| Type | PVC is the lowest cost of all the insulations. Mostly used with extension grade wire with the exception of ripcord, code 3, construction, which is T/C grade. Very easy to strip. | Silicone rubber is a soft, flexible and tough insulation. Moderate in cost, it retains flexibility at lower temperatures and has higher upper utilization temperature than PVC. Outstanding fuel and solvent resistance. | Teflon FEP is not affected by most corrosives, lubricants or weather. Moderate in cost, FEP will not crack or embrittle with heat aging. Good for cryogenic use if not flexed. | Teflon PFA is higher in cost than FEP but has higher upper utilization temperature. Resistant to most corrosives, lubricants and weather. Good for cryogenic use if not flexed. | Teflon TFE is higher in cost than FEP but has higher upper utilization temperature. Tape is helically applied and cured. Difficult to strip. | Kapton is a high cost insulation. It is resistant to radiation. The tape is helically applied and cured with FEP binder. Difficult to strip. |
| Flexibility | Very Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Abrasion Resistance | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good |
| ANSI/ASTM Color Code | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Rating Continuous | -15 to +221°F -26 to +105°C | -75 to +500°F -100 to +260°C | -90 to +400°F -67 to +204°C | -90 to +500°F -67 to +260°C | -90 to +500°F -67 to +260°C | -90 to +500°F -67 to +260°C |
| Single Reading | N/A | N/A | 600°F (316°C) | 550°F (288°C) | 600°F (316°C) | 800°F (427°C) |
| Mfg. Method | Extruded | Extruded | Extruded | Extruded | Fused Tape | Fused Tape |
| Description | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Silicone Rubber | Teflon FEP | Teflon PFA | Teflon TFE | Kapton |
| Insulation Code | P | L | E | F | T | K |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
