What Is Asbestos Wire

Asbestos was a common material used in electrical wiring insulation, which is used to prevent deadly fires in buildings. Unfortunately, asbestos-based electrical wiring insulation that protected against fire was put people at risk of the deadly cancer mesothelioma.

How can you tell if wire is asbestos?

Turn the flashlight on and look closely at the end of the wires where they are screwed to the socket. If the outside of the wire is black fabric and you can see white fiber where the bare wire is sticking out from the insulation then the wiring has asbestos insulation wrapped around it.

Is asbestos used in wires?

Hailed by the Greeks as “magic mineral”, asbestos is known for its heat resistance and fire proof properties. During the 1950’s up until 1999, asbestos was used widely to help insulate electrical wires and prevent sparks or electrical charges from hurting people.