SY cable

[Rappid]

Do anybody use SY cable on a regular basis?.
I have a method statement which states the use of screened cable, I have done a site survey and SY cable is installed from the CU to isolator switch.
On this site www.sycable.co.uk it states that this cable must not be connected to the public mains.
Do I play safe and install SWA?

 

[alex trician]

Hi there;I assume that the sy cable is the multicore type flex with steel wire braid and a clear outer sheath. I have used this cable on mains voltage for three phase motors and power circuits in the same way as swa cable would be used. The public mains issue could be due to the risk of the steel wire becoming live on a fault situation and the protection device not interupting the circuit. This is my thoughts on this but I would consider the cable swa equivilant as long as the steel wire is adequately earthed.

 

[paulanderson22]

i use sy a lot at work on ac installs but only between isolator and unit. ( easier than swa!!!)
I wouldnt use it to go from the db to an isolator though!

 

[somersetsparks]

Hmm.. Not sure, I probably wouldn't do it if ity specifically said not to, just to cover myself!
I only ever use it to connect to motors etc. only in short lengths, its bl**dy expensive as well!

 

[Knobhead]

I used quite a lot it a foundry, the correct glands were bloody expensive.

 

[somersetsparks]

I used quite a lot it a foundry, the correct glands were bloody expensive.

Probably why you often see it terminated into a stuffing gland with the screen twisted up and put in a connector to earth!
I have also seen it rammed into SWA glands!

 

[johnboy6083]

ive never actually used SY. i looked online, and got to CMP, and they had a vid on how to gland it. The gland they used looked like an E1W gland. could you use a normal CW or E1W gland? would it grip the braid properly?
Most old jobs, where ive seen SY used, its been terminated in normal stuffers, im guessing they sleeved the braid and eathed it

 

[johnboy6083]

you beat me somerset sparks!

 

[pennywise]

I've seen it alot without the braiding being earthed straight into the CU with a stuffing gland and the braid taped up.

 

[somersetsparks]

Well, I'm not admintting to doing it but....
If you are careful it will go into an E1W or some CWs as long as it has the cone part that can move free of the back of the gland.
I have SEEN it done this way before wink..wink..

 

[johnboy6083]

hey, as long as you are happy that it provides a secure and relaible connection to earth, then go for it. its better than a stuffer!