Ewan MacIntyre wrote:

Hello Ewan

EM| The cable has multiple strands, perhaps about 7, and is made
EM| by Pirelli. I couldn't see a type code on it. It seems quite
EM| chunky, but I'm surprised to see that it is not made from
EM| copper, but is probably steel. Outwardly, it looks like
EM| regular grey T&E, but is more amenable to bending.

If it bends easier than copper then it's aluminium.

EM| Is this cable normal? I suppose my concern is that this
EM| particular ring is quite long, and I understand that steel
EM| has a higher resistance than copper. The ring covers rooms
EM| containing mostly lower-powered items, but does include the
EM| washing machine.

Aluminium was a big test in electrical and telecomms industries a few
decades ago. Not sure of the exact reasons why it's now not used,
apart from a rapid degradation in salt-air conditions, but it's a
common reason why adsl can't be installed and it's not used now.

--
Simon Avery, Dartmoor, UK
uk.d-i-y FAQ: http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/