SY cable for distribution circuits and final circuits

[dave992]

Hi all,

Just a question relating to SY cable and the use of SY cable. My boss his carrying out a EICR for a industrial premise and coming across a lot of SY cable. These cables are used for final circuits and distribution circuits. I know that BS7671 list SY cable as non - standard cables and are covered by the Germany VDE regulations, but would you code this as a code and if so what code and what regulation would it go under ? Would like more information in SY and similar types of cables.

Thanks

 

[The Ghost]

Well the OSG lists them as not suitable for final circuits. However it hasn't stopped a lot of persons using it for ring final circuits (have to say that as someone is watching and they get touchy if you don't use the proper name) etc. I think manufacturers don't classify it as suitable for such circuits as you describe. But on control circuits perfectly normal for use. I personally would use common sense and consider environment, loads and state of the cable before I wouldn't code it anything if it looked fine and environmental factors were suitable and suitably rated what is the problem. I think they do not fare well in damp/wet environments and the plastic coating may not be happy with certain chemicals. It is a controversial topic.

 

[KEV 1 N]

I come across it a lot (although not as sub mains) when doing EICRs, if it's in good condition and appears to be suitable for what it's supplying, then I wouldn't note it as being wrong, in fact we did a new installation where it was specified to use SY as final circuits to supply server cabinets.

 

[Strima]

We use a lot as finals to power rectifiers etc. As long as it's suitable for the environment and the voltage rating I don't have a problem with it.

 

[KEV 1 N]

Also seeing more YY cable being used in metal trunking for distribution supplies (probably as it's easier to bend )

 

[Darkwood]

The braid is designed as a screen on SY, if it is suitably earthed but not used as the Earth then just list a comment of not recognised under our cable standards, on the assumption we are talking LV.

 

[Midwest]

If its of any help, there was a piece on non-standard cables, by a guy from Napit in the September issue of PE;

NAPIT | Is non-Standard Cable Acceptable? - http://professional-electrician.com/features/napit-non-standard-cable-acceptable/

 

[Spoon]

Just a question relating to SY cable and the use of SY cable. My boss his carrying out a EICR for a industrial premise and coming across a lot of SY cable. These cables are used for final circuits and distribution circuits. I know that BS7671 list SY cable as non - standard cables and are covered by the Germany VDE regulations, but would you code this as a code and if so what code and what regulation would it go under ? Would like more information in SY and similar types of cables.

We use SY cable. As long as its used properly then I don't see a problem.
Where does BS7671 says SY cable is 'non-standard' ? I can't find it.

 

[Midwest]

We use SY cable. As long as its used properly then I don't see a problem.
Where does BS7671 says SY cable is 'non-standard' ? I can't find it.

The piece in PE explains that, I believe.

 

[Dozer 73]

We use SY cable. As long as its used properly then I don't see a problem.
Where does BS7671 says SY cable is 'non-standard' ? I can't find it.

On site guide

 

[davesparks]

We use SY cable. As long as its used properly then I don't see a problem.
Where does BS7671 says SY cable is 'non-standard' ? I can't find it.

It doesn't specify SY or any other cable type, however it does specify the standards to which cable must be approved either British standards, harmonised European standards or international standards.
The problem is that SY is made to a German national standard (VDE), this is not a harmonised standard or an international standard and so technically does not comply.

Also manufacturers data sometimes specifies that this cable is not suitable for installation work, connection to public LV mains supplies or similar.

 

[UNG]

Where are the volt drop, current carrying capacity and derating factors to be found on this cable. Even claims of manufacture to a VDE standard seem sketchy