Electric motor coils are typically not insulated in the traditional sense, but are coated with a thin layer of enamel that can resemble bare copper. This enamel is crucial for preventing short circuits between adjacent wires while allowing for effective magnetic field generation. For soldering, the enamel insulation can be removed using heat, flame, or by scraping with a knife, although wire strippers are generally not effective for this type of wire. Some modern magnet wire features a plastic coating that burns off cleanly during soldering, while older types require more manual methods for insulation removal. Efficient industrial tools exist for stripping enamel, but they may be impractical for hobbyists.
