Phil Rushton wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:24 PM > Subject: Re: [canals-list] Re: Fit-Out Questions > 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?
Now? It may appear perfect, but it's not - you have already stated that the insulation is "melted" - it's not melted it's been dissolved! The VC monomer left in the PVC, to help keep it very flexible has been sucked out by the insulation - any halogenated solvent on polystyrene will easily dissolve it (you can get about 10 litres of insulation in a 0.5 litre beaker with some chloroform! - done that, it makes a great glue for polystyrene.). So now all your cables are low on plasticiser, and are more susceptible to breakage with vibration. Ron Jones Process Safety & Development Specialist Don't repeat history, unreported chemical lab/plant near misses at http://www.crhf.org.uk Only two things are certain: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe. ~ Albert Einstein
