----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:24 PM Subject: Re: [canals-list] Re: Fit-Out Questions
> > In a message dated 30/03/2008 21:37:21 GMT Standard Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that electrical cables don't like > polystyrene, they need to be sheathed perhaps > > > The plasticiser in the cable sheath reacts with the polystyrene insulation, > causing the polystyrene to dissolve. When the polystyrene has reacted > sufficiently, it reaches a point where it stabilises - that and the fact that the > polystyrene eventually dissolves sufficiently for it to move away from the > cable so the plasticiser can no longer reach it and so the reaction will stop. > > However, it is best to do something to prevent cables from reacting, such as > putting some sort of barrier between it and the polystyrene. > > DaveD I am sure Dave has given some great advise there. I don't know whether the situation on my boat is typical or not, but the PVC insulated cables on my boat have melted the polystyrene insulation - the cable insulation appears perfect. And this has happened over a period of 28 years - when should I start to get worried?
