SY Cable or SY Flex How to Terminate, Make Off Step by Step Practical Demonstration of Connecting
Demonstration on how to make off and terminate the gland onto an SY cable (SY flex). Step by step guide on how to make of an end in SY cable and fit it into an electrical enclosure (consumer unit). This video is designed to help appreciate Electricians and learners training at college to become an electrician.
Understand and Carry Out Terminations and Connections of Conductors 5357 107.
🕕 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕
00:00 - How to make off SY cable
00:26 - Gland pack CXT 20S
00:39 - Gland pack details
01:03 - Conductor colours are now brown, blue and green and yellow
02:03 - SY cable length
02:42 - Whats in the gland pack
03:23 - Gland body
03:40 - Gland kit for one end of SY flex
04:08 - Cutting your shroud correctly
05:04 - Gland body on
05:34 - Mark around the SY
05:52 - Pull and twist
07:27 - Trimming back the steel braiding
08:07 - Untwisting the steel braiding
08:28 - Gently pick at the steel braiding
09:28 - 50 50 split
10:32 - Inline with the gland body
11:00 - Brading round the gland body
11:48 - Care with the wrapping of the braiding
12:26 - Second brass washer
13:23 - Earthing ring on
14:06 - Pushing the braiding back in
15:29 - Gland into the bottom of the consumer unit
15:51 - Locking off the SY gland
17:25 - Connections in the consumer unit
18:00 - Fly lead
18:50 - 16 amp socket 16 amp breaker
Videos are training aids for City and Guilds (C and G) and EAL courses Level 1, 2, 3 plus AM2, AM2S and AM2E.
You can follow me day by day on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok lookout for "GSH Electrical”.
▶️ FACEBOOK / gshelectrical
▶️ INSTAGRAM / brihzmraygdtmjmdb9lunq...
▶️ TWITTER / gsh_electrical
▶️ TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZMRBLFdhe/
#GSHElectrical #Electricaltrainingvideos
I've learnt more from this channel...than from college....I got am2 coming up...really helpful
All the best with AM2 and thanks for watching and the positive feedback 👍🏻. Gaz
Great video 👍👍👍👍
Great video gaz
A little trick for cutting the braiding back. If you make a little hole by peeling the braiding to each side you can hoop the cable through and cut off the braiding where needed. I've always linked my braiding to earth directly however and sleeved.
I love your , channel and tools and instrument hoping for more video, i wish i could have your tools and instruments
Another great vid guys. I’m glad your showing the younger ones how to do it correctly. Hopefully we will see correctly glanded sy on AC units in the future. Personally I bloody hate the stuff and it should be sent to hell. Nearly all my commercial inspection I do, SY has been installed terrible and the condition of the cable if stupidly used out side or in damp conditions is appalling.
It shouldn’t be used that’s why ITS NOT FOR CARRYING VOLTAGE IN U.K. JUST CONTROL GEAR … as for using the braided for earth lol it’s not for that in any way IET & NICEIC BOTH SAY SY IS A C3 min but a C2 if showing any sign of thermal damage ( which it does if any voltage ever goes to the braiding)
Your information is good and useful
Thanks for watching and the support 👍🏻
Years ago I used to install commercial catering equipment and wired them up with SY cable. Those days I haven't seen any special gland for the SY ( or my wholesaler never heard of it) so I improvised external SWA glands by slitting the main section with metal hacksaw and terminate the SW as you did. Great job by the way.
That's cunning. I've never seen an SY gland, just seen it through a regular compression gland and if you're lucky the braid in to an earth terminal.
Where can I get the 20/25 lock nut spanner?
Hello sir I learned about electricity from KZhead very well and I want you to take it from me, a test on electricity
Been a sparky since 1995 and never even knew they done glands for sy
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Very good thanks for that good video
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Excellent
The smaller SY outer sheath is a perfect size to remove capsule lamps from control panels
Hi mate any chance U could do a video on master switching and din rail time switches? keep up the good content mate
Hi, would it be acceptable to fix the earth rings down with a locknut before putting the gland into the consumer unit to make it easier ? Then another locknut inside the consumer unit to hold the gland in place?
很好，在香港都是這做的，
What's stopping you going twice round the thread with that braid? And then back into the split? I find it stays in a lot better and is neat
Hey, great video as always. We have to make off SY for our college exam, but have been told that we need to take braiding inside box and then crimp. My college is saying this is what is expected in the AM2. Has anyone done the AM2 recently and know which is the required way for it to be fixed?
Not sure about AM2, but that's the way I do it and it's far less fiddly, cheaper and more secure than using those special glands.
I've seen many professional sparks make the same armoured shroud mistake. If you want your shrouds to have a wobbly cut then do it like this guy. If you want a more concentric and neater cut then push the uncut shroud over the cable in the wrong direction, then cut in a circular motion using the cable as a former, then fit the shroud in the correct direction. Laying it flat for the cut looks toilet.
Where do I buy a lock nut spanner? Great video again btw
If only I could remember 🤦🏻♂️. Thanks for watching. Gaz
The cable gland could be designed better by having a cup shaped washer and a flat washer to keep the strands in place . The same as a CPC connection on an immersion heater .
Thanks for the comment 👍🏻
@@GSHElectrical WHY ARE YOU USING / promoting SY ?? AS OTHERS HAVE SAID SY DOES NOT CARRY AS BS no. AFTER CONSULTING NICEIC & IET THEY HAVE BOTH SAID SY IS A C2 if showing any signs of thermal damage. As the braiding is not designed to carry any voltage it should not be used as an earth .. SY IS FOR CONTROL CABLE.. SURELY YOU SHOULD BE TELLING STUDENTS NOT TO USE IT .. there is cable manufacturers looking at making SY & getting it a BS but untill then you are installing a C ISSUE IF USED . PI** POOR PRACTICE!!!!!
why is the banjo on the outside of the consumer unit
Can't help thinking gland manufacturers could do something to help keep the armouring between the washers. Some kind of rim, maybe? That looks like a real faff.
Haven't seen that type of specific 20/ 25mm spanner in 30 odd year's.. where do you purchase them ?
That’s a great question and sadly I cannot remember 🫤. Thanks for watching Gaz 👍🏻
Don’t think I have ever seen SY flex, it looks like that American kopex that aluminium flexy conduit that’s pre wired . Were would SY flex be used ? Great video Gaz as always 👍👍👍❤️
Normally on aircon units, from the isolator to the unit, only time I have ever had to use it.
SY and CY are a contentious one in the UK mate. There's an argument they shouldn't be used as they're designed to a German standard and not a British Standard. They tend to be used for control wiring and I've seen them used on pump sets, possibly because the manufacturer of the pumps sets are outside of the UK.
Sy shouldn't be used anywhere. It's not recognised by British standards. You should be using rubber ho7rn cable.
Electricians shears work a treat for removing the braid.
Unlikely to get a set of them in a college tool box 👍🏻
@@GSHElectrical I used to get a butter knife in my college days……. Bloody useless it was !
可以，但剪刀可能有損壞
I was wondering is SY acceptable for fixed installation on trays for example. I used to use SY on machines but always thought it performed very poorly especially in any applications with even small amounts of flexing. The outer sheath can be damaged by the inner braiding and they deteriorate quickly if installed outside. You will always get moisture ingress between the two sheaf clamp washer and water then collect inside the cable braid. In places like New Zealand they use something very similar to SY for all the industrial installations.
SY does not comply with our BS standard for cables, not sure why it is being promoted here? It is a cable made to a EU standard there are no tables for volt drop or current carrying capacity so it cannot be sized for our UK 18th edition.
@@pirate69s All manufactures produce the data sheets including volt drop and current capability. The BS 7671 is just a guide, you should always use the manufactures data sheets. And 6mm is 6mm is 6mm, volt drops will always be the same. They will have different current ratings, and that is dependent on the level of insulation and at what temperature it can stand.
@@007floppyboy You are 100% wrong mate BS7671 is not a guide. It is the regulation, therefore THE LAW.
LAPP SKINTOP MS SC M are far more advanced glands for SY cable and are suitable for areas where spraying or splashing water is likely. They are my preference.
It’s nice to see a CXT gland on some SY for a change. However, the only places I see it used are the exact same places it isn’t designed to be used. There are better alternatives with BS ratings.
Remember we are a college 👍🏻
Pretty sure you can use it... Have to Put it down as a departure from bs7671 on certificate and fill in box for other type of cable on circuit schedule..
Any departure from BS7671 must meet or exceed the UK standards, how can you show it does when you have no current carrying capacity of the braid under fault conditions. Even the manufacturers say it is only for controls not fixed wiring for power supplies.
dont project the banjo locking bolt too far into the c.unit.. brass nut with brass hex bolt easy to tighten say 15mm , in length..
Can sy be use for power and mains?
No, the manufacturers state it is only for controls.
WARNING. That gland is fine made off like that when it’s inside but not when used externally installed in that fashion, and I’ve seen hundreds no thousands of them especially on air con units, the braid acts like a wick and draws moister down the braid is then heated by the sun causing mould growth and corrosion destroys the earth continuity to the braid and eventually fills the lower end switch or joint box with water If you look at the gland the split stops short of the base you need to make off with the two rings or washers on the inside thus preventing moister to enter between the external pvc and cable sheath,
Oh yes forgot to mention it’s also not suitable to be used outside in the first place but unfortunately it dose get used, so at least stop the water getting in or use a suitable cable even better.
My learners need to make off an SY cable as part of an assessment hence the video 👍🏻
I have just removed alot of this shite cable in a garden which the previous "spark" used to wire lights and sockets! He used the braid as an earth cause he found he did not have enough conductors to do what he wanted to, he terminated the braid in choc blocks in the back of the lights! The cable was undersized also giving massive earth fault loop readings. Needless to say the whole shite got ripped out and replaced with swa.
My learners need to make off SY flex as part of an assessment hence the video 👍🏻
@@GSHElectrical I appreciate the video, and it's a very good demonstration. The issue I have not with you but in general is the selection of equipment in general for the environment, I have seen this stuff in loads of gardens etc where it is not appropriate, yes it has its uses in industry, but it is not recognised by bs7671 as a previous comment stated. In my opinion its awful stuff and there are better alternatives in certain situations
King Gary
Where can I buy the lock nut spanner please?
I wish I could remember 🤦🏻♂️
Why are you using a fly lead from the banjo if you aren’t allowed to use the braiding as an earth?
You're thinking about it backwards: the banjo / fly lead assembly is to provide an earth to the braid
Although I don't know whether GSH have covered exactly why the braid must be earthed?
@@obd6HsN the braid is an extraneous conductive part, and therefore must be earthed. It can be used as an earth conductor, but I always use cables with an internal earth as well. If its a high frequency job, make sure the braid is only connected to earth at one point, use the inner earth for earthing the motor etc. The use of both inner and braid on high frequencies (both connected at either end and above 20kHz or so) can lead to induced circulating earth currents.
@@007floppyboy that's exactly what I said: "the fly lead [provides] an earth to the braid". Are you saying that the braid is suitable for use as the CPC?
@@obd6HsN Yes, the braid can be used as CPC, its the same as SWA, but you need to do the calcs as per SWA. Again I personally dont rely on them, but that doesn't mean you cannot. I think of it as a 'gain' when using them, lowing the return resistance to its ALARP, As Low As Reasonably Practicable.
I was told you couldn't use SY flex as it doesn't have a BS standard .
My learners have to install SY cable as part of an assessment hence the video 👍🏻
@@GSHElectrical is it correct that we can't use it in the UK because it's not got a BS standard, seeing as it's a European cable is there a harmonised standard ?
@@dennisphoenix1 & the braiding is not designed to carry voltage .. this video is so wrong . As it’s for U.K. STUDENTS.. he should be telling them it is not to be used in new installations or they are installing a fault.. PI** POOR PRACTICE
It is was it is
Got to then ask the question, why are products for SY cable still being manufactured for the UK market, if it is not allowed? I don't know but that's a reasonable question. SY not allowed on Ex installs but allowed in factories and commercial I think.
Those glands are crap, just use a standard SWA gland and flip the tapered olive upside down so it bites into the braiding and make it off live an SWA, saves time and both....these glands are crap!
Cl electrician scissors
Sadly we a stuck with 10 basic tools in our college tool kits 👍🏻
@@GSHElectrical well you had 2 pairs of side cutters.. I think one pair could be dropped and replaced for the scissors.. they are really handy for stranded copper, like in this video :-)
I know this is the by the book way of doing it, but i really can't see a reason why you cant just use a stuffing gland and take the yarn strait to the cpc terminal inside the enclosure? This has always seemed pointless imo. I haven't used sy in the 10 years since doing my AM2 and I'm a commercial spark (Before I get the housebasher comment). The most pointless cable ever invented also.
who would even bother with this stuff..when there are alternatives available...and are easier to terminate..
It’s part of a practical assessment my learners have to do hence the video
I've done electrics for a long time, and I did an apprenticeship many years ago. I was never taught SY and I've never used it. I can't help thinking for the exact same amount of work you might as well use SWA? It's tougher, better and you can use it outside and bury it etc. If you don't need that level of mechanical protection, then you might as well use NYY-J and stuffing glands and save yourself a little bit of faff. Also, I haven't used a banjo in years, those pirahna/earthing nuts are so much less hassle and save you compromising the IP rating of your enclosure.
Those glands are simply the worst type of gland I have ever had the misfortune to use. I used them in the 80s, complete joke, and you expect them to improve, no they didnt. If you are thinking of using these stop, chuck em in the bin. Loads of other good glands out there, just like SWA E1W glands or similar, where they grab the flex all around with the olive. Also, if your doing any high frequency work, these glands dont meet latest EMC standards where as an E1W type does.
Thanks for your feedback 👍🏻 these glands are the ones my learners are required to install as part of an assessment hence the video 👍🏻
No idea why this is taught on the courses. It just encourages thebuse of a sub standard cable
But we do have to teach it….
I complained to NET about this, they said they included it because it was listed as an acceptable cable by City & Guilds despite the IET saying its use should be discouraged. Personally I think there are plenty of other types of cable that it would be more useful for apprentices to learn how to terminate especially those who will go into industrial work.
Sy cable has no British standard, It shouldn't be used. Use rubber ho7rn cable instead.
Ok.decent tip. I just had to check a gas flare. Sy cable outside run on ground no cable tray. Looked up the ruling. Tbh I have used it on e or twice and didn't mind it...but rules are rules. Ta
It’s in the end assessment for my learners hence the video
100% Europen rubbish belongs in Europe!
@@GSHElectrical why are you not contacting the assessment body and telling them it shouldn’t be used except for control gear !!!!! How many other things are you teaching that is wrong .. but doing it because the computer says NO 🤔🤔😂😂
@@makg4655 SY can be used as supply cable (Low tension feed) I have asked all the manufactures and have their responses on file, its my insurance against owt going t1ts up. To be honest, after years of installing this stuff, Its fine. Carried out inspections on my designs in Nuclear plants and its still ok, after more than 20 odd years in service.
Takes to much time, time is money
It’s a requirement for my learners assessment hence the video 👍🏻