Among the various types of litz wire acting two of the best known are the taped litz wire and the silk covered litz wire. Although the two were invented to minimize high frequency losses, they are different mainly two the outer wrapping material and the electrical characteristics. So, what litz is the best one for your application?

Taped Litz Wire is wrapped with PI film (Polyesterimide film). This layer can be used in applications requiring high voltage, and electric insulation is very good. Round taped litz wire withstands over 6000V, rectangular taped litz wire withstand more than 2500V. It is this added strength and resilience to high-voltage services that makes taped litz wire a perfect bet for the transformer windings, power supplies, and other high voltage duties where safety and insulation play vital roles.

Silk Covered Litz Wire on the contrary uses nylon yarn, polyester yarn, or natural silk for audio equipment of the highest quality. However, the yarn itself does not have much effect on voltage resistance. The voltage withstand capacity of silk covered wire is generally from a couple of hundred volt to about 1000V or So (depending on the spec of the single enameled wire inside). Natural silk is more costly, but it is a prefered material for many audiophiles for its superior flexibility and sound characteristics.

How to choose? Consider these three factors:

1. Voltage requirement – If you need high voltage resistance (over 2000V), choose taped litz wire. If higher impregnation is required but high voltage withstand is not a major concern, nylon serving litz wire is a good choice.

2. Winding shape – Sometimes you may struggle to choose between litz round wire and rectangular litz wire. For the same specifications, you need to consider which one is better suited for your winding method.

3. If you need flexibility and complex winding, go with Silk covered litz wire. If you need a neat, fixed shape, choose Taped litz wire.