Unknown cable type...

NDG Elecs · Feb 29, 2020

Noticed this cable today, never seen it before. Searched web to no avail. It was similar in size to 2.5 T&E and was supplying a FCU.
I don't need to know what it is as I was doing unrelated stuff there, just curious really.
It was in a block of flats in the 'loft' near to a lot of the elevator equipment but wasn't related to the elevator as far as I could tell. Flats are around 30 yrs old at a guess.

Note that the cable on the right is flat like twin and earth. Maybe an old type of fire rated cable??

Answers on a postcard please..

Pete999 · Feb 29, 2020

NDG Elecs said:
Noticed this cable today, never seen it before. Searched web to no avail. It was similar in size to 2.5 T&E and was supplying a FCU.
I don't need to know what it is as I was doing unrelated stuff there, just curious really.
It was in a block of flats in the 'loft' near to a lot of the elevator equipment but wasn't related to the elevator as far as I could tell. Flats are around 30 yrs old at a guess.

Note that the cable on the right is flat like twin and earth. Maybe an old type of fire rated cable??

View attachment 56042

Answers on a postcard please..

Romex MC ?

westward10 · Feb 29, 2020

Could have been some kind of modular system which never caught on, they were rife 30 - 40 years ago. A fair while back I found some 2.5 green supp bonding which was wrapped similar.

radiohead · Feb 29, 2020

Yes, as above. In the 1980's there was a plethora of companies making 'plug in' wiring systems which were going to transform the way electrical installation was carried out. Houses would be able to be wired in a matter of hours once we all adopted the new approach. Needless to say we didn't and they weren't.

freddo · Feb 29, 2020

Isn't that armoured t+e that was available for a little while? often seen with a yellow sheath for direct burial. I think the switch and socket boxes were fitted with clamps to secure and earth the steel tape.