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Product

API 17E / NACE MR0175 downhole TECAPI 17E & NACE MR01751/4" (6.35 mm) Alloy 825 / 316L15,000–25,000 psi · Up to +230 °C

TEC / Tubing Encapsulated Cable1/4" Alloy 825 / 316L tubing-encapsulated downhole gauge cable (15,000–25,000 psi)

High-pressure, sour-service Tubing Encapsulated Cable (TEC) engineered to API 17E and NACE MR0175 (ISO 15156) with 18/16 AWG copper cores, FEP/PEEK-PFA dielectric, cold-drawn 1/4" (6.35 mm) Alloy 825 or 316L tube and 11×11 mm PVDF/PP encapsulation.

Oil-resistant
Water-resistant
Flame-retardant
Approved
Order designation
TEC-1C18-A825-049-PVDF
Metallic tube OD
6.35 mm
Total weight ≈
282 kg/km
Internal core
1×18 AWG (0.82 mm²) Solid Cu
Max. downhole temp.
+175 °C
All sizes (10)
Request a quoteDatasheetWhatsApp
Engineering reply in 2 business hoursCut-to-length export drumsEN 10204 3.1 certificate per drum
Tube dimensions
1/4" (6.35 mm)
wall: 0.035" (0.89) or 0.049" (1.24)
Tube metallurgy
Alloy 825 / 316L
UNS N08825 · Super Duplex 2507
Pressure rating
15k–25k psi
103 to 172 MPa collapse/working
Temperature
−40…+230 °C
PP (+150) · PVDF (+175) · PFA (+230)
Encapsulation
11 × 11 mm sq.
0.433" × 0.433" (or round/flat)
Conductors
1C / 2C 18–16AWG
R₂₀ ≤ 21.4 Ω/km (18 AWG) · 600 V

Typical values for this cable type, based on API 17E (ISO 13628-5) / NACE MR0175 (ISO 15156) / ASTM A269 / B423 — confirmed in the datasheet and quotation for your order.

Application fit

Is TEC / Tubing Encapsulated Cable right for your machine?

Clamped directly to the outside of production tubing during well completion, TEC transmits power and digital telemetry between the surface wellhead and Permanent Downhole Gauges (PDHG), smart-well interval control valves (ICV), downhole safety valves and ESP monitoring pods.

Fixed installation

Suitable

Clamped along vertical, deviated and horizontal production tubing strings up to 30,000 ft (9,000 m) splice-free.

TBM gantry & advancing tunnel reel

Suitable

Hermetic 1/4" Alloy 825 or 316L tube withstands 15,000–25,000 psi hydrostatic annulus pressure, H₂S/CO₂ sour brines and completion fluids.

Offshore platform & shipboard deck trays

Suitable

Square 11 × 11 mm polymeric encapsulation absorbs spider/slip impact and prevents galvanic corrosion against the production tubing.

Energy chain / drag chain

Not suitable

Designed for run-in-hole spooling over completion sheaves (min. bend radius ~10–12 in.), not continuous drag chains.

PUR Drag-Chain Control Cable
Typical machinesOnshore & Offshore Oil & Gas Well CompletionsPermanent Downhole Pressure/Temperature Gauges (PDHG)Intelligent Completions & Interval Control Valves (ICV)ESP Downhole Monitoring & Carbon Capture (CCUS) WellsGeothermal & Deep HPHT Sour-Gas Wells

Construction

Layer by layer

Shown: TEC-1C18-A825-049-PVDF with 1×18 AWG solid copper conductor, FEP primary insulation, polymeric buffer/cabling rod filler (for 100 % core support against vertical slippage), 1/4" × 0.049" wall cold-drawn Alloy 825 tube and 11×11 mm square PVDF encapsulation.

1234
Schematic, not to scale — generated from the layer data
#LayerMaterial & reference
1High-conductivity copper downhole conductor1×18 AWG (0.82 mm²), 1×16 AWG (1.31 mm²) or 2×18 AWG twisted pair in bare, tinned or nickel-plated copperDelivers low-attenuation DC power and digital gauge telemetry (tube acts as common return on 1C designs)
2High-temperature fluoropolymer dielectric & filler matrixExtruded ETFE (+150 °C), FEP (+200 °C) or dual-layer PEEK/PFA (+230/+260 °C) surrounded by locked polymeric filler rodsProvides > 5,000 MΩ·km insulation resistance at 1000 V DC and locks the core mechanically so it cannot telescope down a 6,000 m vertical well
3Seamless / orbital-welded & cold-drawn 1/4" metallic tube1/4" OD (6.35 mm) × 0.035" (0.89 mm) or 0.049" (1.24 mm) wall in Alloy 825 (UNS N08825), Super Duplex 2507 or AISI 316LTube is formed around the core and cold-drawn (swaged) down to mechanically grip the internal cable while providing a 15,000–25,000 psi hermetic barrier
411 × 11 mm square (0.433" × 0.433") polymeric encapsulationInjection-extruded Polypropylene (PP to +150 °C), TPV elastomer (+135 °C), PVDF (+175 °C) or FEP/PFA (+200/+230 °C), optionally flanked by two Ø 1.6 mm galvanised steel bumper wiresProtects the 1/4" metal tube against crushing during run-in-hole and locks into cross-coupling protectors

Alloy 825 Tube (UNS N08825 · Sour Service)

42Ni-21Cr-3Mo-2Cu alloy certified to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 for H₂S, CO₂ and high-chloride wells

AISI 316L / Super Duplex 2507 Tube

316L (UNS S31603) for sweet wells; Super Duplex 2507 (UNS S32750) for high collapse & tensile loads

1C Coaxial Return vs 2C Twisted Pair vs Hybrid FIMT

1×18/16 AWG (tube return), 2×18 AWG isolated pair, or 1×18 AWG + optical fibres for DTS/DAS

Technical data

Ratings & operating limits

Typical values: Typical values for this cable type, based on API 17E (ISO 13628-5) / NACE MR0175 (ISO 15156) / ASTM A269 / B423. Values for your order are confirmed in the datasheet and quotation.

Electrical

Operating voltage rating
600 V rms (1000 V DC continuous downhole gauge excitation)
Max. conductor DC resistance @ 20 °C
≤ 21.4 Ω/km (18 AWG / 0.82 mm²) · ≤ 13.5 Ω/km (16 AWG / 1.31 mm²)
Metallic tube return resistance @ 20 °C
≈ 68 Ω/km (825 0.035") · 51 Ω/km (825 0.049") · 44 Ω/km (316L)
Insulation resistance @ 20 °C
≥ 5,000 MΩ·km (5 GΩ·km) at 1,000 V DC
Mutual capacitance (1C to tube)
≈ 125 to 145 pF/m (nF/km) depending on dielectric

Thermal

Operating temperature by polymer grade
+150 °C (FEP/PP) · +175 °C (PVDF) · +200 °C (FEP) · +230 °C (PEEK/PFA)
Sour service metallurgy
Hardness ≤ 22 HRC (316L) / ≤ 35 HRC (Alloy 825) per NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156

Mechanical

Tube outer diameter & wall thickness
1/4" (6.35 mm) OD × 0.035" (0.89), 0.049" (1.24) or 0.065" (1.65 mm)
Working / collapse pressure rating
15,000 psi / 103 MPa (0.035") · 20,000–25,000 psi / 138–172 MPa (0.049")
Core-to-tube slippage holding force
≥ 150 N/m (swaged tube grips internal filler to prevent vertical slump)
Encapsulation profile
11.0 × 11.0 mm (0.433" × 0.433") square (or custom flatpack with HCL)

Reference standards

Governing industry standards
API Spec 17E (ISO 13628-5), NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156, ASTM B423 & ASTM A269
100 % tube weld & pressure verification
Eddy-current, ultrasonic/X-ray seam, helium leak & hydrostatic tests

Identification

Continuous splice-free lengths
Up to 30,000 ft (9,150 m) on steel oilfield completion reels
Customs tariff (HS)
8544.49

Sizes

10 standard 1/4" Tubing Encapsulated Cable (TEC) configurations

1-conductor, 2-conductor and hybrid electro-optical TEC in AISI 316L, Alloy 825 and Super Duplex 2507.

Dimensions, metallurgy & temperature ratings
Order designationInternal core1/4" Tube alloy & wallDielectric / EncapsulationTube OD
mm		Total weight
kg/km ≈		Max. downhole
temp.		Enquiry
Single-Conductor (1×18 AWG & 1×16 AWG) Coaxial-Return Downhole Gauge TEC
TEC-1C18-316L-035-PP1×18 AWG (0.82 mm²) Solid CuAISI 316L · 0.035" (0.89 mm)FEP / PP (11×11 mm)6.35215+150 °C
TEC-1C18-A825-035-PVDF1×18 AWG (0.82 mm²) Solid CuAlloy 825 · 0.035" (0.89 mm)FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35238+175 °C
TEC-1C18-A825-049-PVDF1×18 AWG (0.82 mm²) Solid CuAlloy 825 · 0.049" (1.24 mm)FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35282+175 °C
TEC-1C18-A825-049-PFA1×18 AWG (0.96 mm²) NPC/SPCAlloy 825 · 0.049" (1.24 mm)PEEK-PFA / FEP (11×11)6.35295+230 °C
TEC-1C16-A825-035-PVDF1×16 AWG (1.31 mm²) Solid CuAlloy 825 · 0.035" (0.89 mm)FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35244+175 °C
TEC-1C16-A825-049-PVDF1×16 AWG (1.31 mm²) Solid CuAlloy 825 · 0.049" (1.24 mm)FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35288+175 °C
TEC-1C16-SD2507-049-PVDF1×16 AWG (1.31 mm²) Solid CuSuper Duplex 2507 · 0.049"FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35280+175 °C
Two-Conductor (2×18 AWG Twisted Pair) Isolated-Return Downhole TEC
TEC-2C18-A825-035-PVDF2×18 AWG (0.82 mm²) Twisted PairAlloy 825 · 0.035" (0.89 mm)FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35248+175 °C
TEC-2C18-A825-049-PVDF2×18 AWG (0.82 mm²) Twisted PairAlloy 825 · 0.049" (1.24 mm)FEP / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35292+175 °C
Hybrid Electro-Optical (1×18 AWG + 2×Single-Mode Fibre) DTS/DAS + PDHG TEC
TEC-1C18+2SMF-A825-0491×18 AWG Cu + 2×SM Fibre (FIMT)Alloy 825 · 0.049" (1.24 mm)PFA / PVDF (11×11 mm)6.35290+200 °C
  • Typical values for this cable type; dimensions and weights for your order are confirmed in the quotation.
  • All standard configurations have a 6.35 mm (1/4") metallic tube OD and an 11.0 × 11.0 mm (0.433" × 0.433") square outer encapsulation.

Quality & approvals

Testing & inspection

Routine tests on every production length, sample and type tests per batch — documented on an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate.

  1. ConductorClass 5 stranding
  2. Spark test100 % in-line
  3. Lay-upCores, earth, fillers
  4. SheathingInner, braid / screen, outer
  5. Electrical testsAC voltage, resistance
  6. DimensionsOD, wall thickness
  7. Inspection documents & dispatchDrum & dispatch
Testing & inspectionTest value / referenceFrequency
Routine tests
100 % Eddy-current, ultrasonic weld inspection & helium leak testZero weld/wall defects; hermeticity verified across full continuous reel lengthEvery manufactured reel
2,500 V DC dielectric withstand & 1,000 V DC insulation resistance testIR ≥ 5,000 MΩ·km at 20 °C; conductor & tube continuity verifiedEvery manufactured reel

Inspection certificate

Issued with every drum, listing the routine test results for that length.

Product approvals

API Spec 17E / ISO 13628-5 CompliantNACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 Sour-Gas CertifiedEN 10204 3.1 Mill & Hydrostatic Test Cert.

Company certificates

ISO 9001ISO 14001ISO 45001VDE marks approvalUL / cULCE · LVD / EMC

Marking & supply

Ordering & delivery

Sheath marking

Hot-foil embossed on 11×11 mm jacket: TEBAOFLEX TEC <size> ALLOY 825 NACE MR0175 LOT# + METRE/FOOTAGE MARK
Delivery form
Non-returnable fumigated wooden drums
Standard lengths
500 m · 1000 m standard drums (cut lengths on request)
MOQ
500 m (stock sizes) · 1000 m (custom)
Lead time
2–4 weeks ex-works
Incoterms
EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF, DAP

Technical documents

Downloads

PDFTEC / Tubing Encapsulated Cable – technical datasheet10 sizes · construction, technical data, approvalsXLSXTEC / Tubing Encapsulated Cable spec data (Excel)All 10 sizes with dimensions and data, for your BOM or quotation
Revision
2026-10-20
Updated
2026-10-20

FAQ

Questions engineers ask first

Not covered here? Send your drawing — an engineer replies within 2 business hours.

How is the internal copper conductor prevented from sliding down inside the 1/4" metal tube in a 5,000 m vertical well?
During manufacturing, the insulated copper conductor and high-temperature polymeric filler rods are planetary-cabled together and enclosed inside an oversize welded metal tube. The tube is then cold-drawn (swaged) through precision dies down to 1/4" (6.35 mm) OD so the inner tube wall mechanically compresses and locks the polymeric matrix, providing ≥ 150 N/m of vertical anti-slippage holding force.
Why is Alloy 825 (UNS N08825) specified over AISI 316L for most deep downhole wells?
Above +60…+80 °C in chloride brines containing H₂S and CO₂, AISI 316L stainless steel is susceptible to chloride pitting and sulphide stress cracking (SSC). Alloy 825 (~42 % Ni, 21.5 % Cr, 3 % Mo, 2 % Cu, Ti-stabilised) is NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 compliant and resists both sour gas and hot completion brines up to +230 °C.
What is the purpose of the 11 × 11 mm (0.433" × 0.433") square polymeric encapsulation?
The 11 × 11 mm square PVDF or Polypropylene jacket fits standard oilfield cross-coupling protectors and wellhead clamps, electrically isolates the Alloy 825 tube from the carbon-steel production tubing to prevent galvanic corrosion, and cushions the 1/4" tube against rig-floor impact during run-in-hole.
How should the screen and drain wire of TEC / Tubing Encapsulated Cable be earthed in instrumentation and Ex-i loops?
To prevent circulating 50/60 Hz ground-loop currents from coupling into millivolt or 4–20 mA signals, the Al/PET screen and tinned copper drain wire of TEC / Tubing Encapsulated Cable should be bonded to the clean instrumentation earth bar at one end only (typically in the control/marshalling cabinet) and insulated against chassis contact at the field transmitter or junction box, in accordance with IEC 60079-14 and EN 50288-7.

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