atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Lead jacketed cable

Morning guys. I read a lot more than I post, first post on this branch of the forum.

Recently have removed cable with a lead jacket, 100 prs. with paper (pulp?) insulation on the pairs. It is twisted, has markings for T & R. It has 2 50 pr. binders with blue & red.

Just curious to the age period when that was being used?

It came out of an apartment complex that dates back to the early 1900's. Had to be removed due to a fire. Melted the lead jacket and then burned off all of the paper, instant short on all pairs.

Thanks. Edward

Pulp cable was used basically from day one of telephony until post World War II with regard to mainstream installations. Even though it wasn't used much after then, it was still manufactured for use in extremely congested ducts or for rehab/repair use due to its smaller outside diameter as compared to plastic (PIC) cable.

By the mid 1950's, it was still quite common to see lead sleeves used for splice closures, but most new cable being installed was PIC.

The modern version of pulp cable used a polyethylene outer jacket, just like that of today's plastic cable. The last that I saw it available for purchase was in the 1980's.

Ed is once again on the $.

I dont think there's anything I can add to that complete, succinct remark.

Wait! I've found some supporting evidence...

The High Voltage Splicing course at Local#3 IBEw used to require a display of competence in splicing lead telephone cable. HV electrical splicing is (or was) essentially almost all lead. The class eliminated the telephone cable requirement quite a few years ago because lead telephone cable was simply unavailable for purchase. There was still plenty around in the streets, but no new cable could be purchased.


Sam

I always just tell people that it's encased in lead because it's so old plastic wasn't invented yet =)

Dalavar, Naw, tell them it was the telco plan to kill off their subscribers with lead poisoning. Then buy the land/buildings in foreclosure and resell them at a serious markup. No, better not, they'll believe it!

Haha, I also like to tell them the bicycle type valve stem seen on the poles is to make the communications faster. =)

My Dad is a retired Continental Telephone employee and I remember all his lead melting stuff in the garage, and the stepper motors in the local CO, what a racket they made.