2. cables
  3. 128414-84541

Please assure me I'm not going to burn my house down.

I recently bought some new mono class D amps to replace a stereo class D. I had a pair of identical diy power cords connected to the stereo amp and my preamp.

Well, with monos I was obviously going to use the identical power cords. So I needed a new PC for my pre, as the older diy version I had laying around just used thhn wire from Lowe’s and didn’t sound great. So, after some thought and research, I decided to make a PC out of cat 5 plenum cable. I kept it in its blue sleeve (containing 4 twisted pairs) and then I braided 3 lengths together for each conductor. I then took those three braids and braided them. What I have sounds incredible and I’m fairly confident that it is safe electrically.

Please reassure me. Or tell me I forgot about x, and that I should cease and desist. Or laugh at how cheap I am...

But really, I’m not going to start a fire here, am I? 8 conductors per length x 3 lengths for each conductor equals 24 strands of 24awg. Which equals 10awg for each conductor...
toddverrone
erik_squires
16,898 posts
 
You may equate the gauge, but man, you are playing with fire, literally.

Let's say something does go wrong.... you could be held legally liable even if you do all the math right! :)

Much better to get a Connex shielded power cord and make your own.

Also, part of what you are not including in your calculations is the insulation temp rating. The insulation around Cat 5 signal wiring assumes nearly no current at all, while power cord insulation is rated to withstand the heat of the conductor at full current.

Best,


E
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone OP
840 posts
 
I actually thought about the insulation temp.. I purposely used plenum rated cable, which has Teflon insulation instead of PVC...

Do you think an insurance company would look more kindly upon diy cables of a different variety? I'd imagine they'd poo poo any diy cable.. But I'm not sure.
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone OP
840 posts
 
@tablejockey  that's gotta be the dodgiest looking cable I've ever seen.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,617 posts
 
https://www.amazon.com/TRIPP-P007-012-12-Feet-14AWG-Computer/dp/B0027JRMD0/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&...

May I recommend above :-)

Good Listening


Peter

tablejockey
4,081 posts
 
toddverrone-

yeah, it came with a modded CD deck. I was hesitant to use it. Apparently they have sold many over the years without disaster. Thought it lived up to its claims, but I moved on. I use the ribbon interconnects, which also are flimsy and delicate.

 Definetly wouldn't have kids or pets near it. 
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