Use of Supra LoRad shielded mains cable

IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, PLEASE CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING OR RE-WIRING.	

What is Supra LoRad?
Supra LoRad is a purpose designed, CE-approved, worldwide patented, shielded mains cable. It uses three separately insulated tin-plated Oxygen Free Copper conductors, surrounded by an aluminium foil screen.

Unlike some other cables, it does not need a separate drain wire to shield the cable from inducing mains hum into low level signal cables. Instead, the aluminium foil is earthed along its entire length via the semi-conducting green/yellow coloured insulation, which covers the multi-stranded earth conductor.

To terminate Supra LoRad
It may be obvious to some, but it was thought pertinent to create this document so that you are aware of one way to wire up Supra LoRad shielded mains cable. (There may be other ways!)

Step 1: First, using a sharp hobby knife, carefully cut away sufficient length of the light blue coloured outer sheath so as to expose the aluminium foil and the three colour coded inner conductors. (The amount you need to strip off is dependant on the connector you are planning to use – refer to the connector instructions). Take care not to cut into the inner conductors.

Step 2: Cut off the same amount of the exposed aluminium foil, trimming it back to the same point as the end of the outer sheath. Note: The aluminium foil is NOT connected in any way to any terminal inside the connectors as the semi-conductive insulation of the green/yellow conductor does the same job as a drain wire would do, if present.

Step 3: Cut off sufficient of the inner conductors so that when the cable is laid into the connector, there is just enough conductor to reach (and go slightly) past the connectors termination point.

Step 4: Using an appropriate tool, such as a cable stripper, carefully cut away sufficient insulation of each of the inner conductors to expose approx. 8mm of bare wire. (For some types of connectors, more or less than this amount may be required). Carefully twist the exposed bare wire strands to ensure there are no stray strands that may cause an electrical short.

Step 5: Connect each of the three coloured cores to the relevant connector termination points you are using, as per the normal UK specification, which is:

Brown			=	LIVE
Blue			=	NEUTRAL
Green/Yellow		=	EARTH

Notes: It is possible that you may need to modify the connector(s) in order to fit the large diameter (approx. 11mm) of the LoRad cable. If you choose to modify such a connector, ensure that, from a safety point of view, the integrity of the connector is not compromised. Also ensure that the connector is safety approved for use in your area and bears the relevant safety marks (for instance BS/CE)

It is advisable to connect the earth connector at both ends of the cable to ensure safe use of the equipment connected thus. Needless to say, the earth conductor MUST be connected at the wall socket end for the cable to be shielded, even if the earth is not connected at the equipment end.

We normally only recommend the use of Supra LoRad with products that use non-captive mains leads and which are properly terminated using BS/CE approved connectors.

Note that the DIY re-wiring of electrical products may invalidate your guarantee.

This document has been checked and verified independently, and is intended as a guide only.
No liability can be assumed if this document is mis-understood, mis-interpreted, followed to the letter, taken to be gospel, thought of as being “valid in all circumstances”, etc, etc.

IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, PLEASE CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING OR RE-WIRING.	

Issue 03 – October 2002		Errors and Omissions Excepted.