H    Hard Service

V    Vacuum cleaner cord (also light duty cable)

P    Parallel cord (also known as zip cord) – Always light duty

E    Thermoplastic Elastomer (UL/NEC designation ONLY)

O    Oil Resistant*

T    Thermoplastic

W    Outdoor-includes sunlight resistant jacket and wet location rated conductors (formerly “W-A”)

  Heater cable

VW-1    Flame retardant (Vertical specimen Flame Test)

FT2    Flame retardant (Horizontal specimen Flame Test)

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