Best DIY power cable. Why not make?

@geoffkait - I frequently use the nylon "expandable" sleeve of different types because of its insulation properties

Some questions in my mind...
- does Carbon fibre sleeve  conduct electricity ?
- if so it could be dangerous on mains leads if it touched a live conductor inside the plug?
- If used on speaker cables or IC's would it  cause interference (RFI/EMI,  eddy currents etc.) in the actual conductors?
- also, I think the debate is ongoing as to whether braided shielding is a good or bad thing on cables - would carbon fiber have a similar effect?

Can you "seal" the cut end  (as with nylon) to stop it from unraveling?

I haven't tried it in any cable applications to date so I cannot confirm either way.

I know a person in the cables/connector business that believes the use of carbon fibre, particularly on RCA plug housings  may "interfere" with the other properties of the RCA if it is not designed properly
- he has 30+++ years experience so I trust his opinion.

But - if you are smart enough to incorporate it into your cable's design/properties it might it might be advantageous?

Not much help I'm afraid

But I don't think I will be using it any time soon.

Regards - Steve

The Carbon Fiber sleeves are intended to cover the entire Cable length but not the plug or connector. Select the diameter and length to suit your cable or power cord and slip it over the existing jacket. Voila! Seal both ends with electrical tape. The Carbon Fiber sleeves are highly reflective to electromagnetic waves and fields and act as RFI/EMI shields. Carbon fiber is conductive so keep that in mind when using. You certainly don’t want any dangling fibers floating around. Carbon fiber shield by reflecting rf so I doubt there could be interference. Besides the plug and connectors aren’t covered with carbon fiber. Problem solved. Carbon fiber sheets are also available for draping over equipment, providing additional shielding.

I’ve had very good results using Belden 19364 cable. It’s 14 awg and shielded. Fit some good connectors, and if you want to get fancy, some Techflex, and you have a pretty terrific power cord for not very much money. 

Re McMaster or HomeDepot DIY cords - any gauge or specifications recommended?

Wound love to try something in that $10-$30 range to see if I notice improvements. 

@Leezmaze - $10-30 may get you a 12 gauge  extension cord - then you have to add plugs

Like these
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vanguard-For-Audio-24K-Gold-Plated-IEC-connector-US-plug-C-120G-P-120G/1813...

or these
https://www.ebay.com/itm/pair-Rhodium-Plated-C-037-IEC-plug-P-037-US-mains-connector-for-power-cable...

I just used a standard 12 gauge extension cords - good for Source components and smaller amps.

The connectors actually make a significant difference

Make sure you strip the outer sleeve and braid the three conductors. If you like you can finish off with some expandable nylon sleeve - it protects the conductors and looks a little nicer

Straight 12 gauge with the sleeve intact will not yield much of an improvement (if any) over stock cables.

Make sure you get the polarity correct.

Regards