Conductivity and insulation properties of motor winding electromagnetic wire
The performance of the electromagnetic wire in the motor winding is determined by a series of core technical parameters. These parameters are not only the basis for product design and selection, but also key indicators to ensure the stable operation of the motor.
The conductor material directly affects the conductivity and cost of the electromagnetic wire. Currently, the mainstream materials are copper and aluminum, each with its own strengths in performance and application scenarios. Copper conductors have high conductivity, good heat dissipation, and high mechanical strength, making them less prone to deformation or breakage during winding and installation. They are the preferred material for mid-to-high-end motors, especially suitable for new energy vehicle drive motors and high-voltage industrial motors with stringent requirements for efficiency and reliability. Aluminum conductors have a conductivity of about 60% that of copper, but their density is only 1/3 that of copper, and their cost is only about 1/4 that of copper. They are widely used in cost-sensitive applications with smaller motor power, such as small household motors and low-cost industrial auxiliary motors.

In recent years, in order to balance conductivity and cost, "copper-clad aluminum" conductors have gradually emerged. These conductors use aluminum as the core and are coated with a thin layer of copper. They retain the advantages of aluminum in terms of lightweight and low cost, while the copper layer improves conductivity and oxidation resistance. Their application in the field of small and medium-sized motors is constantly increasing.
Insulation class is a key parameter for measuring the heat resistance limit of the electromagnetic wire insulation layer, directly affecting the temperature rise and service life of the motor. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard, insulation classes are classified into A, B, F, H, and C classes according to the maximum permissible operating temperature. The insulation materials and applicable scenarios of different classes are significantly different.
Class A insulation: maximum allowable temperature 105℃, mainly using oil-based paint, cotton yarn and other insulation materials. Due to its poor heat resistance, it is now rarely used in modern motors.
Class B insulation: maximum allowable temperature 130℃. Commonly used insulation materials include polyester varnish, epoxy glass cloth, etc. The cost is moderate and the heat resistance meets the needs of household motors and small industrial motors, such as washing machine motors and fan motors.
Class F insulation: maximum allowable temperature 155℃, insulation material is mainly modified polyester varnish and glass fiber wrapped wire, heat resistance is better than Class B, suitable for small and medium-sized asynchronous motors, automobile starter motors, etc.
Class H insulation: Maximum allowable temperature 180℃, using high-end insulation materials such as silicone organic paint and mica tape, with higher temperature resistance and insulation strength, suitable for high voltage motors, new energy vehicle drive motors, and heat-resistant industrial motors;
Class C insulation: maximum permissible temperature >220℃, insulation material is inorganic material such as ceramic and aluminum nitride, mainly used in special extreme environments such as aerospace motors, nuclear industry motors, and high temperature heating motors.
It is important to note that the lifespan of motor insulation is significantly negatively correlated with operating temperature. Generally, for every 10-15°C increase in temperature, the aging rate of the insulation layer doubles, and the lifespan is approximately halved. Therefore, selecting the appropriate insulation class is a crucial aspect of motor design.


























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