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Installing dedicated lines. Which cable to use?

Hi guys

I'm having some dedicated lines put in. I've already purchased some Porter Ports (what a great guy that Albert P.!), and have a couple of questions concerning which cable to use. I want to use 10-2 solid core, but am confused about a couple of things:

-the runs from the breaker box will be relatively short (15-20 feet). Should I use shielded Romex or unshielded? I do have some problems with noise (hum, buzz)in my setup when using unshielded interconnects (Nordost). I am told that unshielded sounds better but is noisier. Experiences?

-I am having trouble locating brand name Romex. The local HD and Lowe's don't carry it, but do have a Romex-like 10-2 copper wire. Is real Romex worth the search? Lots of references in the archives to Romex from HD. What gives? Is the name Romex used generically to mean any similar cable? What is a good source for real Romex?

Thanks in advance and any other suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.
frogman
tcowden
17 posts
 
Unshielded 10-2 should be fine for your estimated lengths and for circuits up to 20amps. The dedicated circuits should help to eliminate some of the hum/buzz you're experiencing, but it all depends on where it is coming from.

Romex is a brand name, but like Kleenex, has become the de facto name for standard interior electrical cable. Romex in shorter lengths often is packaged in boxes, so check that out. I doubt that there's much difference between brands, but be sure it's all copper (not aluminum!) and that the jacket is sturdy.

Hope that helps!

Tom
alanmkafton
72 posts
 
I've been recommending Diamond Handiwire for many years. It can be found at Ace Hardware in various boxed lengths (25', 50', 100'). Home Depot used to stock it, but no longer. They have a 10/2 and 12/2 (which is the more versatile), and in listening tests over the years I (and others) found that the Handiwire sounded superior to the Romex brand....my guess is that it's a better copper formulation that translates into better sonics. Just pure luck, but we get the benefit. And for the bargain-minded, it's less costly than the Romex brand.

I've also cryogenically treated the Handiwire (for in-wall use) with excellent results as well.

alan
audio excellence az
heli_dog
45 posts
 
If you're going to the trouble and expense of dedicated lines then you might want to first check out the home wiring cable from Virtual Dynamics Home Wiring Products
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sean
6,229 posts
 
Since you have such short runs, you might want to think about making your own cable. Using two individual runs of solid core 10 gauge, simply twist them together i.e. make a twisted pair out of them. The twists don't have to be consistently spaced, but should be done at a rate of appr 3 - 4 turns per foot. This will be used for the hot and the neutral. The ground wire can be run individually outside of the twisted pair.

One suggestion here. If your runs are going to be 20 foot, start off with 25 - 28 foot of wire or so. You WILL lose length as the wire is twisted. For your own sanity, it is best to cut individual runs and work with the shortest lengths possible. That is, don't try and twist 100 ft of cabling together and then cut to length. Having another person to hold the far end and rotate it accordingly can make things go MUCH quicker and easier. Sean
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porziob
316 posts
 
Never mind mind making your own wire. You must meet bldg. codes. In case of fire, failure to do so might result in your liability. The insur. co. won`t pay a red cent.
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