The History Of Cable.

[davie spark]

VIR was only designed to last 15 yearsbefore needing to be replaced so strictly speaking there should be NONE of it still in service today. PVC/PVC imperial was designed only to last 25 years before needing to be replaced, man! is this sad or what, why am I typing this crap?

 

[Spock]

Very Useful list there Lenny!

Do you or anyone else know if they ever made (possibly in the 60's) Flat Cable (2 cores and earth - all stranded) with Black outer sheath? I've come across some that looks and feels like PVC and which appears to be in good condition (i.e. not crumbling in the style of VIR) - I guess its possible that it was from later than the 60's but the customer seems to think a lot of the wiring dates back to 1962.

Thanks

 

[2BobSparky]

Paper

• Pre-war paper cable is still in service in distribution networks, and causes a good deal of downtime
• The polychlorinated bipehnyl (PCB) used in old paper insulation is toxic, and the insulation should not be handled with bare hands

Is this the diaelectric "oil" as I have heard it referred to that leaks out of some of these cables?

I came across an incoming mains cable in a building basement where this stuff had seaped down the cable and pooled on the floor.

 

[Dazed&confused]

This is very useful for me. I've got a test tomorrow in college, I've already passed my first practical of a two way lighting circuit, testing it and lighting that circuit up. IT WORKED, FIRST TIME and nobody died in the process.

This test tomorrow, i've been told is easy, but I dont work in the trade so any knowledge regarding lighting circuits and wiring would be welcome. For example one practice question was why are wires covered in PVC, so to stop any short circuits if they touched, that sort of thing.

Cheers

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Well got a nice history lesson this week, and all I can say is "big up" to the sparks and more likely apprentices because this stuff was heavy....yes I rewired a property form lead sheathed...and it was still in use following a CU change in the last 10 years!!

 

[Knobhead]

Wouldn't fancy mauling that around to much. At least taking it out you can chop it in to lengths. No sutch luck putting it in.

 

[trev]

Alyssa, this is a public forum. You may want to edit your location so it's a little less specific

 

[mcnakamura]

it was very informing I learn a lot it might help next figuring out right cable will I use next time.

Electrical contractors

 

[drivebeel]

Great writing skills really awesome effort done by the author i really appreciate it.
http://www.perthbusinessvaluations.com.au/http://www.perthbusinessvaluations.com.au/Business Value

 

[pmcsparks]

By 'Asathene' are you referring to HDPE?. If so, I've seen insulation creep under stress leading to S/C's

 

[johnboy6083]

and guess what i came across last week original braided paper insulated cable from 1930's and guess what its still in use , cant do anything about it till the guys out of hospital bike crash , the elderly lady who lives in the house with the son has lost the plot , all she talks about is the war , so sad when i get in to do it ill gets some pics so watch this space

Nick, did you ever do this job, and did you get pics?

 

[josh99]

That’s really interesting thanks for sharing

 

[superadnim]

I like the paper wire - good for authentic English heritage installations. They like that kind of stuff even if it means there being a safety hazard :0

 

[michelle28]

Informative post. Thanks

 

[pyrotenax]

I've created my own imperial cable rating guide which I use when changing CUs. I attach it here for you all to use.

thanks matey

 

[Engineer54]

VIR was only designed to last 15 yearsbefore needing to be replaced so strictly speaking there should be NONE of it still in service today. PVC/PVC imperial was designed only to last 25 years before needing to be replaced, man! is this sad or what, why am I typing this crap?

I have no idea where you gleaned this information, but you couldn't be more wrong if you tried!! So yes it is crap!! lol!!

 

[Stroppy]

I love all this historic stuff. Its a shame Tony's attachments in post #18 etc no longer work