Making Your Own Multicables

[Dustincoc]

Is it feasable to make your own multicable by running 6 circuits of 10 ga. wiring through a length of rubber hose(such as 1 1/2" radiator hose). I've about had it with the multicables we're using now because they were salvaged after another local theatre threw them away and it's a common occurance to see bare wires and the occassional spark come from them. I also got a minor shock from one of them yesterday while I was climbing up the the catwalks to focus by myself.

Making the multicables would probably save some money and it would also allow us to make them the exact length we need.

[Footer]

I'll let ship point out all the code violations about running cable through a garden hose.

[Dustincoc]

That's why I'm asking, I'm not sure of any safety issues dealing with this specific topic. Also, a radiator hose is different than a garden hose.

[Van]

Originally Posted by Dustincoc

That's why I'm asking, I'm not sure of any safety issues dealing with this specific topic. Also, a radiator hose is different than a garden hose.

Replace the cable you are currently using ! Replace them with real multi-cable. Unless you are prepared to spend millions on R&D and manufacturing facilities, don't even begin to think about making you own multi-cables. Period. End of story. No ifs, Ands, or Buts.

The only thing you might do in the mean time is to make bundles, by running several lengths of 10/3 or 12/3 cables along side each other then friction tapping them every2 feet.

[Dustincoc]

Where is a good source of multicables? I'm looking for ones with stagepin connectors on the multicable, not socapex connectors which is about all I can find.

[Van]

I'm not sure, and I could be mistaken, but I don't think your'e going to find
a multi cable that comes out in anything but Socapex. the only thing I've ever found that didn't have Soca connectors on the ends was some "home made" multis that had been made from soca cable where they had stripped back a bunch of the outer shell to expose the individual wires inside, then put stagepin connectors on those. Very bad idea. the inner wires just are made for that kind of abuse. Thats why Socapex was invented and why it's the standard.

[farmerjo1111]

TMB and Lex products are the two company's that come to mind when ever any one asks me about multi cable. Yes they do make Multi cable that goes from Soco to Stage pin or what ever you need. Do not try to make these your self. Check with you local Theatrical Dealer for pricing.

Dustin Strobush

[Van]

Farmerjo.

No they do not make cables that go directly from; soca to stage pin, from edison to edison, or stage pin to stage pin. Here is a link from one of the sources you just sighted, TMB, and below it a quote from thier FAQ.


http://tmb.com/faqcable.htm


Can I terminate my multicable directly to stage pin connectors or do I have to always use a breakout?
No: The conductors of Multicables used in stage lighting load distribution are not designed to be "splayed out" `to multiple connectors, doing this could be dangerous. A breakput assembly or some kind of transition device should always be used.

[sound_nerd]

Originally Posted by Van

Farmerjo.
No they do not make cables that go directly from; soca to stage pin, from edison to edison, or stage pin to stage pin. Here is a link from one of the sources you just sighted, TMB, and below it a quote from thier FAQ.
http://tmb.com/faqcable.htm
Can I terminate my multicable directly to stage pin connectors or do I have to always use a breakout?
No: The conductors of Multicables used in stage lighting load distribution are not designed to be "splayed out" `to multiple connectors, doing this could be dangerous. A breakput assembly or some kind of transition device should always be used.

As Van said, the only proper way to do what you want it to buy soca cable (with soca connectors!) in whatever length you need, and then get the appropriate splays for each end.

[Chris15]

Now US codes don't apply down here, so ignore that for a sec. I've made cables whereby the end of a 12 conductor cable had say 300mm of the outer insulation stripped back. Then twist together 3 wires. Heatshrink over them and place a piece of heatshrink say 150mm over where the heatshrink and jacket meet. Now these were for a paying client and my boss had no problem with them. So why shouldn't this be done? Enlighten me...