What Happened to My Monster Cable?

[SY]

Originally posted by unclejed613
as far as the insulation in some cables turning the copper green, it's not chlorine being released from the plastic (chlorine forms very strong bonds with carbon, that only very high temperatures can break down) but it might be acids released as the polymer chains break down. some of these acids might be in the form of organic chlorates, which as they decompose will give off oxygen (leaving the chlorine again where it would rather be, bonded to the carbon atoms).

It's actually the plasticizers and anti-UV additives (typically Tinuvin), not the polymer itself. That's why it's most severe in transparent PVC insulation.

[unclejed613]

it's tinned copper most likely. the tin protects the underlying copper from oxidation. most likely the different wire is to color code the speaker wires for hot and ground, a very common thing in speaker wire with clear insulation.

[AndrewT]

Originally posted by unclejed613
it's tinned copper most likely. the tin protects the underlying copper from oxidation. most likely the different wire is to color code the speaker wires for hot and ground, a very common thing in speaker wire with clear insulation.

If it's tinned copper then there is no tin in the coating.
Tinned = solder coating.
Tin plated or tin dipped = tin coating.

As an aside, since ROHS what types of solder are being used for tinned cables?

[cliff]

Originally posted by AndrewT

If it's tinned copper then there is no tin in the coating.
Tinned = solder coating.
Tin plated or tin dipped = tin coating.

As an aside, since ROHS what types of solder are being used for tinned cables?

What do you think the solder is made of? At least 40% tin!

[Juergen Knoop]

Originally posted by lgreen
Seems like this happens more that I thought it did.

I have never seen it, regardless of age or insulation type.
Could this be an enviromental matter or just a problem of far east junk plastics?
regards