Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Clearway Power is designed as the first step into the company's dedicated mains-cable range, bringing proper screening and carefully selected conductor and insulation materials to the connection between the mains supply and compatible hi-fi or audio-visual equipment.
This Audio T product is specifically the IEC version, fitted with a UK 13A mains plug at the wall end and an IEC equipment connector at the component end. Chord Company also makes Clearway Power with Figure-8 and other mains-plug configurations, but those are separate versions and should not be confused with this product.
Internally, Clearway Power uses three high-purity multi-strand copper conductors with PVC insulation chosen for its high mechanical damping factor. These are surrounded by Chord Company's distinctive dual-foil screen and a high-density vibration-damping outer jacket.
The screening is what particularly separates Clearway Power from a conventional unshielded mains lead. Chord Company developed the cable to reduce interaction with nearby cables and reduce the pick-up of high-frequency electrical noise present in modern homes.
The result is a sensible entry point for anyone wanting to experiment with a purpose-designed mains cable without immediately moving into Chord Company's more elaborate Shawline, Epic, Sarum T or ChordMusic power cables.
As ever with mains products, compatibility comes first. Check that your equipment uses the appropriate IEC inlet before ordering and, if you are unsure about the IEC type required by your component, speak to Audio T first.
Chord Company Clearway Power IEC Mains Cable
Clearway Power is a shielded mains cable designed and hand built by Chord Company in the UK for compatible hi-fi, audio and audio-visual equipment.
This Audio T product page refers specifically to the:
UK mains plug to IEC version.
The Figure-8 Clearway Power cable is listed separately by Audio T.
This Is the IEC Version
This product should be selected for compatible equipment using an IEC mains inlet.
If your equipment uses a two-pin Figure-8 mains connection, choose the separate Clearway Power Figure-8 product instead.
Available Audio T Lengths
The Audio T selector currently includes all four standard Clearway Power lengths published by Chord Company:
| Audio T Option |
Connection |
Length |
| Clearway Power 1m |
UK mains plug to IEC |
1 metre |
| Clearway Power 1.5m |
UK mains plug to IEC |
1.5 metres |
| Clearway Power 2m |
UK mains plug to IEC |
2 metres |
| Clearway Power 3m |
UK mains plug to IEC |
3 metres |
Standard and Custom Lengths
Chord Company specifies the standard Clearway Power lengths as:
The manufacturer also states that:
Custom lengths are available to order.
If your system requires another length, contact Audio T to discuss availability rather than selecting a cable that will be stretched or unnecessarily coiled behind the equipment.
Three High-Purity Copper Conductors
Chord Company specifies:
3 x high-purity multi-strand copper conductors.
This is the complete manufacturer-published conductor description for Clearway Power.
No Unsupported Conductor Claims
Chord Company's current Clearway Power specification does not state silver plating, conductor gauge or conductor cross-sectional area.
Those specifications are therefore deliberately not added here.
Multi-Strand Construction
Each of the three internal conductors uses a:
Multi-strand copper construction.
The three-conductor format provides the internal electrical paths required by the mains cable design.
PVC Internal Insulation
Chord Company uses:
PVC internal insulation.
The manufacturer specifically describes the PVC as having a:
High mechanical damping factor.
PVC External Insulation
PVC is also used as part of the cable's external insulation structure.
Chord Company therefore specifies:
PVC internal and external insulation with high mechanical damping factor.
Unique Dual-Foil Screen
A defining feature of Clearway Power is its:
Unique dual-foil screen.
Chord Company places this screening beneath the outer jacket.
Why Screen a Mains Cable?
Chord Company developed the dual-foil screen to address two areas in particular:
- Interaction with nearby cables
- Pick-up of high-frequency electrical noise
Modern homes contain numerous potential sources of high-frequency interference, including wireless and digital electronics.
The screening is intended to reduce the amount of this unwanted high-frequency energy picked up by the power cable.
Dual Foil Rather Than Braid and Foil
Clearway Power's published specification is specifically:
Dual-foil screening.
This should not be confused with the different braid-and-foil shielding arrangements Chord Company uses in some of its higher-level mains cables.
Clearway Power Uses Dual Foil
The specification for this cable should remain "unique dual-foil screen".
Do not substitute the braid-and-foil specification used by Shawline Power or other Chord Company cables.
High-Density Vibration-Damping Outer Jacket
The external cable jacket is specified as:
High-density vibration damping.
This gives the internal conductor, insulation and screening assembly its final mechanical protection.
UK 13A Mains Plug
For the UK market, Chord Company offers Clearway Power with an:
Industry-approved high-spec UK 13 amp mains plug.
This is the mains-plug format relevant to the Audio T IEC version.
IEC Equipment Connection
The equipment end of this Audio T version uses an:
IEC connector.
Chord Company's wider Clearway Power range supports 10/16 Amp IEC connectors, as well as a right-angle 16 Amp IEC option.
Check Your Equipment's IEC Inlet
Audio T's current product selector distinguishes Clearway Power by cable length but does not identify separate 10 Amp, 16 Amp or right-angle IEC versions.
Do not assume that every IEC connector is interchangeable. If your equipment requires a particular IEC format, please confirm compatibility with Audio T before ordering.
Why We Do Not Call This a 10A or 16A Cable
Chord Company's complete Clearway Power range includes both 10 and 16 Amp IEC connection options.
However, the current Audio T product record does not identify the IEC amperage as a selectable variant.
For accuracy, this product page therefore describes the connection simply as:
IEC.
The precise IEC configuration should be confirmed from the supplied product or stock record where necessary.
What Is a "Kettle Lead"?
The phrase "kettle lead" is commonly used informally for detachable mains cables with an IEC-style equipment connector.
However, there are several different IEC connector formats, so the informal name should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a mains cable.
Always check the actual inlet fitted to the equipment.
Separate Figure-8 Version
Some compact audio and audio-visual components use a smaller two-pin Figure-8 mains inlet rather than an IEC connection.
Audio T has a separate Clearway Power product specifically for this application.
Chord Company Clearway Power Figure-8 Mains Cable
Do Not Use Figure-8 Specifications on This Page
Although Chord Company discusses IEC and Figure-8 versions together on its main Clearway Power manufacturer page, Audio T separates them into different product records.
This page should therefore remain specific to the IEC version to make the customer's choice clearer.
Designed for Hi-Fi and Audio Components
Chord Company identifies Clearway Power as suitable for:
- Hi-fi components
- Audio equipment
- Compatible source components
- Compatible amplifiers
The component must have the appropriate mains inlet for the selected cable.
Designed for TV and Cinema Systems Too
Chord Company also identifies Clearway Power as suitable for:
- Televisions
- Home cinema equipment
- Other compatible AV components
The manufacturer specifically highlights the cable's shielding as relevant to both audio and video systems.
Hand Built in the UK
Clearway Power is:
Hand built in the UK.
Chord Company also states that the completed cable is rigorously tested.
Clearway Power or a Standard Mains Lead?
Typical Basic Mains Lead
- Provides the required mains connection
- Construction varies by manufacturer
- May not use dedicated HF screening
- Usually supplied as a functional equipment accessory
Clearway Power
- 3 high-purity multi-strand copper conductors
- PVC insulation with high mechanical damping
- Unique dual-foil screen
- High-density vibration-damping jacket
- High-spec mains and IEC connections
- Hand built and tested in the UK
Clearway Power and Power Distribution
A mains cable can also form part of a wider power-distribution system.
Audio T Portsmouth has used Clearway Power cables with Chord Company's PowerHAUS P6 distribution block during a system demonstration.
Read: Chord Strikes the Right Notes With System Upgrade Options
Audio T Has Tried the Clearway Power
During that Audio T demonstration, Clearway Power cables were used with a Naim Supernait 3 and CD5si system connected through a Chord Company PowerHAUS P6.
Our Portsmouth team reported improvements in bass response and soundstage from the complete power upgrade within that particular demonstration system.
Clearway Power or Shawline Power?
Clearway Power
- 3 high-purity multi-strand copper conductors
- PVC internal and external insulation
- Unique dual-foil screen
- High-density vibration-damping jacket
- IEC and separate Figure-8 versions available
- Entry point into the Clearway power range
Shawline Power
- 3 high-purity multi-strand copper conductors
- Parallel conductor layout
- PVC internal and external insulation
- Dual-layer braid and foil HF shield
- High-density vibration-damping jacket
- Higher-level Chord Company power cable
One of the key manufacturer-published differences is the shielding. Clearway Power uses a dual-foil screen, while Shawline Power uses a dual-layer braid and foil combination shield.
Choosing the Correct Length
Choose enough cable to reach comfortably between the mains outlet or distribution block and the equipment without putting strain on either connector.
1m
A compact option where the equipment and power outlet are positioned relatively close together.
1.5m
Provides additional installation flexibility and is a useful general-purpose length in many equipment racks.
2m
Useful where a little more routing distance is required between the equipment and mains supply.
3m
Suitable where equipment is positioned further from the wall socket or mains distribution product.
Do Not Put Mains Connectors Under Strain
Choose sufficient cable length to avoid pulling on the equipment inlet, mains plug or cable itself.
Key Features
- Chord Company Clearway Power
- IEC mains cable version
- UK 13A mains plug
- IEC equipment connection
- 3 high-purity copper conductors
- Multi-strand conductor construction
- PVC internal insulation
- PVC external insulation
- High mechanical damping factor
- Unique dual-foil screen
- Designed to reduce HF noise pick-up
- Designed to reduce interaction with nearby cables
- High-density vibration-damping outer jacket
- Hand built in the UK
- Rigorously tested by Chord Company
- Designed for compatible hi-fi equipment
- Designed for compatible audio equipment
- Designed for compatible TV equipment
- Designed for compatible cinema equipment
- 1m standard length
- 1.5m standard length
- 2m standard length
- 3m standard length
- Custom lengths available to order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Clearway Power?
Clearway Power is a shielded mains cable designed and hand built by Chord Company in the UK for compatible hi-fi and audio-visual equipment.
Is this the IEC version?
Yes. This Audio T product page specifically covers the IEC mains-cable version.
Is this the Figure-8 version?
No. Audio T lists the Figure-8 Clearway Power cable separately.
What plug is fitted at the wall end?
For this UK Audio T product, the relevant manufacturer configuration uses a high-spec UK 13 amp mains plug.
What connector is fitted at the equipment end?
An IEC equipment connector.
Is it a kettle lead?
It is the IEC-style version commonly referred to informally as a kettle lead. However, several different IEC connector formats exist, so always check the equipment inlet rather than relying on the informal description alone.
Is this definitely a 10 Amp IEC?
The Audio T product selector does not identify separate 10 Amp or 16 Amp IEC variants. Chord Company's wider Clearway Power range supports 10/16 Amp IEC connections, so the precise connector should be confirmed where this matters.
Is a 16 Amp IEC version available?
Chord Company states that its Clearway Power range supports 10/16 Amp IEC connections.
Is there a right-angle IEC version?
Chord Company states that a right-angle 16 Amp IEC version is available. It is not currently shown as a selectable option on this Audio T product page.
What conductor material does Clearway Power use?
Chord Company specifies high-purity copper.
How many conductors are inside?
Three.
Are the conductors solid core?
No. Chord Company specifies multi-strand copper conductors.
Are the conductors silver plated?
Chord Company does not specify silver plating for Clearway Power, so Audio T does not state that they are silver plated.
What insulation does Clearway Power use?
PVC internal and external insulation with a high mechanical damping factor.
Does Clearway Power use XLPE?
No XLPE specification is published by Chord Company for Clearway Power. The manufacturer's current specification is PVC.
Does Clearway Power use Taylon?
No. Chord Company specifies PVC insulation for Clearway Power.
How is the cable screened?
With Chord Company's unique dual-foil screen.
Does Clearway Power use braid shielding?
Chord Company's current Clearway Power specification states dual-foil screening. It does not specify braid as part of this model's shielding.
What is the outer jacket?
Chord Company specifies a high-density vibration-damping outer jacket.
What standard lengths are available?
1m, 1.5m, 2m and 3m.
Does Audio T offer all four standard lengths?
Yes. All four are currently represented in the Audio T selector.
Can I order another length?
Yes. Chord Company states that custom lengths can be supplied to order.
Can I use Clearway Power with an amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier has the appropriate compatible IEC mains inlet.
Can I use it with a CD player or streamer?
Yes, where the component has the correct compatible IEC mains inlet.
Can it be used with a television or home-cinema component?
Yes. Chord Company specifically identifies TV and cinema systems among Clearway Power's intended applications, subject to connector compatibility.
Does it filter or regenerate the mains?
Chord Company describes Clearway Power as a shielded mains cable. It is not described by the manufacturer as a mains regenerator or active power conditioner.
Is it directional?
The cable has fixed mains and equipment connectors, so installation orientation is determined by those connectors.
Is Clearway Power made in the UK?
Yes. Chord Company states that it is hand built and rigorously tested in the UK.
What is the main difference between Clearway Power and Shawline Power?
Among the published construction differences, Clearway Power uses a unique dual-foil screen while Shawline Power uses a dual-layer braid and foil combination shield.
Can Audio T check whether it fits my equipment?
Yes. If you are unsure whether your component requires this IEC version, the Figure-8 version or a particular IEC format, contact your local Audio T store before ordering.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help checking IEC mains-inlet compatibility
- IEC versus Figure-8 connection advice
- Guidance on choosing the correct cable length
- Custom-length enquiries
- Advice on Chord Company power-cable upgrades
- Clearway versus Shawline power-cable comparisons
- Mains distribution and PowerHAUS guidance
- System demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you need help confirming whether this IEC Clearway Power cable is the correct mains connection for your equipment.