What covers the oil impregnated cotton to make it safe to use as a conductor?Jim, I would not use the Duelund wire to make power cords but the cotton covering should be fine when using the wire as ICs or SCs.
The Western Electric wire was designed as a speaker wire but has been used by several cable manufacturers to make power cords. From the WE website;
KS-13385 is our premium Hi-Fi audio wire. It features a soft drawn copper with a tinned coating and a cotton braided jacket.
KS-13385 Wire features a laquered cotton brain jacket with PVC insulation. Sizes range from 24 AWG to 2AWG.
The construction of the wire and cable is in accordance with Underwriters' Laboratories Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) Style 1491.
KS-13385 WIRE
This hookup wire is designed for use at operating voltages of 600 volts rms or less and temperatures not exceeding 185F.
ConductorsStranded or solid, tin-coated copper conforming to ASTM B-33 and B-174 or B-173.
Conductors85°C rated Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) conforming to Underwriters' Laboratories AWM Style 1491 and CSA C22.2 No.210.2 requirements.
Optional Cabling/Shielding2, 3 or 4 conductors may be twisted together when requested. A braided shield may be applied over 1, 2, 3 or 4 conductors with an overall lacquered cotton braid.
CoveringOn all sizes, a lacquered cotton braid conforming to UL requirements is applied over the insulation. The colors shall be specified on order.
TypeUL Listed AWM Style 1491 90°C, 600 Volts VW-1, CSA listed AWM 1 A/B 90°C, 300 Volts FT-1. RoHS Compliant and Lead-Free.