M3432 / Military Power / CO Cable
Galaxy is a leading supplier of custom and stock Mil-C-3432 CO cables and military power cables.
Military Power Cable, CO Cable, M3432/ Mil-C-3432 Cable
Galaxy is a leading supplier of custom and stock Mil-C-3432 CO cables and military power cables. M3432, or CO Cable, is a broad military specification for portable power and control cable. Galaxy can supply any number of configurations of CO cable.
What is Military Power Cable?
Military power cable is a specification of cables that can be customized for a specific application where harsh environment and military compliance is critical. It is used for a wide range of applications, both electrical and electronic, and the cables are designed to hold up against physical abuse in a variety of applications.
Benefits of Military Power / CO Cable / M3432 Cable
The M3432 Cable specification encompasses any number of configurations that can be customized for a particular application. There are a large number of choices for AWG sizes, shielding, conductor count, insulation and jacketing material, and OD sizes. The configuration is determined based on the environment and application for which the cable will be used.
Military Power Applications
The specification is divided into classes that are determined by the application of the cable. These include:
- Heavy duty – designed for the harshest of applications, including being run over by heavy vehicles and severe flexing and mechanical abuse over a long period of time. These cables are tough and able withstand continual impacts, weights, and manipulation and twisting.
- Medium duty cables – a rugged cable that can be used in some of the same places as the heavy duty, except should not be run over. It is a lighter weight and ideal for light generals, hand-held tools, connection for portable power sources, and sound equipment.
- Light duty cables – the lightest weight duty commonly used in airborne applications where weight is a concern. These cables are flexible and used also for small motor and generator leads.
| Class Designation | Duty | Volts (rms) |
|---|---|---|
| L | Light | 300 |
| M | Medium | 600 |
| H | Heavy | 600 |
Features and Materials
The M3432 spec is further broken down by insulation type, conductor count, flexibility, shielding, and OD.
- Insulation and Jacket – there are several thermoplastic and thermoset options, including TPE, Rubber, and Polyethylene, that range from -55°C to up to 90°C and resistance to oil, heat, and weather.
| Class Designation 2nd Letter | Application |
|---|---|
| G | General purpose, med-low temp, -40C to 75C |
| O | Med-low temp, oil resistant, -40C to 75C |
| L | Low temp, heat resistant, -55C to 75C |
| D | Low temp, oil and heat resistant, -55C to 75C |
| H | Low temp, heat and weather resistant, -55C to 90C |
| B | Low temp, oil and weather resistant, -55C to 80C |
| C | Low temp, oil and heat resistant, -55C to 80C |
| K | Low temp, oil, heat and weather resistant, -55C to 80C |
| N | Low temp, oil and heat resistant, -55C to 90C |
| E | Low temp, ozone, oil, weather and heat resistant, -65C to 90C |
- Shielding – conductors can be grouped and shielded in a multitude of configurations, with braid coverage being a minimum of 85%
- Flexibility – there are three choices under this specification
| Designator | Service |
|---|---|
| S | Semi Flexible |
| F | Flexible |
| E | Extra Flexible |
- AWG Sizes – 500MCM up to 24AWG
Part Number Examples:
- M3432-03MDF(3/12)0500
- 3C 12AWG unshielded cable with an OD of .500” – medium duty, 75°C oil and heat resistant jacket, flexible
- M3432-06LHE(2/22X3)SJ0345
- 6C (3 pairs) 22AWG with an overall braid shield and an OD of .345” – light duty, 90°C heat and weather resistant jacket, extra flexible
Galaxy Differentiators / Advantages for Military Power Cable
Galaxy can supply any configuration meeting the M3432 specification, with low minimum production quantities and competitive lead times. Galaxy can assist in the design of the right M3432 cable for specific applications. As these cables are used in situations which performance is critical, it is important to choose the best materials to build the cable. Galaxy can design the M3432 cable that is perfect for the intended application.
FAQs about Military Power Cable
Is foil shielding acceptable per Mil-C-3432?
No, foil shields are not acceptable. Copper braid shields are always used within this milspec.
How are the insulation and jacket thicknesses determined?
Insulation thickness is driven by the size of the conductor, and the class of duty (see class designation table above). Jacket thickness is determined by the class of duty and the nominal diameter of the core before jacketing.
Terminology Notes
There are various terms used in the wire and cable industry related to this type of cable. They include:
- CO Cable
- M3432 Cable
- Mil-C-3432 Cable
- MIL-DTL-3432Cable
Contact Galaxy Wire & Cable for Military Power Cable
Contact Galaxy for further assistance with Mil-C-3432 CO cables and military power cables.