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Let's talk about Teflon Again

8/26/2004 5:54 PM
DD	Let's talk about Teflon Again Yesterday I received some more flack from somebody on this forum for advocating the use of Teflon insulation for wiring. More specifically somebody indicated they were upset with me because I refused to admit I'm wrong about Teflon. Certainly such a charge requires another debate to ensure that we get at the truth. I certainly don't want to mislead anyone. What I've always said is that Teflon is simply the best wire insulation for the following reasons: 1. Teflon insulation has a very high melting point and does not get destroyed by heat in the soldering process. 2. Teflon insulation has a much higher voltage rating than similar thicknesses of PVC thereby providing better voltage flashover protection. 3. Teflon has a lower dielectric factor than common PVC meaning that it's use will lower stray capacitance for wiring that is either bound together in bundles or wiring that touches other conductors or wires including wiring that touches the chassis. Air is certainly always the best insulator. But when man made insulation must be used instead of air, Teflon is one of the best. So my question is this -- which virtue of Teflon is absolutely false? Is it point 1, 2, or 3? I personally think they are all correct but am willing to listen to anybody who disagrees provided that they present sound scientific evidence. Any takers?

8/26/2004 5:54 PM

Let's talk about Teflon Again

Yesterday I received some more flack from somebody on this forum for advocating the use of Teflon insulation for wiring. More specifically somebody indicated they were upset with me because I refused to admit I'm wrong about Teflon. Certainly such a charge requires another debate to ensure that we get at the truth. I certainly don't want to mislead anyone.

What I've always said is that Teflon is simply the best wire insulation for the following reasons:

1. Teflon insulation has a very high melting point and does not get destroyed by heat in the soldering process.

2. Teflon insulation has a much higher voltage rating than similar thicknesses of PVC thereby providing better voltage flashover protection.

3. Teflon has a lower dielectric factor than common PVC meaning that it's use will lower stray capacitance for wiring that is either bound together in bundles or wiring that touches other conductors or wires including wiring that touches the chassis.

Air is certainly always the best insulator. But when man made insulation must be used instead of air, Teflon is one of the best.

So my question is this -- which virtue of Teflon is absolutely false? Is it point 1, 2, or 3? I personally think they are all correct but am willing to listen to anybody who disagrees provided that they present sound scientific evidence. Any takers?

Replies:

anonymous Hey DooDoo,Get someone to h... -- 8/26/2004 7:43 PM
Jeff I LOVE TEFLON WIRE! I USE IT ALMOST... -- 8/26/2004 11:42 PM
Gary The only 2 negatives I can think of... -- 8/27/2004 1:11 AM
MatthiasM One problem with Teflon often overl... -- 8/27/2004 1:53 PM
Tonestack "But when man made insulation must ... -- 8/30/2004 1:08 PM