Dedicated power lines-getting started
Mr. Strassner, the founder of HMS will have a feature running at www.6moons.com, explaining from a scientific standpoint, but written so, that every audiophile will be able to follow him, how to set up an audio system with electric power and how this is done right. He will explain and rectify many misconceptions like having a dedicated power line running from the breaker box to a wall outlet for each component. According to Mr. Strassner, who has accumulated a tremendous pool of knowledge about power issues in audiophile systems over the last 20 years (and is regarded as one of the leading authorities cables and current wise) this is one of the main culprits for distortion and bad sound. What you need is one dedicated line to one wall outlet and from there you use a powerstrip to connect your components. We hope to have the English translation ready in about two weeks and you all are invited to take a look and discuss these essential issues with him online. Since here, most of the grave mistakes occur, which ruin the sound of an audio system. Every system, not only super high-end systems will benefit from this. |
Eagle, Belden specifically produces semistraded (7x20AWG=12AWG) 83800 products for plenum-wiring without conduit for fire-alarms, etc. If this cable, for example, is approved for 600F test environments, then I don't see how you could have a serious problem with any electrical inspector. So far I haven't heard of ANY problems with inspection of the Belden 83802-3, for example, although I don't doubt that cheap 14AWG fine-stranded cable is prohibited. Ern |
Subaruguru, The Belden 83802 is a FPLP rated cable, power-limited fire alarm plenum cable. FPLP cables are listed in NEC 760, National Electric Code: "Conductor and cables for power-limited fire alarm circuits shall be listed for the purpose and meet the following requirements: A. Conductors are solid or stranded copper. B. Conductors in a multiconductor cable shall not be smaller than 26 AWG. Single conductors shall not be smaller than 18 AWG. C. The voltage rating shall not be marked on the cable. Voltage ratings marked on the cables may be misinterpreted to suggest that they can be used for Class 1, electric light and power applications. ..." That seems to infer the Belden 83803/2 is NOT approved for use in normal household AC circuits. You should check with the local electrical inspector if the NEC is adopted in your area before going any further with this and advise others to do the same. Romex NM, the typical wire used in AC circuits, is not approved in plenums because the jacket will melt creating toxic gases when the heat from a fire moves through the ducts. The teflon insulation and jacket on the plenum cable is more resistant to the heat. Romex NM has a max voltage rating of 600v and 83803 is rated at 300v. JPS Labs makes in-wall wire that is 600v rated like Romex NM. It is very expensive at $18/ft., but doesn't compromise the safety and is designed for what you want to do. Power AC In-Wall cable |
