Mains lead - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

MotorBikeLes · 26th Feb 2014, 11:47 pm

Not sure this is the correct place for this post, but it relates to a Telequipment 'scope. I sold a DM63 and a D755 this week, so pulled out another one of each from my 17 year old stockpile.
I was just about to plug one in, when I noticed green liquor on the 13A plug. As soon as I removed its cover, it was obvious this was not OK. I suspect it is the result of moisture, copper wire and hydrochloric acid from the PVC wire insulation. I trimmed about 1-1/2" off the end of the lead and connected a new 13A plug.
I seem to remember this being spoken about many years ago. The lead in question is an original Telequipment lead, the one with the special flat Bulgin plug at the scope end. I don't think the leads have been available for about 25 years, so that fixes the minimum age of the lead.
Because of the unavailability of these leads, I frequently fit a blanking plate over the hole for the Bulging socket and hard wire with a restraining bush.
Would anybody care to comment?
Les.

Julesomega · 27th Feb 2014, 2:30 pm

That's one to watch out for Les. Echoes the recent discussion about disintegrating cassette drive belts.

maninashed · 27th Feb 2014, 2:51 pm

Not had that problem Les, and I've got a D75 that I use regularly, with its original lead. Perhaps its the salty air having the corrosive effect on the copper. I've recently rewired a boat and I know from experience the effect of salt water and copper. One to watch though.
Bill

newlite4 · 27th Feb 2014, 3:24 pm

This is just the plasticiser coming out of the PVC. It is very common among fixed wire installations over a certain age. The only problem would be for the PVC to become brittle after a while which may expose conductors, otherwise it is harmless.
Neil

MotorBikeLes · 27th Feb 2014, 6:50 pm

Ah! Good. Thanks NewLite4. I had visions of a big flash had I not shortened it. I must confess it did not "feel" corrosive, but that green colour looked like treacly verdigris.
Sold it today, so that is my last and final D755. One D63, one DM63 and one D67, then I will need to move on to my Cossor, 250MHz HP and a few more oddments.
Just sold my NordMende Tannhauser, so will soon have a tidier workshop.
Les.

26th Feb 2014, 11:47 pm	#1
MotorBikeLes Nonode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kirk Michael, Isle of Man Posts: 2,350	Mains lead Not sure this is the correct place for this post, but it relates to a Telequipment 'scope. I sold a DM63 and a D755 this week, so pulled out another one of each from my 17 year old stockpile. I was just about to plug one in, when I noticed green liquor on the 13A plug. As soon as I removed its cover, it was obvious this was not OK. I suspect it is the result of moisture, copper wire and hydrochloric acid from the PVC wire insulation. I trimmed about 1-1/2" off the end of the lead and connected a new 13A plug. I seem to remember this being spoken about many years ago. The lead in question is an original Telequipment lead, the one with the special flat Bulgin plug at the scope end. I don't think the leads have been available for about 25 years, so that fixes the minimum age of the lead. Because of the unavailability of these leads, I frequently fit a blanking plate over the hole for the Bulging socket and hard wire with a restraining bush. Would anybody care to comment? Les.

27th Feb 2014, 2:30 pm	#2
Julesomega Nonode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 2,104	Re: Mains lead That's one to watch out for Les. Echoes the recent discussion about disintegrating cassette drive belts.

27th Feb 2014, 2:51 pm	#3
maninashed Rest in Peace Join Date: May 2011 Location: Preston, Lancashire UK Posts: 955	Re: Mains lead Not had that problem Les, and I've got a D75 that I use regularly, with its original lead. Perhaps its the salty air having the corrosive effect on the copper. I've recently rewired a boat and I know from experience the effect of salt water and copper. One to watch though. Bill

27th Feb 2014, 3:24 pm	#4
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,805	Re: Mains lead This is just the plasticiser coming out of the PVC. It is very common among fixed wire installations over a certain age. The only problem would be for the PVC to become brittle after a while which may expose conductors, otherwise it is harmless. Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

27th Feb 2014, 6:50 pm	#5
MotorBikeLes Nonode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kirk Michael, Isle of Man Posts: 2,350	Re: Mains lead Ah! Good. Thanks NewLite4. I had visions of a big flash had I not shortened it. I must confess it did not "feel" corrosive, but that green colour looked like treacly verdigris. Sold it today, so that is my last and final D755. One D63, one DM63 and one D67, then I will need to move on to my Cossor, 250MHz HP and a few more oddments. Just sold my NordMende Tannhauser, so will soon have a tidier workshop. Les.