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What is Litz Wire?

The High-Frequency Wire That Delivers Efficiency?

Litz wire is a specialized type of high-frequency wire engineered for maximum efficiency. Instead of relying on a single solid conductor, Litz wire is built from many thin, individually insulated strands that are twisted or woven together.

The name “Litz” comes from the German word “Litzen” (meaning braided or stranded). This unique construction was designed to solve two major challenges that reduce efficiency when transmitting alternating current (AC) at high frequencies:

  • Skin effect – Current shifts toward the surface of the wire, increasing resistance.
  • Proximity effect – Nearby conductors distort the current path, creating extra losses.

By distributing current across multiple fine strands, Litz wire reduces AC resistance, cuts energy losses, and improves efficiency in applications where standard magnet wire struggles.

Why Choose Litz Wire? Key Advantages

Engineers, designers, and manufacturers turn to Litz wire because it delivers measurable performance benefits:

  • Lower AC losses in the kHz to MHz frequency range
  • Higher efficiency by reducing skin and proximity effects
  • Cooler operating temperatures, eliminating hot spots
  • Flexibility and compact design for modern electronics
  • Smaller and lighter devices without sacrificing performance
  • Energy and cost savings over the long term
  • Superior signal integrity for sensitive circuits
  • Custom insulation options to meet temperature and environmental demands

Litz Wire Performance: What the Data Shows

Studies confirm that Litz wire dramatically improves efficiency in high-frequency applications:

  • In the kilohertz (kHz) range, efficiency improvements can exceed 50% compared to standard magnet wire.
  • In the megahertz (MHz) range, efficiency can double (100%+ improvement) in certain devices.
  • Litz wire is most effective up to 500 kHz, with strong benefits to around 1 MHz.
  • Strand counts can range from a few to 25,000+ strands, with diameters as fine as 50 AWG and cable sizes up to ¾ inch thick in multi-stage configurations.

When Should You Use Litz Wire?

Litz wire is the best choice for applications operating between 60 Hz and 2.8 MHz, especially where size, weight, and efficiency are critical.

Common design goals include:

  • Reducing AC resistance and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • Lowering heat and cooling requirements
  • Supporting compact, miniaturized devices

Selection tips:

  1. Match strand size to your frequency (finer strands for higher frequencies).
  2. Choose a construction type:
    • Type 1 – single twisted bundle
    • Type 2 – multiple twisted bundles (multi-stage)
  3. Decide on protection:
    • Served Litz wire – nylon wrapped for added durability
    • Unserved Litz wire – insulation only, more flexible but less rugged

Applications of Litz Wire

Because of its efficiency and adaptability, Litz wire is widely used across industries:

  • High-frequency transformers & inductors
  • Switch-mode power supplies (SMPS)
  • Antenna coils & radio transmitters
  • Wireless charging systems
  • Electric motors, generators & EV components
  • Medical device chargers & diagnostic equipment
  • Sonar, aerospace & marine electronics
  • Battery-powered consumer electronics

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Litz Wire

To ensure the right specification, engineers typically evaluate:

  • What is the frequency range of the application?
  • What current and voltage levels must be supported?
  • Are there size, weight, or flexibility constraints?
  • Which insulation materials are best for the environment?
  • How much value will efficiency gains and reduced heat bring to your system?

Is Litz Wire Right for Your Project?

If your project requires high-frequency performance, reduced energy loss, lower heat, or compact design, then Litz wire is a powerful solution.

While initial costs are higher than solid magnet wire, the long-term benefits—energy savings, reduced cooling requirements, smaller device size, and improved reliability—make Litz wire a smart investment for modern electronics.

👉 At YESMEC, we specialize in custom Litz wire solutions for high-frequency applications. Whether you need precision winding wire, served or unserved constructions, or specific insulation options, we can engineer the right wire for your project.

📩 Contact YESMEC today to discuss how Litz wire can improve the efficiency and reliability of your next design.