I have several rolls of solder. Some electrical, some plumbing. Not labeled.
I can't see solder going bad so I want to use some old solder I have, for a small electrical project. I guess plumbing solder would conduct electricity. Perhaps not ... or it may not properly adhere to previous electrical solder.
Thoughts ?

Plumbing solder uses an acid (it's also know as acid core solder). The acid will corrode electrical wiring, so electrical solder uses a milder chemical. Electrical solder is also called rosin core solder because the chemical used to be pine rosin. I don't think they actually use rosin any longer, but the name is still around.

Would use the proper solder or go buy some if you are unsure. its cheap . The acid can wick up the wires and corrode from the inside out.

[This message has been edited by Bump (edited 05-22-2014).]

nope, the solder wont go bad
but, the differences in solders also have alot to do with their melting points.
if your soldering iron melts it - you should be fine.
tho, runny high lead solder may be messy to work with
try it out on some unused wire first to get familiar with what it will do

quote Originally posted by Bump: Plumbing solder uses an acid (it's also know as acid core solder). The acid will corrode electrical wiring, so electrical solder uses a milder chemical. Electrical solder is also called rosin core solder because the chemical used to be pine rosin. I don't think they actually use rosin any longer, but the name is still around. Would use the proper solder or go buy some if you are unsure. its cheap . The acid can wick up the wires and corrode from the inside out.

X2.

I was told the difference in chemicals is for drinking water safe and effects nothing else. Electrical solder being cheaper and toxic but I believe melts lower due to lead content that obviously would/should not be in plumbing solder.

With plumbing solder there is a difference in the fact that old plumbing solder has lead in it and anything new does not have lead.

quote Originally posted by Red88FF: I was told the difference in chemicals is for drinking water safe and effects nothing else....

Not true.
Acid core solder will cause electrical connections to corrode. I've seen the results.

quote Originally posted by Bump: Would use the proper solder or go buy some if you are unsure. its cheap .

I havent priced any plumbing solder but a 1 lb roll of 60/40 electronics solder is about $40

Interesting responses. Thanks.

quote Originally posted by Bump: Plumbing solder uses an acid (it's also know as acid core solder). Electrical solder is also called rosin core solder because the chemical used to be pine rosin.

I am vaguely aware of acid core and rosin core solders, but would not have know which was for what. Thanks. Now I don't know which is what. If I cut off a length I should see a core, yes ? A liquid core would be acid core ?

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: but, the differences in solders also have alot to do with their melting points. if your soldering iron melts it - you should be fine.

Heh, that should work, Thanks.

"Old solders never die; they just fade away."

~General Douglas MacArthur

quote Originally posted by gtjoe: I havent priced any plumbing solder but a 1 lb roll of 60/40 electronics solder is about $40

I have several bars marked "United Lead-60/40". Haven't found a good use for it yet and don't know what each weighs.
Probably make trotline weights out of it if I ever decide to use that apparatus again.