Aircraft Wire, MIL-W-5086A Type I PVC/Nylon Unshielded

No. MIL-W-5086A is a legacy specification and is no longer recommended for current aircraft wiring applications.

MIL-W-5086A remains useful as a reference when identifying or replacing older wire constructions, but it should not be assumed to meet current aerospace wiring requirements. Custom Cable Corp. identifies these products using the historical MIL-W-5086A designation because customers may still need to match an existing construction, drawing, part number, or legacy system requirement. Current project specifications should always be reviewed before selecting this wire.

Type I uses PVC insulation with an overall nylon jacket, while Type II adds a glass braid layer beneath the nylon covering.

Both constructions use stranded tinned copper conductors, but their insulation systems differ. Type I consists of PVC insulation with a clear nylon jacket. Type II incorporates PVC insulation, a glass braid, and a clear nylon jacket, with larger sizes also using a nylon-lacquered braid. This difference affects the finished construction, outside diameter, and physical protection of the wire.

Stranding improves flexibility, while tin coating helps protect the copper surface from oxidation and corrosion.

The stranded construction makes the wire easier to route and terminate than a solid conductor of comparable size. Tin plating adds a protective layer to the copper strands, which can help maintain conductor condition in environments where moisture, storage conditions, or contaminants may otherwise affect bare copper. This combination was commonly used in legacy wire constructions requiring flexibility and dependable electrical performance.

The AN designation identifies the corresponding wire size within the legacy specification system.

For example, Custom Cable Corp. lists 22 AWG wire as AN-22, 20 AWG as AN-20, and 12 AWG as AN-12. These designations can be useful when matching an older bill of materials, maintenance document, equipment drawing, or replacement requirement that references the historical AN designation rather than only the AWG size.

Outside diameter can affect routing, bundle size, connector fit, sleeving, clamps, and available installation space.

Even when the conductor size matches, different wire constructions can have different finished diameters. Type I and Type II versions of the same AWG size, for example, do not necessarily have the same nominal outside diameter. Checking the published O.D. helps avoid fitment problems when working with existing harnesses, conduit, terminals, clamps, or tightly routed equipment.