Dedicated power lines-getting started

Has anyone else asked Belden tech support if 83802 or 03 is recommended for 110v power circuits? (besides me) It doesn't make much sense that putting a cable in a conduit when it is specifically designed to not need a conduit in the proper application would somehow make it suitable for a use for which it was not designed. Although I did not specifically ask Belden tech support about a conduit, they said their FPLP, Fire, Power Limited, Plenum (83802, etc.) is not designed for 110v power supply. They are to be used for "Control and Instrumentation" of fire alarms and tray applications.

Common commercial fire alarm systems have a main power transformer to which the FPLP cables are attached to carry 24v DC throughout a building. They are approved to be run through a plenum for the fire sensors and the teflon jacket is designed to withstand more heat in a fire and not give off the levels of toxic gas like other wire jacket materials. The system can be tied to a battery back-up with the DC voltage.

Since the braided shield on the 83802 is inadequate for a safety ground, it makes sense to run a separate ground wire in a conduit. That does not mean the conduit will allow the use of 83802. Ask Belden tech support, if they say OK I won't continue to challenge what my research indicates is reckless advice for house wiring. Then all you have to do is convince the electrical inspector to go along with it. Good luck!

This flap has gotten me curious so I looked into it.
I noticed long ago at the bottom of the Venhaus DIY sitethe disclaimer:
Legal Stuff:
All content on this site is property of Christopher J. VenHaus copyright 1999-2002, all rights reserved. All images are copyright protected and may not be distributed in any manner without written permission. I do not endorse, and expressly forbid attempts to "commercialize" any of my cable designs for profit, without permission.

Now I see Subaruguru's post from 11-14-02 saying he's been making cords using the "VH design" for a couple of years and routinely selling them (for a profit). While I think it's a useful service to combine the excellent design with a one source shopping for all the materials needed to make the cords, was permission ever asked of the designer?

I think we need to cut through the smoke screen, stop the emotional outbursts, and give credit where credit is due.

Ernie, AKA Subaruguru: You state in your post:

>>>I installed my 8380x lines two and 1/2 years ago, well >>>before hearing of your "flavors".

I noticed that in this and several other posts, you state that you have used this cable for 2 years, and now you are saying you installed 2 1/2 years ago. Well, sir. I believe your math or memory needs a little work.

In a post you made here at Audiogon on >>>11-02-01<<< you state:

>>>"What about that nifty 12/2 copper-over-teflon Belden >>>83802 or 83803 I've just read about. Stiff, I imagine, >>>but a giant-killer?? Help!".

11-02-01 to current time is not 2 1/2 years. I would also like to point out that I first published my recipe in MAY of 2001, a full 6 months before you "heard about it".

I'll let the other members here decide for themselves who they want to do business with, but can you at least be more careful about your facts going forward?

Lastly, I'm asking you for the last time to stop making reference to my designs in your ads.

Best,

Chris VenHaus aka ChrisVH
VH Audio
www.venhaus1.com

subaruguru wrote:

The advantage of this Belden is that it's shielded and all-Teflon dielectric.

The shielding I see as a disadvantage, the Teflon is good. There is no scientific reason to shield either power cords or speaker cables unless you are wanting to reduce dynamics. This is why I recommend plastic conduit and plastic junction boxes.

ChrisVH - a question. Do you have patents on the cable designs that you are referring to?

Seems to me the right to litigate intellectual property is based on having a patent first. Otherwise, it is just a trade secret, which have the nasty habit of getting out unless they are invisible or potted in epoxy etc...