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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
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    Australia
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    645

    Default Does this cable contain Asbestos?

    Without creating a thread filled with hysteria, I am interested to know if this cable contains asbestos. It came with my Deckel and was the cord used in the factory to power all (they had hundreds - unfortunately not all Deckels) their machines. Cutting it apart I noticed a bit of dust and then it dawned upon me the wrapping could well be asbestos given it is likely heat and fire retarding. I think the dust was from the string - which could also be asbestos?

    Any thoughts?

    IMG_0359.jpg IMG_0360.jpg IMG_0362.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    Bendigo Victoria
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    80
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    Default

    Most likely talcum powder as electrical cables were often made with it to aid internal lubrication.

    Google "electrical cable talc".

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Katoomba NSW
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    209

    Default

    I can't be 100% certain but I don't think it is asbestos. I think it's jute and fibre glass. Or possibly just a cotton weave.
    I'll just qualify my statement by saying I am an electrician and I have an Asbestos removal Blue card.
    I've never seen PVC cable with an asbestos layer. The old asbestos cables had a layer of braided asbestos on the outside for heat resistance.
    However the only way to determine if it is asbestos is to send it to a lab.
    If in doubt, throw it out and replace it.
    Built: a Bench,a Desk,an Archery Display,

    Those were the droids I was looking for.

  4. #4
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    Aug 2012
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    Australia
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    Default

    Thanks for the comments Big Shed and NCArcher. In the back of my mind I can't imagine the factory (still operating in 2012) running asbestos laden wire to their machines given the OH&S issues splicing. But then I think if it had been there for 40 years..

    Incidentally it is darn nice cable. Solid heavy copper cores..

    Quote Originally Posted by Big Shed View Post
    Most likely talcum powder as electrical cables were often made with it to aid internal lubrication.

    Google "electrical cable talc".
    It definitely has talcum powder in it. Now that you raised it, I agree that is the most likely source of the dust.

    Quote Originally Posted by NCArcher View Post
    I can't be 100% certain but I don't think it is asbestos. I think it's jute and fibre glass. Or possibly just a cotton weave.
    I'll just qualify my statement by saying I am an electrician and I have an Asbestos removal Blue card.
    I've never seen PVC cable with an asbestos layer. The old asbestos cables had a layer of braided asbestos on the outside for heat resistance.
    However the only way to determine if it is asbestos is to send it to a lab.
    If in doubt, throw it out and replace it.
    Good to hear that you have not come across asbestos laden PVC cable.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Alexandra Vic
    Age
    69
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    654

    Default

    I very much doubt that the cable contains asbestos, it looks to me to be a fairly standard 4 core and earth cable probably late 70's to early 80's.

    The cord in the cable appears to be standard jute cord used to fill the voids in the layout to ensure that the round cross section is maintained and the cable does not deform in use. The outer braid appears to be a light fibreglass material, but it could be cotton or a synthetic.

    The insulated copper cores are normally coated with talc presumably to allow them to run smoothly through the cable laying machine as the braid and outer plastic insulation layer are applied. This is fairly common with plastic insulated multicore cables.

    I am basing my age estimate on the use of PVC type insulation instead of rubber compound, but before insulating the earth core became common or required as it is now.

    Hope this helps to allay fears and concerns.

    PS Have to learn to think/type/proofread faster, 2 replies and and a thanks/confirmation while I was getting this ready.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  6. #6
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    Nov 2006
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    Bendigo Victoria
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    80
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    Default

    It can also be Zinc Stearate which is used as a lubricant in extruding PVC.

    The same Zinc Stearate powder is used in Sanding Sealers as a lubricant to aid sanding.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Mornington Peninsula
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    97

    Default

    How old is the cable? Asbestos was being phased out in Victoria circa 1983 - not sure about the other States, but assume that it would be similar.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    The Whitsundays
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    229

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by variant22 View Post
    ...In the back of my mind I can't imagine the factory (still operating in 2012) running asbestos laden wire to their machines given the OH&S issues splicing. But then I think if it had been there for 40 years..
    Hi variant22,

    I was under the impression that while asbestos products have been removed from the market for quite some time, the requirement to remove asbestos products only related to items with "friable" asbestos i.e. loose fibres. Asbestos products whose integrity is still good do not need to be replaced. I could be wrong on this and would be happy to be corrected.

    I'm also a sparky, No asbestos removal ticket, and we get reminded about asbestos very regularly. There has been no mention of asbestos in cables, that I can recall.

    Cheers

    The Beryl Bloke
    Equipment er.... Projects I own

    Lathes - Sherline 4410 CNC
    Mills - Deckel FP2LB, Hardinge TM-UM, Sherline 2000 CNC.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Katoomba NSW
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    209

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Theberylbloke View Post
    ..the requirement to remove asbestos products only related to items with "friable" asbestos i.e. loose fibres. Asbestos products whose integrity is still good do not need to be replaced. I could be wrong on this and would be happy to be corrected.
    Yes that is correct. In most cases where sheet type asbestos is identified it is painted and a warning sticker applied to let the poor unsuspecting sparkie know before he drills holes in it.
    Built: a Bench,a Desk,an Archery Display,

    Those were the droids I was looking for.

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