They dont look or feel isolated, like ones inside a headphone cable

  •  Ebby   ( @Ebby@lemmy.ssba.com ) 
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    6 months ago

    There is a nonconductive coating on the wire that also prevents it from oxidizing. The wires can touch, but if the coating isn’t scratched it won’t short.

    Some fine grit sandpaper will reveal the metal so you can solder connections.

      •  A1kmm   ( @A1kmm@lemmy.amxl.com ) 
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        136 months ago

        That’s generally not recommended as a way of stripping them though, since the coating is often made of polyurethanes, which release alkyl isocyanates (highly toxic) when heated strongly. While a small amount in a well-ventilated area might not be enough to give you any problems, if you get too much it is very bad. The organic material will also impact the ability to solder. Better to scrape it off first.