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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
frogman OP
4,637 posts
 
Follow up questions, and thanks again to all:

-My outlet boxes will be surface mounted in order to protect antique wood moulding. Anyone know a good source for sturdy plastic surface mount boxes?

-Also, does it make sense to run one of the three dedicated lines off of a different phase from the other two? This line would be used for the digital gear. Will this arrangement further isolate the digital from the analogue gear?

-Am I losing my mind? :)
porziob
316 posts
 
You can melt your own copper, make your own dielectric, etc. At the end of the day you MUST MEET CODE.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
Yeah and everyone knows the wire you buy from the hardware store won't meet code!!! What is your major malfunction?
porziob
316 posts
 
Different codes call for different wire & different methods. I realize this is very difficult for you to grasp.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
There is no difference in code for 10-2. What city/county/state in this country does not allow the use of 10-2 romex or its equivelent??? Don't be an imbecile.
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