When Were Cloth Electrical Cords Used

Nonmetallic sheathed cable was born which incorporated a rubberized fabric coating sheath much like knob and tube wiring but here the hot and neutral wire were run together in this one sheathing.

When were cloth electrical cords used.

It was 1 of 2 popular methods of residential wiring in its time. In the 1930s a quicker installation method was developed. In my own experience the cloth cord was used because it was a superior product for heat producing appliances such as toaster irons etc. Cloth covered wiring in residential buildings usually dates from the first half of the 20th century.

The plugs and switches are also specially designed specifically to work with these cords in the rewiring of all types of lamps. The braided fabric wire insulation was found on a 1960 s fluorescent light ballast while the plastic wire was used in the branch circuit wiring for the light where that ballast was employed. Since it wasn t at all a mandatory thing the changeover is spread out over many years. In researching etcoflex use of asbestos in wire insulation i have not found confirmation that asbestos was used.

Many power systems installed prior to 1950 were built with cloth covered electrical wire. Some companies switched as soon as neoprene became available. Aaron s ettco wire looks like a paint coated asphalt impregnated fabric sheathed electrical wire widely used from about 1949 1975. Aluminum electrical wiring types click to enlarge any image.

Even the old knob and tube wiring that predates cloth wiring was perfectly adequate at the time. You can also find some original rubber cordage from the very late 20 s. It was standard insulation at the time and managed to keep homes electrical currents running for many years. The old style ballast and its wire could have dated from the 1950 s.

Cord plugs and switches for electric lighting 1900 1940 s these rayon covered cords are the safe and modern versions of the old silk wrapped cord.