 Snake Oil |
We're all familiar with the stereotypical "Snake Oil Salesman" who peddled dubious tonics as medical cure-alls to the unsuspecting in the 1800s. The pseudo-science behind these magic elixirs often did more harm than good. We're reminded of this when we read Ideal's claim that Velocity™ has "no deleterious effects on physical or electrical properties of cable jackets" and that "it meets all existing specs in the market place." Wow! Even if the spec says "Polywater J, no equal"? As Jim Carrey would say, "Alrighty then!" A few years ago it was possible to claim universal cable compatibility for a lubricant. But cable technology is changing rapidly. Specialty cable hybrids with unique chemical compositions are hitting the market, targeting very specific transmission and environmental needs. Our research indicates that it's highly unlikely for one lubricant to be simultaneously compatible with LSZH, Cat 6, and semi-con cables, as example. And use on fire-retardant cable does not require "non-flammable" residue (meaningless statement); it requires testing that establishes no change in the cable's ignition energy, flame propagation, etc. To claim so without adequate testing and cable manufacturer approvals may be irresponsible. Most commercial lubes are marketed for general construction and can perhaps avoid the issue of compatibility and combustibility. But when a major manufacturer purports a lube to be "specification grade" and boldly claims that "it meets all existing specs," it's time for another old-fashioned phrase: Buyer Beware! |
