old multi-strand PVC cable

[1Justin]

OK We've done old white PVC red/black cable in my last post.

What's the opinion on the slightly older multi-strand cored cable. PVC insulated, grey, similar looking to modern stuff, but slightly fatter, imperial size I guess. (Red and black obviously). It seems OK.

Let's say it was part of a ring circuit being extended (so being brought up to 17th ed'n).

This isn't the crappy old rubber cable which we'd always replace.

How old is it? Is it generally OK to leave in if it seems in good nick and results are good?

Justin

 

[Dunx]

Sounds like 7/.029 which was used up until the early 70's I think. Lovely stuff to work with, 2.5mm came in to replace it. If it tests ok then it should be go to go. There was some problems with earlier cables with green goo, a plasticiser that was used in the manufacture of the insulation but it doesn't look great but still ok to use provided it tests ok. Generally speaking PVC cables lasts a very long time its just people bug***ing around with that messes things up!

 

[Des 56]

The fat cable that you describe could be 7/.029 which is somewhat equivalent to a 2.5mm and there is a slightly fatter again 7/.036 which is more akin to a 4,0mm

It possibly has a lifespan no different to modern Pvc

 

[Lighthouse Phil]

Have you done an insulation resistance test on it ? Can you physicly see the outer sheathing is in good condition ?
If it passes these two tests I'd leave it in place. Sleeve the exposed Red and Black ends with Brown and Blue sleeving/heat shrink
If its exposed and easy to replace, would you not have peace of mind by replacing it.

 

[telectrix]

firstly, it's better cable than the modern solid crap can ever be. no reason to sleeve in these pathetic "euro" colours as red/black is still recognised as L/N. as long as IR/continuity tests are OK, leave well alone. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

 

[Engineer54]

And 7/029 is equivalent to 3mm, so carries more current too ...lol!!

 

[mechelec]

Have you done an insulation resistance test on it ? Can you physicly see the outer sheathing is in good condition ?
If it passes these two tests I'd leave it in place. Sleeve the exposed Red and Black ends with Brown and Blue sleeving/heat shrink
If its exposed and easy to replace, would you not have peace of mind by replacing it.

Why would you want to sleeve it brown /blue it is existing and as such should be left as it is (unless you are trying to convice your customer it is new)

 

[1Justin]

I did insulation resistance. All very high. No goo, solid all along.
I'll be leaving it in then.

 

[telectrix]

don't you mean stranded, all along?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Have you done an insulation resistance test on it ? Can you physicly see the outer sheathing is in good condition ?
If it passes these two tests I'd leave it in place. Sleeve the exposed Red and Black ends with Brown and Blue sleeving/heat shrink
If its exposed and easy to replace, would you not have peace of mind by replacing it.

and why oversleave it?....just make a note of it on the cert......if on a EICR and it passes inspection and tests out OK give it a (4).....

 

[telectrix]

no code 4 now. and i would not code it anyway. this cable was installed when common sense prevailed over bureaucracy, and will still probably be ferrying electrons back and forth when you and me are converted to a few pounds of ash.

 

[Engineer54]

no code 4 now. and i would not code it anyway. this cable was installed when common sense prevailed over bureaucracy, and will still probably be ferrying electrons back and forth when you and me are converted to a few pounds of ash.

Agreed, a far superior cable to the present solid core cables we have now!! Why they couldn't stick with multi-strand when they converted to metric sizing i don't know. A big mistake that was ...all round!!!

 

[Knobhead]

I wonder how many unscrupulous electricians have pulled the “it’s illegal, it’s got to be replaced” stunt.
Out of interest I did a test on my flat, mixed colours. Even at 1000V all came out equal.

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

I know I’d rather terminate stranded conductors.

 

[telectrix]

metric was a mistake, full stop. takes me ages to convert the stupid things into english.

 

[ipf]

metric was a mistake, full stop. takes me ages to convert the stupid things into english.

In agreement. Still think in ft and ins, lb and oz, pints and gals and even 32 to 212. The only thing I,ve got my head around is cash, but the numbers are getting too big. B****** to the euro.