NOS Western Electric wire used for power cables??

I think Rx8man lives right next to the local firehouse!

Simply do you know what wire that is being used in the cords? WE made a ton of different wire right?. Just looking to understand - I am not looking for any arguements.

Rx8man

Hey Simply, these cords been running in my rig for about a year, how the hell are they unsafe ?

And wiring in some peoples' homes had worked fine for years, until it failed and started a fire.

Look, the sad fact is that any clown can take some wires, slap connectors on them and offer them for sale as power cords. And many of them may ultimately be as safe as those made to meet accepted safety standards.

But I would never buy a power cable from an audio hobbyist without knowing that they were.

Bigkidz

Simply do you know what wire that is being used in the cords? WE made a ton of different wire right?. Just looking to understand - I am not looking for any arguements.

No, I don't know the specific wire that's being used in that particular power cord. But that just gives me more cause for concern.

The Western Electric wire that's most commonly touted out there is the cloth insulated wire, which is not something I would ever recommend for power cords.

I am greatful that others have reservations about the use of this old Western Electric wire.
And it is fine by me if some believe the wire is suitable for any purpose they choose. With a proper understanding of the problems and dangers involved I agree EVERYONE has the right to make an informed decision. Some want to use these wires, that is a right they have. As long as they understand the problems and dangers involved I am happy.
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One other point I was looking at was silk with mineral oil insulation. The insulation is actually quite good high voltage insulation. The problem comes in contamination of the silk. IF the silk becomes dirty, the areas of contamination are far more likely to self distruct (burn) in use. The contamination causes hot spots and progressive insulation failure.
And, finally, copper oxydation: if someone believes oxydation is no problem, well sorry for you. folks are paying hundreds for something that is supposed to be 'high quality' to some extent. fifty years of oxydation nowithstanding.
As for fires, if the cable fails and starts a fire, the seller will be liable. i wonder what his liability isurance looks like? He may need it. One fire could cost a million bucks after all the various injuries and damages are counted up. Perhaps a warning notice: "Use at your own risk" would be appropriate. Though it would NOT absolve the seller of damage claims caused by his product.

Whats hidden in your antique power cord?