New electrical wiring specifications

@ditusa Said:

Dedicated audio lines I would go with Type MC Galvanized Steel Metal Clad Cable 10/2 with insulated ground. It has better EMI and EF shielding versus Non Metallic cable

I agree on the use of MC (Metal Clad) armored cable. I’m just not a fan of the galvanized steel armored MC cable. I personally would use aluminum  armored  MC cable. 

From my listening experience, as well from that of other audiophiles, galvanized ferrous magnetic steel can add grain as well slightly restrict the openness, air, of the musical presentation.  

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Metal Clad (MC) is manufactured in both steel and aluminum with twisted conductors that help reduce AC magnetic fields. Although the steel jacket helps reduce AC magnetic fields, the twisting of conductors has the greatest effect on reducing these fields.

Another benefit is the constant symmetry of the phase conductors with respect to the grounding conductor which greatly reduces voltage induction on the grounding wire.

The highlighted text is of the greatest importance.

Though NM sheathed cable, (Romex), is good and widely used, I think 2 wire with insulated ground MC cable is better. (Solid copper wire.)

 

To all that may be reading this post, MC armored cable. NOT AC / BX armored cable. Make sure the Electrician buys and installs MC cable.

Example of MC cable: (For purposes of showing the three insulated conductors are twisted together. I am NOT recommending the manufacturer.)

2 conductor with insulated ground MC armored cable  

Note the photo shows solid copper conductors. Ad is for stranded. 

For audio branch circuit wiring solid copper conductors is recommended.

Southwire is a very good cable manufacturer

FYI, though Anti Short bushings are not required by NEC code for MC cable, I highly recommend you tell the electrician you want them installed anyway. If if he says you don’t need them. Tell him, you want them anyway. They are cheap and it will take the electrician about 15 seconds to install one. 

Example:

Pretty simple to install.

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*** AC / BX Armored Cable ***

Make 100% sure the electrician installs MC and not AC / BX armored cable. Big difference between the two.

Southwire Armorlite 125-ft 10 / 2 Solid Aluminum BX/AC Armored Cable

Look closely at the picture of the section of the cable. Note the two insulated copper Line conductors and the bare 16awg aluminum safety equipment grounding/bonding conductor.

 Southwire Website 

10/2 AWG THHN/THWN Insulated Singles Wrapped in moisture-Resistant, Flame-Retardant Paper. 16 AWG Aluminum Bond  Wire. UL Listed. 600 Volts. Rated VW-1. Lightweight Aluminum Interlocked Armor.

"An armor assembly (combination of the interlocked armor & bonding strip) that is recognized as an equipment grounding/bonding conductor per NEC 250.118(8)."

You don’t want this...

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My next project is to run a new circuit to my music room.  I have 12/2 now and am going to move the receptacle to a better location and change to 10/2.  I watched a video with Michael Fremer a few years ago and he said all his equipment was on one circuit and that was recommended.  I don't know what the right answer is nor if amps should go into the power conditioner or directly into the wall.  Suppose the only way to know if try and compare.  

Standard 20A circuits with 12/2 wiring.

Wow a lot of you guys are way out of control. Especially the multi ground rod people you’re only supposed to have one ground rod per meter. I keep hearing the song from the Talking Heads in the background about burning down the house

20amp wire and any of the highend outlets. Thay are all good.  I use Cardas. But allmof them are very good.