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Magnet Wire & Enameled Copper Wire

Electrolytic ETP Winding Conductors

Magnet Wire & Enameled Copper Winding Wire (14 to 44 AWG)

CMS Magnetics stocks high-purity enameled copper magnet wire engineered for high-efficiency electromagnetic coils, motor rewinds, transformers, inductors, solenoids, and musical instrument pickups. Precision-drawn from 99.9% pure electrolytic-tough-pitch (ETP) solid copper, our winding conductors feature ultra-uniform modified polyurethane and polyamide-imide resin film coatings (Class 155°C and heavy-duty Class 200°C). Available across gauges spanning 14 AWG down to ultra-fine 44 AWG on spools from 0.5 lb hobby reels to 10 lb industrial shop spools.

Winding custom electromagnetic rotors, inductors, or sensors? Pair your enameled copper coils with high-temperature SmCo Magnets for severe thermal environments, or browse our master Neodymium Magnets department to source rare-earth rotor blocks, arcs, and sensor discs.

99.9% Oxygen-Free Copper

High-conductivity drawn ETP solid copper ensures minimal DC resistance and optimal ampacity.

Class 155°C – 200°C Thermal Ratings

Meets NEMA MW 80-C (solderable) and MW 35-C heavy-build thermal and dielectric standards.

Direct Solderability

Fine gauges feature solderable enamel at 360°C–390°C without manual scraping or acid stripping.

Snag-Free Precision Spooling

Smooth layer-wound spools prevent kinks and tension tangles on manual and high-speed CNC winders.

Common Gauge Classifications: Heavy Motors (14 – 18 AWG) General Purpose (20 – 28 AWG) Solenoids & Relays (30 – 38 AWG) Guitar Pickups & Audio (40 – 44 AWG)

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Engineering Reference • AWG Dimensions, Resistance & NEMA Standards

Magnet Wire Engineering Guide: Resistance, Ampacity & Insulation Types

Magnet wire, also referred to as enameled copper wire or winding wire, is an electrically conductive copper wire coated with an ultra-thin layer of polymer insulation. Unlike building wire insulated with extruded PVC or rubber jackets, magnet wire utilizes a precision varnish film measuring only thousandths of an inch thick. This minimal insulation thickness allows engineers to wind thousands of tight coil turns into small physical volumes, generating the maximum magnetic field density per unit volume in electromagnets, transformers, and electric motors.

AWG Size	Bare Diameter (Inches / mm)	Resistance (Ω/1000 ft @ 20°C)	Current Rating (Amps @ 700 CMA)	Common Coil Applications
14 – 18 AWG	0.0641" – 0.0403" (1.63 – 1.02 mm)	2.52 – 6.38 Ω	5.8 – 2.3 A	High-current inductors, AC/DC motor stators, power inverters
20 – 26 AWG	0.0320" – 0.0159" (0.81 – 0.40 mm)	10.1 – 41.0 Ω	1.5 – 0.36 A	Automotive alternators, universal fractional-HP motors, step-down transformers
28 – 34 AWG	0.0126" – 0.0063" (0.32 – 0.16 mm)	65.3 – 261.0 Ω	0.23 – 0.057 A	Relays, miniature locking solenoids, RF chokes, precision sensor bobbins
40 – 44 AWG	0.0031" – 0.0020" (0.079 – 0.050 mm)	1,049 – 2,593 Ω	< 0.014 A	Electric guitar pickups (Stratocaster, Telecaster, PAF Humbucker), micro-sensors

Thermal Endurance Classes & NEMA Specifications

Selecting the correct insulation system determines the operating lifespan and temperature threshold of your finished coil assembly:

Class 155°C (Polyurethane / Nylon Overcoat • NEMA MW 80-C / MW 79-C): The industry choice for rapid manufacturing. The polyurethane resin vaporizes at typical soldering iron temperatures (360°C–390°C), enabling direct terminal tinning without manual wire stripping or hazardous chemical solvent baths.
Class 200°C (Polyester-Imide with Polyamide-Imide Overcoat • NEMA MW 35-C): High-temperature, heavy-build (Double Formvar equivalent) industrial wire. Provides extreme chemical resistance against transformer oils, varnishes, and motor washdowns, with high dielectric strength under extreme electrical overload.

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Magnet Wire & Enameled Copper Wire

Magnet Wire & Enameled Copper Winding Wire (14 to 44 AWG)