I've just bought some of the old-fashinoned looking braided lighting cable from ebay to restore a period lamp. I was surprised to see that the core of the flex is not copper but (presumably) steel. I'm not an electrician, but i don't remember seeing this type of wire for a long time. Is there any reason for concern? Thanks.
Steel core lighting flex
- Thread starter autolycusd
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Three possibilities
1) tinned copper.
2) Aluminium cable.
3) You have thermocouple compensating cable.
If the latter then it can't carry current it will over heat. Aluminium is not normally used with flex it was used when Mr Smith rules South Africa but for a very short time. Unlikely steel only used as a wire armour.
I will guess tinned copper which is a good quality cable but have to make you aware of the other possibilities. Thermocouple cable normally one copper other silver colour same with speaker cable both can't carry current.
1) tinned copper.
2) Aluminium cable.
3) You have thermocouple compensating cable.
If the latter then it can't carry current it will over heat. Aluminium is not normally used with flex it was used when Mr Smith rules South Africa but for a very short time. Unlikely steel only used as a wire armour.
I will guess tinned copper which is a good quality cable but have to make you aware of the other possibilities. Thermocouple cable normally one copper other silver colour same with speaker cable both can't carry current.
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Thanks, that's cleared that up.
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