Jon,
There are a number of reasons for "strings"  & "Threads" to be placed
inside cables.
1. An ID thread - this identifies the manufacturer
2. A year thread to identify year of menufacture. This should  dissolve in
acetone (to distinguish it from the manufacturer ID.)
3. Fillers, to make the cable nice and round if it is exposed to view.
4. Binders to hold differnt groups (units) or bunches of wires/pairs
together. This also enable pair identification in large cables by using
different colours or marker tapes. Also, the cable may be wrapped overall
to assist manufacture.
5. A ripcord to aid removal of the cable sheath. In theory you just grap
the cord with a pair of pliers and it will tear thrrough the sheath.

I'm not sure these days what the requirement is for ID & Year threads, Most
cables don't seem to use them so it may only be required on cable built to
certain specifications.

Richard P (ex cable engineer)





I've spent this morning mostly terminating cat5e cable in krone blocks.
Mind
numbingly dull, it lead me to wonder why some cables have a cotton or nylon
string in them? The only reason I can see for it is merely to irritate the
user, but maybe there's a real purpose. Can anyone shed any light on it??

Jon

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