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Fine-Weave Cotton-Fabric Reinforced Phenolic, Electrical Grade (NEMA LE)
LE linen phenolic provides high dielectric strength, excellent machinability, and reliable mechanical performance for electrical components such as terminal boards, bushings, and switchgear.
Select a form factor to view real-time inventory, pricing, and custom cut-to-size options.

| Short Description | Color | Thickness | Width | Length | Stock | Price | Add to quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE - 0.010" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.010″ | 48″ | 96″ | In stock67 | $33.56per sheet | |
| LE - 0.013" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.013″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock199 | $22.36per sheet | |
| LE - 0.015" 36 x 48 Black Sheet | Black | 0.015″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $15.08per sheet | |
| LE - 0.015" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.015″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock30 | $14.25per sheet | |
| LE - 0.015" 48 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.015″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $19.01per sheet | |
| LE - 0.015" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.015″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $38.01per sheet | |
| LE - 0.020" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.020″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock1387 | $18.26per sheet | |
| LE - 0.020" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.020″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $48.70per sheet | |
| LE - 0.025" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.025″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock991 | $22.83per sheet | |
| LE - 0.025" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.025″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $60.89per sheet |
Material Overview
LE sheet is the flat-panel form of NEMA Grade LE linen-phenolic laminate — a thermoset composite produced by laminating fine-weave linen fabric with phenolic resin under heat and pressure into rigid, dimensionally stable flat stock. The fine linen reinforcement gives LE the highest dielectric strength of the cotton-phenolic family, making LE sheet a preferred choice for terminal boards, electrical standoffs, and barrier insulation in low-to-medium voltage equipment where good electricals and easy machinability matter equally.
LE sheet delivers tensile strength of 18,000 psi, flexural strength of 20,000 psi, and compressive strength of 36,000 psi. Rockwell hardness reaches M100, shear strength is approximately 14,000 psi, and water absorption over 24 hours is approximately 1.75%. Dielectric strength is approximately 200 V/mil short-time at 1/16″ thickness — the best of the cotton-phenolic grades. The material carries a UL 94HB flammability rating and operates continuously up to 250°F (121°C). These properties make LE sheet ideal for terminal boards, electrical barrier panels, switch components, and low-to-medium voltage insulation hardware.
Standards & compliance. LE sheet conforms to NEMA LI-1 Grade LE and meets defense specification MIL-I-24768/16 (Type FBM). Test methods follow ASTM D709. Ready Plastics stocks LE sheet in a range of thicknesses; custom cuts are available through our cut-to-size service.
Sister grades. For lower cost where peak electricals are not required, Grade L phenolic sheet uses a coarser cotton weave. For higher impact resistance, Grade CE phenolic sheet is preferred. When higher mechanical strength and significantly higher dielectric performance are needed, step up to G-10 glass-epoxy sheet or, for flame retardance, FR-4 glass-epoxy sheet.
Technical Specifications
Typical values at 23°C / 50% RH. Values are nominal and not guaranteed; refer to lot-specific certificates of conformance for production parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
NEMA Grade LE is a fine-weave linen-fabric phenolic laminate rated for electrical insulation applications. It provides 36,000 psi tensile strength, high dielectric strength, and excellent machinability with low moisture absorption. LE is governed by NEMA LI-1 and is the preferred choice for precision electrical components such as terminal boards, electrical bushings, spacers, and switchgear parts.
Both grades carry an electrical rating, but they differ in reinforcement and resulting properties. Grade LE uses fine linen fabric, yielding a smoother surface finish and better machinability for precision electrical parts. Grade CE uses coarser canvas fabric, offering higher impact strength at slightly lower cost. Choose LE for tightly toleranced electrical components where surface quality matters; choose CE when impact resistance is more important than fine surface finish.
Ready Plastics stocks LE linen phenolic in le sheet and le rod form across standard thicknesses and diameters. The fine surface finish makes le sheet stock especially popular for cut terminal board blanks and electrical panel components. Cut-to-size is available on every SKU — see the datasheet or contact us for current size inventory.
Yes. Grade LE is one of the most machinable grades in the cotton phenolic family. Its fine linen weave allows clean cuts, crisp thread profiles, and tight dimensional tolerances on conventional mill, lathe, and drill press equipment. Use sharp carbide tooling, moderate feed rates, and dust extraction. LE accepts tapped holes and drilled features without resin chipping, making it well-suited for detailed electrical fabrication work.
No. Grade LE is linen fabric in phenolic resin. G-10 and FR-4 are glass fabric in epoxy resin. G-10 and FR-4 deliver substantially higher dielectric strength and better dimensional stability, which is why they dominate PCB substrates and high-voltage electrical work. Grade LE offers better machinability, better impact resistance than paper-based laminates, and significantly lower cost — making it the right choice for precision electrical components that do not require G-10/FR-4-level dielectric performance.
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