Electrical Wiring

[Tom Rigg]

What where the outer insulation colours for wiring during WW2?


I've always thought a black/dark grey sheath made up of cloth(?) tape.


The reason I'm asking is on model I'm planning, the instructions indicate a brown cable run.


Tom

[Guest]

Not always standard Tom.


In my mothers and fathers second house around 1930 it was built. Brown was live, black was neutral and green was earth. a lot of wiring did not have an earth I suppose, as a guess, with lead the earth was built in. On the sheathing some was wrapped in what looked like grease proof paper other was lead. Wiring on light pendants was a looseish sheaf of cotton looking material woven together. Also seen red in place of the brown how that came about I do not know.


Laurie

[Guest]

It depends on what you are modelling. Main wiring runs on military installations were usually covered in a greased braided cloth, which hardened over time. It did look a brownish colour, other than that I can't help you. Wiring runs on board naval vessels were usually painted grey.

[Tom Rigg]

Thanks for the replies people.


I'm more concerned about vehicle and aircraft wiring than my mum's old standard lamp I (sort of) remember that stuff Laurie

[eddiesolo]

WW2 military loose wiring, I.E not shrouded in a metal tube would have been dressed in either a black or brown protective cloth/braided tape.


Si

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies people.
I'm more concerned about vehicle and aircraft wiring than my mum's old standard lamp I (sort of) remember that stuff Laurie

Yes I realised Tom, after re-reading your question, that I had not read thoroughly enough. ops:


Laurie

[eddiesolo]

Yes I realised Tom, after re-reading your question, that I had not read thoroughly enough. ops:
Laurie

I was going to say it's a age thing...but, after thinking about it, I reckon it was heat.


Si