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What is it?

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the_donut
the_donut Member Posts: 374
in THE MAIN WALL
Note lead pipes with Schrader valves.

Context; basement of 1920's apartment near gas service entrance. Boss followed lines both sides into concrete, no tie ins. Sewer manhole nearby.

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  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,061
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    Looks like it could be inert gas charged phone cable.
    Lead sheath with gas pressure to keep water out.

    Maybe splice of 50+ pairs in the big bulb???
    My best guess FWIW.
    ratio1MatthiasSolid_Fuel_Man
  • the_donut
    the_donut Member Posts: 374
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    I thought it looked like a splice. Its not far from a telecom box either. Will have to put eyes on it myself.
  • flat_twin
    flat_twin Member Posts: 350
    edited November 2018
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    You got it. Lead telco cable. Looks like 25 pr. It predates vinyl insulation. They used paper insulation and kept it under light pressure to keep it dry.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,061
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    What did they use for splicing copper back then?
    Twist and solder?
  • flat_twin
    flat_twin Member Posts: 350
    edited November 2018
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    A sleeve like a tiny straw is placed on the wire before it's twisted. No solder, just twist and slide the sleeve over the bare copper.

    There were "dead men" skills in this trade as well. This old Ma Bell safety film shows pouring and sealing a lead splice enclosure at 1:30

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioASePw7FHk
    Solid_Fuel_ManTheKeymaster

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