Standard Reference
MIL-W-22759 (AS22759): The Airframe Standard
Deconstructing the most widely used specification for aerospace hook-up and airframe wire.
Originally a military specification (MIL-W-22759 or MIL-DTL-22759), this standard is now overseen by SAE International as AS22759. It dictates the construction of fluoropolymer-insulated single conductor electrical wires used in aerospace, defense, and demanding commercial environments.
Decoding the Part Number
An M22759 part number contains all the information needed to understand the wire's construction.
M22759 / 16 - 22 - 9
M22759 (Prefix)
Indicates the base specification.
/16 (Slant Sheet)
Defines the specific material construction (e.g., ETFE insulation, Tin-Plated Copper).
22 (AWG Size)
The American Wire Gauge size of the conductor (e.g., 22 AWG).
9 (Color Code)
The jacket color based on MIL-STD-681 (e.g., 9 = White, 0 = Black, 2 = Red).
Common Slant Sheets (The "/XX")
The "slant sheet" is the most critical part of the number, as it dictates the temperature rating, voltage, and materials.
| Slant | Insulation | Conductor | Temp | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| /11 | Extruded PTFE | Silver-Plated Copper | 200°C | 600V |
| /16 | Extruded ETFE | Tin-Plated Copper | 150°C | 600V |
| /32 | Cross-Linked ETFE | Tin-Plated Copper | 150°C | 600V (Light Weight) |
| /34 | Cross-Linked ETFE | Tin-Plated Copper | 150°C | 600V (Normal Wt) |
| /87 | PTFE/Polyimide (TKT) | Nickel-Plated Copper | 260°C | 600V |