Talk:Tough rubber-sheathed cable

Disputed
There's a discussion about the accuracy of this article here http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?showtopic=62839 Seems to be some confusion between the modern cable used for temporary wiring eg on events and the old style cable used for fixed installations. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2.29.24.162 (talk) 08:46, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

The discussion referenced above appears to be a private forum, requiring membership to gain access.

I generally agree with the suggestion that there is "confusion between the modern cable used for temporary wiring eg on events and the old style cable used for fixed installations". These are really two completely different types of cable.

I believe that the "old style cable used for fixed installations" (pictured in the main article) was made from natural rubber which deteriorated and hardened over time, creating a very dangerous situation when these cabled were disturbed, as the insulation would shatter, exposing live conductors. I believe this type of cable is obsolete and probably banned in most jurisdictions. Note also that the picture shows solid or coarse stranded conductors, indicating fixed wiring use.

The "modern cable used for temporary wiring eg on events" is likely to be the Cenelec HO7RN-F type cable, designed for use in temporary electrical installations. While generally described as "rubber cable" this type of cable actually uses a Polychloroprene (PCP) external sheath (not natural rubber), a highly durable material suited to temporary outdoor use. These cables are also designed for flexibility and should not be confused with the "old style cable used for fixed installations".

There several useful references available:

1. "Cables for temporary electrical installations" published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, see: http://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/31/cables.cfm?type=pdf 2. "H07RN-F Rubber Cable" appears to be published by a commercial operator, see: http://www.rubbercableguide.co.uk/h07rn-f.htm 3. "3 Core 0.75mm Black Rubber HO7 Cable" published by a commercial operator, see: http://www.showtechnix.co.nz/3-core-0-75mm-black-rubber-ho7-cable/

These three references appear to be generally consistent in their definitions and purpose of HO7RN-F cable. Note however that they do not discuss the "old style cable used for fixed installations" and will be of little use in differentiating the two types. However, there are other references that discuss the "old style cable used for fixed installations":

4. "Replacement of older cables" an IET forum, see: http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=20812 5. "Electrical Wiring Systems and Fire Risk in Residential Dwellings", published by the NZ Energy Safety Service, see: http://www.med.govt.nz/energysafety/documents/about/publications/surveys/industry-surveys/Electrical%20Wiring%20Systems%20and%20Fire%20Risk%20in%20Residential%20Dwellings%20-Published%2020%20April%202005.pdf 6. Vero Insurance discussion of fire hazards "The insulation and sheathing of old electrical wiring is inferior to modern plastics and becomes dry and brittle, falling off the copper wires. The following should be replaced: i. Vulcanised rubber (VIR) cables (1900 to 1940s)  ii. Tough rubber-sheathed (TRS) cables (1935 to 1960) iii. Old metal and wooden cable encasement systems", see: http://www.verocis.co.nz/dirvz/vero/vero.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/AutoAttach2160/$FILE/VER474+Mar09+Infolink+%C6%92.pdf

These references talk in terms of the TRS "old style cable used for fixed installations" being beyond its life and in need of replacement.

Hope this helps. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Scj242 (talk • contribs) 02:37, 15 August 2015 (UTC)