ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area flat wire

Not only are the electrons going to become confused by the insulation color coding, but now they have to lose some weight to squeeze through the pancake wire.

I've been reading the web site. I'm guessing that they are going to claim the thing wire is safe because all the circuits have a GFCI on them and the layout of the wires is probably Hot-Ground-Neutral, so you cannot but a nail or screw into them without causing a ground fault and cutting off the circuit.

The things to consider are stables that could easily cause a high resistance short between hot and neutral. It would also be possible to drive one nail into the hot and one into the neutral when hanging a picture. Another good way to get a high resistance short.

I don't see how this flat wire can be safe unless the plastic coating is bullet proof.

I've used something much like this as a part of a LV "tapelight" display lighting. Block Buster Video used to have them in their stores. All they powered were LED's at + or - 12VDC for chase lighting effects.
I wouldn't trust this stuff for any use above that. The thought of 20A @ 120V running through something like this makes me cringe.

Hi, Sparky.
With apologies to Don for going on a slight tangent...
One item I have seen on occasion which scares the #^$&*#$& out of me are devices such as duplex receptacles and light switches which either have been, or are still being used, in mobile home construction. These devices are made all-in-one (device and cover plate as one piece). The romex wires are laid into a channel on the back of the device, where a contact "pinches" through the wire insulation to reach the conductor inside. Then this whole thing is simply attached to a hole cut in the wall. What can be more convenient than this...practically no tools involved, no box required, and works MOST of the time . I saw a friend attempt to unplug a kitchen appliance from one of these things, whereupon the entire device, cable and all popped out of the wall into his hand .

Kinda elevates the "back-stab" devices to a higher level (but I don't want to beat that dead horse any more...).

Rbiro has a good point to make about the staples and nails. It creates a situation that may not "show itself" right away, but beware...

Mike (mamills)