Use of CY cable for radial dedicated mains wiring

Posted by: Filipe on 01 March 2017

I was advised a year ago to use CY cable before installing my dedicate mains supply. All three cores are of the same dimension and are insulated. At 7.3mA/A/m for 6mm2 the resistance is low. Each conductor is multi-core. It is also screened and earthed at the CU end. Reading the post on this forum I see no mention of anything other than T&E or armour clad. It's cost is low relative to labour.

Does anyone know of any reason not to use this cable?

Posted on: 13 March 2017 by Filipe

KTMax

The screen of last year's CY radial is only connected at the CU end. Were you referring to screened power cords though, which I would not tamper with.

I only added the other stuff about electron speed etc because it might interest people. What it means is, as someone put it, maybe the last meter to the box is the most important. The electrons in the power cord are the ones closest the box.

I do listen, but radial mains is not something I can blind test. Currently listening to power cords mostly.

Posted on: 13 March 2017 by ChrisSU

KTMax posted:
CY cable is know here in the Netherlands as Lapp cable. Prysmian is sold here as Draka cable. Same cables, different commercial labels.
Funny... a few years ago the most mentioned cables on this forum were 10mm2 and they still are it seems. I tried both the Lapp (aka CY) and Draka (aka Prysmian) extensively in my previous house with disappointing results.

I'm not quite sure what you mean here? As Felipe says, CY is a shielded cable specification, not a brand name, although I dare say you can probably buy it from Lapp.

Posted on: 13 March 2017 by KTMax

ChrisSU posted:
I'm not quite sure what you mean here? As Felipe says, CY is a shielded cable specification, not a brand name, although I dare say you can probably buy it from Lapp.

My mistake Chris. I googled CY cable as I didn't know the term/name and the first bunch of hits were Lapp cable(s) hence my assumption. rolleyes Thanks for pointing that out.

Richard

Posted on: 13 March 2017 by KTMax

Filipe posted:
KTMax
The screen of last year's CY radial is only connected at the CU end. Were you referring to screened power cords though, which I would not tamper with.
I only added the other stuff about electron speed etc because it might interest people. What it means is, as someone put it, maybe the last meter to the box is the most important. The electrons in the power cord are the ones closest the box.
I do listen, but radial mains is not something I can blind test. Currently listening to power cords mostly.

I understand Filipe, and thanks for sharing that info! I've read most of the articles and papers on it too, very interesting. I only expressed a word of caution as theory not always goes hand in hand with the sonic outcomes. If I read an article about the importance of low resistance and I hook up a fat low resistance cable it already has a 30% headstart in my perception. That's how it tends to work, hence why I like blind testing/auditioning so much if possible.

Regarding the shielding; I was referring to the mains cable/spur. Connecting the shielding at the other receiving end closest to your system, will likely improve SQ and PRAT considerably. Don't ask me why though...

The same applies for power cords but only if you go the DIY route. Like you say, I would not tamper with existing commercial power cords. I recall it's not allowed to discuss this sort of thing here either so...

Power cords, plugs, materials, plating is another very interesting subject though.