Tin coated copper question

[Bruce King]

Did all the tin coated copper have fabric sheathing?


Picture did not show up, but it looks like aluminum wiring with plastic coating.
Due to the age of the house I was thinking it might be tin coated copper.

1947 house but has had electrical work over the years....

[Gunnar Alquist]

Bruce,

I believe that I have seen tin coated copper with rubber insulation. 1940s sounds about right.

[John Arnold]

I've never seen tin-coated copper without cloth covering, for what that's worth.

[Joseph P. Hagarty]

I've never seen tin-coated copper without cloth covering, for what that's worth.


Agreed...

[Martin lehman]

Rubber sheathing. Tin was used to prevent deterioration.

[Jon Randolph]

Bruce,

FWIW - Tinned copper that I have seen always has a dull dirty looking exterior finish, aluminum always has a clean looking finish. Also, trace the neutral back to the bus bar, you may be able to see the end of the neutral there. With tinned copper, you should (but not always) be able to see at least some copper at the cut. Of course, any overheating of the aluminum will leave it with a duller finish.