SY Cable? Thoughts?

[Midwest]

I recall in another piece on this subject, that if a designer was to use such a cable in a BS7671 installation, then it would have to be noted as a departure from BS7671 and reg 120.3 would have to apply.

 

[davesparks]

Cheers, I think the powers that be want the extra mechanical protection though...

But SY has no extra mechanical protection. Heavy duty flex such as H07RNF is more mechanically strong and probably better suited to the job.

 

[Tes369]

And the cost ?

 

[Spoon]

And the cost ?

See post #11 mate

 

[Deuce]

I suggest it is not that the cables are a poor choice but the fact you are running them along the ground in a harsh environment, you need to look into other suitable means like cable protection channelling like they use on road works etc, we have this set up in the factories I work in, also voltages used should be considered IE 110v gear.

I understand that sometimes they cables will be subject to some wear and tear but if this is the case then more routine checks and replacement may be the only real answer but I struggle to see that there isn't any other solutions, we have in the past dug the floors up and put cable raceways in to allow power points at better suited positions minimising extension runs.

No chance, its the way it is backstage everywhere. And on location in TV, cables everywhere. Sometimes it's not so bad in the studio on longer running series but for one day get in, one day get out, it's chaotic. Safety stats however remain very high - make of that what you will.

Each cable/distro is checked/tested as it's laid out and connected at least.

 

[davesparks]

No chance, its the way it is backstage everywhere. And on location in TV, cables everywhere. Sometimes it's not so bad in the studio on longer running series but for one day get in, one day get out, it's chaotic. Safety stats however remain very high - make of that what you will.

Each cable/distro is checked/tested as it's laid out and connected at least.

Thats not the way it is backstage everywhere, all of the backstage environments I've worked in we've always run cables where they don't get walked all over or give them additional protection.

 

[Deuce]

Thats not the way it is backstage everywhere, all of the backstage environments I've worked in we've always run cables where they don't get walked all over or give them additional protection.

Where have you worked?

Yes backstage isn't too bad, but the cables still go in and out very quickly and certainly get tugged around quite a bit. On location is by for the worse, also movie sets pretty bad.

I literally just came off a job where there was a 10m vertical drop. Filming at the bottom, generator at the top. Thick bushes around the top of the drop, how to drop the 125a down? The solution, not surprisingly, was for them to 'gently throw it' over the bushes. And then from the distro below cables over rocks, through windows etc.

I've seen it all, some people do hold a very high standard - mostly it's the venue that demands the standards more than the guys in charge of the show/event, whatever. To be honest the electrical safety, as in testing is second to none. Literally every part of the power distribution is tested by the hire company and then tested as it's laid out. A lot of cables might see 100+ tests a year. It's just the breakneck speed and sheer number of people that makes for a less than ideal final layout quite often.

 

[Darkwood]

No chance, its the way it is backstage everywhere. And on location in TV, cables everywhere. Sometimes it's not so bad in the studio on longer running series but for one day get in, one day get out, it's chaotic. Safety stats however remain very high - make of that what you will.

Each cable/distro is checked/tested as it's laid out and connected at least.

I had industrial dirty factories in my head tbh, I cannot comment on your area but surely all the H&S and trip hazards etc would see cables run safely and out of the way where possible, safety always comes before deadlines athough it is often why accidents do happen when the priorities change position but if you are saying safety stats remain high then fair enough although it will only takes one major accident to see a clamp down on complacent attitudes due to time restraints, the question is though who takes the blame?

 

[gazdkw82]

I think this a real industry problem. I'm pretty new to the Industry and i already see SY installed alot. At my works (university) we use it for all kinds of applications, inverters, controls, commando socket outlets extensions..... Even the large compactor that gets picked up weekly is wired in SY.

I don't think it's obvious enough that it's non compliant. Even our electrical technicians didn't know!

Is there any other piece of electrical equipment that is used so widely and doesn't comply?

 

[Deuce]

I had industrial dirty factories in my head tbh, I cannot comment on your area but surely all the H&S and trip hazards etc would see cables run safely and out of the way where possible, safety always comes before deadlines athough it is often why accidents do happen when the priorities change position but if you are saying safety stats remain high then fair enough although it will only takes one major accident to see a clamp down on complacent attitudes due to time restraints, the question is though who takes the blame?

I think, in all honesty, safety remains high due to common sense. I don't mean H&S common sense, I mean common sense of the people working in the area to realise it's a none standard situation and that extra care is required. Of course in this industry people are used to working fast in the weirdest of places, so it becomes a frame of mind to keep your eyes open.

You would have to work in the industry to understand the way it works, and why it's all thrown together so quickly sometimes. You would be amazed at the sheer amount of kit that's up and running within hours sometimes, easily the equivalent distribution system of a small-medium sized factory.

I can say that on walkways cable ramps are used, but in reality people will be working all over the place.

It's a strange thought these days, but it is possible to be safe just by being aware - you don't actually have to remove a potential risk, just avoid it.

 

[Deleted member 105018]

I was once told that SY has never been rated for power (ie high currents) by an NICEIC quality supervisor. We use it for input/output at 24v for devices close to the PLC on machines unless we’re using ProfiBus. Any power work is done in SWA or manufactured specific cable (Siemens basically demand you use their cable for their servo motors). I’ve also heard on the grapevine that because the braid isn’t always terminated, a damaged cable can cause it to become live. Nevertheless it’s powering my shed!!!

 

[Darkwood]

I was once told that SY has never been rated for power (ie high currents) by an NICEIC quality supervisor. We use it for input/output at 24v for devices close to the PLC on machines unless we’re using ProfiBus. Any power work is done in SWA or manufactured specific cable (Siemens basically demand you use their cable for their servo motors). I’ve also heard on the grapevine that because the braid isn’t always terminated, a damaged cable can cause it to become live. Nevertheless it’s powering my shed!!!

Question is how does the SY get from your house to the shed?

 

[MFS Electrical]

This subject has interested me. What did they change?

Just some words on the spec sheet probably I’ve never seen an SY gland made off properly anyway so it’s probably a good thing

 

[Deleted member 105018]

Haha. If I told you it was buried would you tell me off?

 

[mickfred]

Come across a light wired in SY yeasterdy . Shoved in a 13 amp plug, braid hanging out and very near to going in to the plug . Hate the stuff and should only be able to be sold with correct glands supplied