Did you know ANSI and NEMA quietly added five new material grades just a few years ago?
While these materials have been available for about three years, many people in the industry still aren’t familiar with them. They were created in response to advances in resin technology and the changing needs of the market — and they’re worth a closer look.
Below, we’ll highlight four of the most important grades, what makes them different, and where you might see them in action.
GP0-5: A Step Up in Glass Polyester
Think of GP0-5 as an improved version of GP0-3 glass polyester. It delivers better mechanical properties, but the real difference is its higher thermal rating. GP0-3 was limited to 105°C electrical and 140°C mechanical use, while GP0-5 is rated to Class F (155°C).
In the past, manufacturers often had to use much higher-rated materials (185–200°C) to meet Class F requirements — even though no ANSI/NEMA standard existed for those. Now, GP0-5 provides a standardized solution that bridges that gap.
Applications: GP0-5 is well suited for electrical insulation in motors, generators, and transformers that need reliable performance at higher operating temperatures.
G-15: The Highest Temperature Rated Option
G-15 is a high-temperature, flame-retardant glass fabric/polyimide laminate. It carries the highest ANSI/NEMA temperature rating available today. What makes it stand out is not just its ability to handle high heat (up to 500°F) but also its dimensional stability and machinability.
Compared to other high-temperature laminates, G-15 holds its shape better, bonds more securely, and machines more cleanly.
Applications: G-15 is often chosen for aerospace, defense, and semiconductor equipment, where components must perform reliably in extreme heat and under demanding conditions.
G-12: Stronger at High Temperatures
G-12 is a Class H (180°C) glass fabric/epoxy laminate, designed to outperform the familiar G-11 grade. It delivers very high mechanical strength at room temperature and holds a flexural strength of at least 30 ksi at 150°C.
In simpler terms: G-12 stays strong even as the heat rises, making it ideal for demanding environments.
Applications: G-12 is commonly used in industrial electronics, switchgear, and high-performance automotive systems where both strength and heat resistance are critical.
G-13: Adding Safety to Performance
Closely related to G-12, G-13 shares its excellent strength and thermal endurance but adds compliance with railway low smoke and toxicity standards. It’s also flame-retardant, maintains strong dielectric properties in both dry and humid conditions, and carries a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600 V.
Applications: G-13 is particularly valuable in railway, mass transit, and other public infrastructure systems, where materials need to meet strict safety standards without sacrificing performance.
Beyond the Standards: Custom Formulations
While it’s helpful to have these standardized materials, it’s important to remember that many of their properties can be custom formulated. Depending on the application, materials can be tailored to meet unique performance requirements — whether that means higher heat resistance, improved electrical insulation, or enhanced safety features.
The introduction of GP0-5, G-15, G-12, and G-13 into the ANSI/NEMA standards represents a meaningful step forward for the industry. These materials provide stronger, safer, and more reliable options for manufacturers, engineers, and fabricators.
Even though they’ve been around for a few years, they’re still new to many — and they open the door to innovative applications, especially when paired with custom formulations designed for specific needs.