
Wire Flexibility Explained
Wire flexibility is influenced by two major factors: wire strand size and jacket hardness. Wire strand size has the largest impact on overall wire flexibility. As individual wire strand size decreases, wire flexibility increases.
For boat cable, UL 1426 requires at least 19 individual strands for cables 16 AWG and larger. Ancor wire uses type 3 stranding which consists of individual 30 AWG (0.010″) strands, regardless of the wire gauge. Ancor’s 16 AWG wire consists of 26 individual strands, while the 4/0 AWG wire consists of 2,109 individual strands.
Jacket hardness is most commonly measured by durometer, with lower measurements reflecting a more flexible material. Ancor wire measures 7 points lower than competitive product (on a scale of 1-100), resulting in a more flexible product.

Ancor Marine Grade Wire and Cable
Manufactured from tinned copper stranding for maximum protection against corrosion and electrolysis. Ultra flexible (Type 3) stranding resists fatigue due to vibration and flexing.
Ancor’s proprietary premium vinyl insulation stays flexible even in extreme cold (-40°F / -40°C) and resists salt water, battery acid, oil, gasoline and ultra-violet radiation. Exclusive insulation is rated at
600 volts, 221°F / 105°C dry and 167°F / 75°C wet, and is resistant to heat and abrasion.
Exceeds all UL 1426, US Coast Guard Charter boat (CFR Title 46) and ABYC standards.