What am I looking at? Steel CPC?

[JamesL1892]

Hi all,

This is found behind a single socket, house probably wired 1970.

Can you tell me about the steel wire earth?

Why does this differ to the copper cpc throughout the house?

Thanks

 

[westward10]

It is tinned copper but there is an outside chance it could be aluminium but not steel.

 

[littlespark]

Just very old t&e cable. 1960’s maybe.

 

[ipf]

It's not just the cpc, neither.

 

[7029 dave]

Imperial 7/029 the stranded cable (cpc)

 

[JamesL1892]

Imperial 7/029 the stranded cable (cpc)

If this tests okay, is it okay to leave?

 

[JamesL1892]

It's not just the cpc, neither.

Sorry? Not following. Please explain. Thanks

 

[ipf]

Sorry? Not following. Please explain. Thanks

Look below the Live terminal screw.

If this tests okay, is it okay to leave?

If it tests well and proves to be in good enough condition, yes.

 

[littlespark]

Sorry? Not following. Please explain. Thanks

He means the live conductors are also twisted, braided tinned copper…. It’s not just the cpc.

They tend to break under the terminal screws if disturbed… just cut off up to the broken bit a strip a little more insulation…. Carefully
The insulation will feel a lot tougher than modern PVC

 

[UNG]

Early 1970's wiring as previously mentioned could be aluminium if you scratch the cable surface with a knife or a file if it is tinned copper the copper will be exposed if you don't see copper then it is aluminium which given it's age will by now be quite brittle, if mixed with copper in the same connection there is also the possibility of galvanic corrosion

 

[ipf]

Just a point. Some of the comments I make are, as in the case above, intended to make the questioners/learners think for themselves, without giving them a full explanation.
Most people can probably think for themselves, with a bit of cajoling, perhaps.

 

[JamesL1892]

Just a point. Some of the comments I make are, as in the case above, intended to make the questioners/learners think for themselves, without giving them a full explanation.
Most people can probably think for themselves, with a bit of cajoling, perhaps.

I like it!