18/5 AWG Wire | McMaster-Carr

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	Number of Wires Number of Wires

	Wire Gauge Wire Gauge

	Shielding Shielding

	Unshielded
	Shielded
	Double Shielded

	Wire Type Wire Type

	Stranded
	Solid

	Outer Insulation Color Outer Insulation Color

	Black		Green
	Gray		Brown

	System of Measurement System of Measurement

Inch

	Length Length

	Cable AWG Cable AWG	Show

18/5

	Cable AWG Cable AWG	Hide

	Voltage Voltage

	Use For Use For

Automation

Buildings

Continuous Motion

Interference Shielding

Outdoors

Power Supply

	Flexibility Flexibility

	Inner Insulation Marking Inner Insulation Marking

Colored

Numbered

	OD OD

	Specifications Met Specifications Met

	RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

RoHS Compliant

	Inner Insulation Color Inner Insulation Color

	Black
	Blue
	Green
	Green/Yellow
	Orange
	Red
	White
	Yellow

	Industry Designation Industry Designation

	Outer Insulation Material Outer Insulation Material

Plastic

Rubber

	Wire Material Wire Material

Copper

	Current Current

	Minimum Temperature Minimum Temperature

-49° to 0° F

Greater than 0° F

	Wire Finish Wire Finish

Bare

Tin Plated

	Inner Insulation Material Inner Insulation Material

Plastic

Rubber

Nylon/PVC Plastic Blend

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

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21 Products

About Industry Designation for Cable Insulation

About Wire and Cable

Use this general purpose cable to supply power to equipment.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

SOOW—600V AC

Use For: Outdoors, Power Supply
Ultra Flexible
Temperature Range:
Black: -40° to 190° F
Yellow: -55° to 220° F
Insulation: EPDM Rubber

Ultra-flexible cable is good for applications that require tight turns.

SOOW cable has an oil-resistant outer and inner insulation, and water-resistant outer insulation. The EPDM rubber insulation has good tensile strength.

Flame rated cable meets requirements for preventing the spread of flames based on a timed test. FT2 cable is suspended horizontally during testing.

										Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Inner Insulation Color	Specifications Met	Wire Material	Length, ft.		1-249	250-Up
Stranded Wire—Black Outer Insulation
18	5	18/5	5 A @ 86° F	0.47"	Black, Green, Orange, Red, White	UL Listed, CSA Certified, Flame Rated FT2, Flame Rated FT1	Bare Copper	10, 25, 50, 100, 250	0000000	00000	00000

Coiled Cable

After extending to full length to provide added reach, this cable retracts and self-coils for tangle-free storage. It's often used with hand tools and other portable devices.

Ultra-flexible cable extends and retracts more easily than flexible cable.

SJOW, SOW, SJEOW, and SEOW cable have an oil- and water-resistant outer insulation. SJOW and SOW have a multipurpose neoprene insulation.

SJOW

Use For: Outdoors, Power Supply
Ultra Flexible
Temperature Range: -40° to 190° F
Insulation:
Outer: Neoprene Rubber
Inner: EPDM Rubber

300V AC Stranded Wire
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Coil OD	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Specifications Met		2 ft. Retracted Lg.	4 ft. Retracted Lg.
18	5	18/5	5 A @ 86° F	0.44"	1.6"	Black	Black, Green, Orange, Red, White	UL Listed, CSA Certified	00000000	0000000	0000000

Direct-Burial Cable

Use For: Buildings, Outdoors
Flexible
Temperature Range: 0° to 140° F

Weather-resistant insulation makes this cable suitable for outdoor use and direct burial without conduit.

18-gauge wire is often used for sprinkler systems.

Solid Wire with Polyethylene Plastic Outer Insulation

Polyethylene Insulation

30V AC/30V DC
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	OD	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Material	Inner Insulation Color	Specifications Met		10 ft.	25 ft.	50 ft.	100 ft.	250 ft.	500 ft.
18	5	18/5	0.25"	Black	Polypropylene Plastic	Blue, Green, Red, White, Yellow	UL Listed	0000000	000000	000000	000000	000000	0000000	0000000

Continuous-Flex Cable

Unshielded

Shielded

Often used in automated applications such as robotics and cable carriers, this cable withstands continuous motion without degrading data or signal transmission. It’s flame rated VW-1 to meet requirements for preventing the spread of flames based on a timed test with vertically suspended material. Rated for use in ISO Class 1 or ISO Class 2 clean rooms, this cable releases minimal particles into the air, helping you to maintain the cleanest possible environment.

Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.

Shielded cable has a layer of braid that blocks signal interference from nearby equipment and devices.

Choose cable with PVC plastic outer insulation for general purpose indoor applications. Their protective layer resists abrasion, though it has the highest bend radius compared to other materials.

CE marked cable meets European health, safety, and environmental protection requirements.

Bend radius is the point to which the cable will bend without being damaged. It is measured from the center of the bend to the edge of the cable. The smaller the radius, the more the cable can bend.

Unshielded Stranded Wire—PVC Plastic Outer Insulation

Use For: Automation, Continuous Motion
Continuous Flex
Temperature Range: 25° to 155° F
Inner Insulation:
300V AC: TPE Rubber
600V AC: PVC Plastic

													Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Bend Radius	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Environment	Environmental Rating	Specifications Met	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
300V AC
18	5	18/5	13 A @ 86° F	0.28"	2.1"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	Clean Room	ISO Class 1	UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked, Flame Rated VW-1, NFPA 79	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 250	0000000	00000	00000
600V AC
18	5	18/5	9 A @ 86° F	0.3"	2.04"	Green	Black, Green/Yellow	Clean Room	ISO Class 2	UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, Flame Rated VW-1	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

Shielded Stranded Wire—PVC Plastic Outer Insulation

Use For: Automation, Continuous Motion, Interference Shielding
Continuous Flex
Temperature Range: 25° to 155° F
Inner Insulation:
300V AC: TPE Rubber
600V AC: PVC Plastic

													Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Bend Radius	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Environment	Environmental Rating	Specifications Met	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
300V AC
18	5	18/5	14 A @ 86° F	0.35"	2.63"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	Clean Room	ISO Class 1	UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked, Flame Rated VW-1, NFPA 79	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	00000	00000
600V AC
18	5	18/5	9 A @ 86° F	0.35"	2.38"	Green	Black, Green/Yellow	Clean Room	ISO Class 2	UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, Flame Rated VW-1	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

Oil-Resistant Continuous-Flex Cable

This cable has an insulation with excellent resistance to oil, so it can be used near motors and equipment that require oil lubrication. Often used in automated applications such as robotics and cable carriers, it withstands continuous motion without degrading data or signal transmission. It’s flame rated VW-1 to meet requirements for preventing the spread of flames based on a timed test with vertically suspended material.

Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.

Shielded cable has a layer of braid that blocks signal interference from nearby equipment and devices.

Bend radius is the point to which the cable will bend without being damaged. It is measured from the center of the bend to the edge of the cable. The smaller the measurement, the tighter the bend.

Unshielded Stranded Wire

Unshielded

Use For: Automation, Continuous Motion
Continuous Flex
Insulation:
300 and 1000V AC: TPE Rubber Inner Insulation
600V AC: PVC Plastic Inner Insulation
See Table for Outer Insulation
Environment:
300 and 1000V AC: Clean Room
600V AC: Not Rated
Specifications Met:
300 and 1000V AC: UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, Flame Rated VW-1
600V AC: UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified, Flame Rated VW-1

													Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	Temp. Range, °F	OD	Bend Radius	Outer Insulation Material	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Environmental Rating	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
600V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	45° to 190°	0.31"	2.33"	PVC Plastic	Black	Black, Green/Yellow	__	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	00000	00000
1,000V AC
18	5	18/5	14 A @ 86° F	-30° to 175°	0.3"	2.04"	Polyurethane Rubber	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	ISO Class 1	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

Shielded Stranded Wire

Shielded

Use For: Shielded: Automation, Continuous Motion, Interference Shielding
Continuous Flex
Insulation:
600V AC: PVC Plastic Inner Insulation
1,000V AC: TPE Rubber Inner Insulation
See Table for Outer Insulaton
Environment:
600V AC: Not Rated
1,000V AC: Clean Room
Specifications Met:
600V AC: UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified, Flame Rated VW-1
1,000V AC: UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, Flame-Rated VW-1

													Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	Temp. Range, °F	OD	Bend Radius	Outer Insulation Material	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Environmental Rating	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
600V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	45° to 190°	0.41"	3.08"	PVC Plastic	Black	Black, Green/Yellow	__	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	000000	000000
1,000V AC
18	5	18/5	14 A @ 86° F	-30° to 175°	0.37"	2.52"	Polyurethane Rubber, TPE Rubber	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	ISO Class 1	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

No-Conduit-Required Continuous-Flex Cable

Unshielded

Shielded

Use For:
Unshielded: Automation, Continuous Motion
Shielded: Automation, Continuous Motion, Interference Shielding
Continuous Flex
Temperature Range: 25° to 175° F
Insulation:
Outer: PVC Plastic
Inner: Nylon Plastic, PVC Plastic

This cable meets TC-ER crush and impact requirements for exposed runs in cable carriers, so it can be used without conduit. Often used in automated applications such as robotics, it withstands continuous motion without degrading data or signal transmission. It’s flame rated FT4 to meet requirements for preventing the spread of flames based on a timed test with material mounted to a vertical tray.

Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.

Shielded cable has a layer of braid that blocks signal interference from nearby equipment and devices.

												Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Bend Radius	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Industry Designation	Specifications Met	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
Unshielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	9 A @ 86° F	0.35"	2.8"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	TC-ER	UL Listed, CSA Certified, Flame Rated FT4	10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	00000	00000
Shielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	9 A @ 86° F	0.43"	4.3"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	TC-ER	UL Listed, CSA Certified, Flame Rated FT4	10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

Long-Life Continuous-Flex Cable

Use For: Automation, Continuous Motion
Continuous Flex
Temperature Range: -30° to 175° F
Insulation:
Outer: Polyurethane Rubber
Inner: TPE Rubber

With a life span of more than 20 million high-speed flex cycles, this cable lasts twice as long as standard continuous-flex cable so you have to replace cable less frequently. Often used in automated applications such as robotics and cable carriers, it withstands continuous motion without degrading data or signal transmission. The polyurethane rubber insulation resists abrasion, chemicals, and oil.

Bend radius is the point to which the cable will bend without being damaged. It is measured from the center of the bend to the edge of the cable. The smaller the measurement, the tighter the bend.

										Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Bend Radius	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
Stranded Wire
300V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	0.28"	2.1"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	000000	00000

Thermostat Cable

Use For: Buildings
Bend and Stay
Temperature Range: 0° to 140° F
Insulation:
Outer: PVC Plastic
Inner: Polyethylene Plastic

Hook up thermostats, air-conditioning units, and other low-voltage equipment. This cable is designated CL2 so it has flame-resistant insulation. The wires are solid so it stays in the shape you bend it.

Solid Wire
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	OD	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Industry Designation	Specifications Met		10 ft.	25 ft.	50 ft.	100 ft.	250 ft.
150V AC/150V DC
18	5	18/5	0.17"	Brown	Blue, Green, Red, White, Yellow	CL2	ETL Listed	0000000	000000	000000	000000	000000	0000000

Control Cable

Unshielded

Shielded

Use For:
Unshielded: Automation
Shielded: Automation; Interference Shielding
Flexible
Temperature Range: 45° to 190° F
Insulation: PVC Plastic

Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.

Shielded cable has a layer of braid that blocks signal interference from nearby equipment and devices.

										Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Specifications Met	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
Unshielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	0.31"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified, Flame Rated VW-1	10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	00000	00000
Shielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	0.4"	Gray	Black, Green/Yellow	UL Recognized Component, CSA Certified, Flame Rated VW-1	10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

No-Conduit-Required Control Cable

Unshielded

Double Shielded

Use For:
Unshielded: Automation
Double Shielded: Automation, Interference Shielding
Flexible
Temperature Range: -10° to 190° F
Insulation:
Outer: PVC Plastic
Inner: Nylon/PVC Plastic Blend

This cable meets TC-ER crush and impact requirements for exposed runs in cable carriers, so it can be used without conduit. It withstands period flexing and bending, sends signal and data to operate, measure, or regulate automated equipment. The PVC insulation resists oil. It’s flame rated FT4 to meet requirements for preventing the spread of flames based on a timed test with material mounted to a vertical tray.

Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.

Double shielded cable has a layer of braid and foil shielding that provides excellent protection against signal interference from nearby equipment and devices.

											Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Industry Designation	Specifications Met	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
Unshielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	0.35"	Black	Black, Green/Yellow	TC-ER	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, Flame Rated FT4	10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 250	0000000	00000	00000
Double-Shielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	11 A @ 86° F	0.37"	Black	Black, Green/Yellow	TC-ER	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, Flame Rated FT4	10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	0000	0000

Space-Saver Control Cable

Unshielded

Double Shielded

Use For:
Unshielded: Automation
Double Shielded: Automation, Interference Shielding
Flexible
Temperature Range: -40° to 220° F
Insulation: Modified Polyphenylene Ether (mPPE) Plastic

Nearly two-thirds the diameter of standard control cable, this cable fits in tight spaces. The modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) insulation is less than half the weight of the PVC insulation found on standard control cable, yet is more abrasion and cut resistant. Use it to send signal and data to operate, measure, or regulate automated equipment that requires cable to periodically flex and bend. It’s often used with conveyors, CNC machines, and to connect equipment to a control panel. Cable is flame rated VW-1 to meet requirements for preventing the spread of flames based on a timed test with vertically suspended material.

Use unshielded cable in applications where signal interference is not a concern.

Double shielded cable has a layer of braid and foil shielding that provides excellent protection against signal interference from nearby equipment and devices.

										Per Ft.
Wire Ga.	No. of Wires	Cable AWG	Current	OD	Outer Insulation Color	Inner Insulation Color	Specifications Met	Length, ft.		1-99	100-Up
Unshielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	6 A @ 86° F	0.26"	Gray	Black, Green, Orange, Red, White	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, Flame Rated VW-1	10, 20, 30, 50, 100	0000000	000000	00000
Double-Shielded Stranded Wire
600V AC
18	5	18/5	6 A @ 86° F	0.29"	Gray	Black, Green, Orange, Red, White	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, Flame Rated VW-1	5, 10, 20, 30, 50	0000000	00000	00000