Use of plain copper conductors in lieu of tinned-copper for internal cables

In line with most Telephone Operating Administrations, Telecom Australia has specified and used tinned-copper conductors, with PVC insulation and sheathing, for most internal cabling within telephone exchanges and subscribers' buildings. Following some reported problems associated with solderability, an investigation showed that the current production tinned conductors in Australia were inadequately specified; however, the excellent performance of plain copper prompted a more detailed investigation which revealed that plain copper conductors (i.e., no tinning) were suitable for all current applications of internal cable. The study covered soldering, wire wrapping, and insulation displacement terminations. As a result of this work, Telecom Australia has adopted plain copper as the standard for internal cables. This decision has resulted in both an improved performance in comparison with the previous tinned conductors (particularly in relation to solderability) and a substantial cable cost reduction.