They dont look or feel isolated, like ones inside a headphone cable

  • Omega_Haxors@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    72
    ·
    1 year ago

    They’re called enameled cables, they’ve got a thin layer of insulation which prevents them from rusting or shorting.

    • 4dpuzzle@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      9
      ·
      1 year ago

      To add, enameled wires are also used in motor windings and old CRT monitors (deflector windings). The easiest way to identify it is to scratch with a knife or burn a small portion of the wire to see if the enamel separates.

      • Big P@feddit.uk
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        1 year ago

        What does it look like when the enamal seperates vs a non-enameled wire?

        • 4dpuzzle@beehaw.org
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          4
          ·
          1 year ago

          Slightly brighter and shinier. The enamel gives it a slightly darker matte finish. More importantly though, the peeled/burned enamel looks different from copper.