Apr 20, 2021
TFFN vs. THHN Wire
Choosing wire for various projects requires understanding the specific ratings for different wire types. When it comes to wires with acronyms, knowing what makes each type distinct can be difficult. For instance, many people find they need help understanding the difference between TFFN and THHN wire because their names are so similar. Knowing the differences and the applications of these wires will make choosing the right one for your next project easier.
What Do the Wire Letters Stand for?
The letters used in wire names, such as THHN and TFFN, have specific representations to make identifying the uses of the cables easier. Break down the names by each letter code to understand what the cable names mean.
In both THHN and TFFN, the names start with T, which stands for thermoplastic, the type of insulation they share. Any other wire types that start with T also have thermoplastic insulation.
The N in both names refers to the type of material used for the exterior coating. In the cases of TFFN and THHN, that jacket has a nylon construction. This nylon exterior protects the wire from dust, dirt, gas and oil.
Differences between THHN and TFFN come from the internal letters. In TFFN, the FF represents a flexible fixture. The flexible portion relates to the smaller size of the wire that allows it to move and flex more easily than heavier cables. Fixture means that the applications for this type of wire are electrical fixtures.
In THHN, each H represents a different level of heat tolerance for the wire. Names that only have one H can operate up to 75 degrees Celsius (167 degrees Fahrenheit). Products with HH in the name maintain integrity up to 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit).
When you see THWN, you have a thermoplastic nylon-jacketed wiring that can operate up to 75 degrees Celsius. The W means that it has a rating for use in wet locations. You can only install THHN in dry settings. For products named THWN/THHN, the wire is a dual rating type of wire and may also have the label of MWR for machine wire rated on it.
Always check the wire specifications for the wirings rated uses in dry or wet locations. For instance, our THHN wires are approved for use in both wet and dry environments. However, the same may not be true for every wire seller. The specifications for the wires will give the greatest information possible about how and where you can safely use the wire.
What Is the Difference Between THHN and TFFN Wire?
THHN and TFFN are different types of wires used for varying applications. These products have many similarities, particularly their thermoplastic nylon construction, which is why they share the letters T and N. However, each has ratings that make it a better choice for certain applications.
Generally, both types work well when you need a thermoplastic nylon option. However, THHN is better for applications that need a greater size range, and TFFN works best in fixtures.
When seen next to each other, the main difference between THHN and TFFN wiring is apparent. The latter comes in much smaller sizes compared to the former. Having more gauge options for THHN means it has more applications for higher power uses than TFFN conductors.
What Is THHN Wire?
THHN cable has a thermoplastic insulation constructed of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The exterior easily strips for cutting and connecting the wiring. The wires inside the THHN handle high heat temperatures, making them suitable for most applications in buildings. Copper wire inside the insulation comes in stranded and solid constructions. Solid copper is available in 14, 12 and 10 American wire gauge (AWG) sizes. All other sizes have stranded copper inside. Surrounding the internal core and insulation, the nylon jacket provides durable protection against wear and tear.
THHN conductor is at the core of underground feeder cable (UFB) and Romex cables. The former does not require a conduit and can run outside or underground. Due to its cost, UFB cable is usually used only in outdoor or buried applications. The more cost-effective Romex cables are a popular choice among contractors for interior electrical wiring in homes and businesses.
What Use Is THHN Wire Suitable For?
THHN wire only has suitable use in dry locations. For places where moisture may intrude, THWN wire provides a safer option.
When temperatures could exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit, THHN conductors can stand up to the heat. THN or THWN wiring does not have the same heat resistance.
THHN wiring typically comes in larger sizes than TFFN cable, so it does not have as much flexibility as TFFN products. Common sizes used in Romex or UFB cable of THHN wiring include 10, 12 and 14 AWG. Typically, Romex cable has three of these conductors inside.
Larger sizes of THHN wiring in 8, 6, 4 and 2 AWG are available for applications that need higher voltage, such as supplying a high-voltage outlet for an appliance.
The biggest sizes of THHN wiring are 1/0 and larger. These high-capacity wires can handle circuitry coming from an electrical main to a building. These main supply lines may have smaller THHN or TFFN wires as branch circuits to supply individual outlets or fixtures.
What Is TFFN Wire?
The acronym TFFN stands for thermoplastic flexible fixture nylon. The “flexible” portion of its name alludes to its ease of movement and flexing. In fact, the smaller size of TFFN cables typically accounts for this flexibility. This wire is available only in sizes 16 and 18 AWG, making it much smaller than any available THHN conductors. Inside, the copper wire has a stranded construction.
A rare variation of TFFN cable is the TFN type. This wiring is not as flexible because it contains a solid copper core inside instead of stranded wire. Most applications will require TFFN instead of TFN products.
When used in dry conditions, the wire can handle temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius. Unlike THHN cabling that you cannot use in wet locations, TFFN cables often allow for safe use in moist places. The downside to using this wiring in wet locations is a drop in its heat resistance.
The use of TFFN conductor in both wet and dry applications comes from its durable exterior that offers protection against moisture, oil, dust and gas. It also can withstand use underground in a suitable conduit.
How Is TFFN Wiring Used?
A TFFN conductor has many applications due to its smaller size and greater flexibility that need wiring rated up to 600 volts. For situations that require fixture wire, use TFFN. Fixture wiring is the main use for TFFN wire.
When using wiring for fixtures, it must remain inside a light fixture or connect the fixture to the branch circuit. The capacity of TFFN wiring to stand up to high heat levels is especially beneficial when used inside lighting fixtures that could have higher operating temperatures than the surrounding environment.
You could use TFFN wiring for control circuits. However, for branch and main circuits, use the larger sizes of THHN to handle the higher amounts of power.
What Is THWN Wiring? How Is It Different from THHN?
When exploring the differences between THHN and TFFN wire, you will likely come across a related type: THWN. This type of cable has a close relation to THHN wire. As with THHN, the letters in THWN indicate its approved uses and construction.
THWN stands for the following:
- Thermoplastic insulation
- Heat rated up to 75 degrees Celsius (167 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Wet locations
- Nylon coating
This type of conductor has thermoplastic insulation to protect it from heat and a nylon coating that provides resistance against moisture damage. The heat resistance is not as high as THHN cable, though. Only use this type of product in locations that won’t exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the THWN conductor makes up for its lower heat resistance by not needing a conduit. This feature makes the applications of this type of product greater than conductor types that require conduit.
A related type of product to THWN is THWN-2. The difference between these two conductors is the greater heat resistance of THWN-2 — up to 90 degrees Celsius in both dry and wet sites. Thanks to its higher heat resistance, its ability to withstand moisture damage, and its variety of sizes, the TWHN-2 conductor has the greatest variety of uses compared to THWN cable.
Another related term is the dual THWN/THHN label often found on MWR. This wiring has use for dry and wet applications in machinery, though it often comes in smaller gauges compared to THWN products.
Where to Use THWN Wiring
THWN wiring has the same range of sizes as THHN conductors. However, the ability to use THWN conductor in wet locations increases its potential applications as a branch or main cabling for use underground or near moisture sources. When working with other companies for obtaining wiring, you may need to specify THWN cables for wet locations. However, all the THHN-labeled products at WesBell Electronics have ratings for wet and dry use, effectively making them the same as THWN wiring.
Which Is Best: TFFN vs. THHN vs. THWN?
If you’re still comparing TFFN vs. THWN or TFFN vs. THHN, consider the following uses for each type of conductor and their main distinctions.
First, THHN and THWN from WesBell Electronics are the same products. They have applications in both wet and dry environments and come in gauges from 14 AWG to greater than 1/0. Due to their larger sizes, THHN and THWN cables do not have the same flexibility that TFFN wiring does. However, these heavier cables have the capacity to carry greater amounts of power, such as main circuits or branch circuits. Romex and UFB cables frequently have three THHN conductors inside for interior or exterior wiring.
TFFN cable only comes in 16 and 18 AWG. The smaller sizes of these cables make them readily flexible for use inside fixtures. They also work well when connecting fixtures or controls to the branch circuits. While capable of handling moisture, the heat resistance of TFFN cables drops in wet environments.
Questions to Ask When Selecting Between THHN and TFFN Wires
You can ask several questions to find the correct wire type to use for your application.
What Temperature Rating Does the Product Need to Withstand?
When used in dry conditions, both THHN and TFFN can handle high heat. However, for wet situations, TFFN’s ability to withstand high temperatures drops. Consequently, if you need protection in a moist environment and high heat resistance up to 90 degrees Celsius, THHN conductors may suffice if other conditions apply.
Where Will You Use the Wiring?
Where you plan to use the wiring also makes a difference. For instance, if you need cables for inside light or appliance fixtures, you must use TFFN, which has a rating for fixtures. THHN is too thick and inflexible for this use. However, the smaller sizes of TFFN cable do not suffice for large main or branch circuits.
What Gauge Do You Need for the Project?
The gauge needed for the conductor will provide the main determining factor. THHN conductor comes in larger sizes than those available for TFFN, which only comes in 16 and 18 AWG. THHN, though, has a much wider range of options starting at 14 AWG, which is larger than the biggest TFFN cable. Sizes for THHN range up to 4/0, which has the capacity of carrying 1,000 amps of power.
Do You Need Main or Branch Circuit Wiring?
If you require wiring that will carry more amps, you need THHN cable. Thanks to the larger sizes available, you can use THHN conductor as main or branch circuit wires indoors or outdoors. TFFN conductor does not have a large enough construction to handle the amps required of these applications.
Get in Touch With WesBell Electronics, Inc. for TFFN, THHN and Many Other Wires
You must carefully select wiring to meet the construction codes and building requirements of a project. To help you with any electrical work that you have, we offer a supply of wires, cables and services at WesBell Electronics, Inc. If you have a design for a project, we can customize the order from your design upload and specifications through our wire harness assembly and other services. With more than 30 years of providing wires and cables to businesses and ISO 9001/2015 certification, we can fulfill any needs your company has for wires, cables or custom orders. For answers to any questions you may have about our company, to request services or to find out more about the electrical products we offer, contact us at WesBell Electronics, Inc.
