Where Might I find Historical Asbestos Information Related to Electrical Products and Electricians?

In my library, of course. I have a large collection of historical books discussing the use of asbestos by electricians in electrical components. One of my favorites is an 864 page manual by General Electric Supply Corporation published by in 1941 under the name Wiring Materials Power Apparatus. This manual discusses in detail the General Electric manufacturing and supply of its asbestos containing electrical wiring named Deltabeston Cable, as well as other components.

There is a reason why I use yellow sticky notes for books this extensive and complex; that is how I navigate my way around.

Initially, this book is loaded with all types of information about the use of asbestos in electrical components. See for yourself on the following page.

Even more important is the language used by General Electric concerning safety and warnings. In today’s world, it seems over the top. As stated on page 266:

“All fibers and papers used by the General Electric Company are especially selected for their high insulating properties, uniform thickness and high tensile strength. They are subject to rigid inspection and exhaustive tests to determine invisible weaknesses and to insure their freedom from harmful chemicals, foreign substances, and holes or cracks.”

That is quite a broad claim by General Electric in 1941 for their asbestos related fibers and papers. I do wonder if any of those rigid inspections and exhaustive tests were related to asbestos, and potentially the results of those inspections and tests.

Clearly, General Electric knew that asbestos fibers were an important component of this product line and, as such testing about the asbestos, in the face of such rigid inspections and exhaustive testing, would make sense.

I don’t know what General Electric did in the 1930s and 1940s in terms of inspections and testing concerning the asbestos content of its products as mentioned in this supply manual, but General Electric was proud of its products including making representations upon which the electrical customers could, would, and should have relied.

This book is just one example of the historical material available to those who look on eBay, Amazon, and other Internet sites. I am happy to lend it out to those who might have an interest in exploring this topic further.

Let me know if you have any comments or questions by emailing me at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com or by leaving a comment. Thank you. Marty