A solvent, including electrical cable solvent, is a substance that may be in the form of a liquid, solid or a gas.  Its defining characteristic is that it dissolves another substance, be it solid, liquid or gas.  When this dissolution happens, a solution is formed.  This solution is actually a rearrangement of the molecules of both substances involved in the reaction.  The arrangement depends upon the chemical makeup of each of the original substances.  This solution that is left behind should be differentiated from a mixture. It is not a 1 + 1 equation. 

Water is the most common solvent.  They are usually colorless and odorless and may or may not have a common odor.  There are certain ways to describe the characteristics of the substance.  Concentration can be thought of the amount of the substance to be dissolved in a certain volume of the dissolving substance.  Solubility is the maximum amount of the substance to be dissolved in a certain volume of the dissolving substance as a specific temperature. There are many uses for this chemical reaction. It is used as a paint thinner, nail polish remover and a spot remover that can leave your cleaned item as shiny and exquisite as diamonds. 

According to a electrician who recently worked on a catamaran that does whale watching Monterey, electrical cable solvent is used to clean the insulation and mechanical parts of the vessel's internal moving cables.

There are some dangers inherent to the use of electrical cable solvent and other substances like it.  Most are flammable and can even cause explosions when vapors meet the air. Because the vapors weigh more than air, they sink and can travel undiluted.  This sinking can also happen in large containers that appear to be empty. Therefore, flash fires are a danger.  These vapors do not dissipate easily or quickly. They can remain for long periods of time, ready to ignite or explode.

Electrical cable solvents and substances like it pose threats to the body other than fire dangers.  These threats usually occur from inhalation.  They tend to have a sedative effect that can cause a loss of consciousness. Some also have a psychoactive effect. If methanol is part of the chemical makeup, it can pose a risk of blindness. Long term inhalation, even in small amounts, can lead to organ damage, cancer or neurological problems. Precautions can and should be taken whenever a substance like this is being used. Ventilation is important as is the use of a fume hood.  Open flames should never be used in the area. Proper disposal is also an important safety precaution.