Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 82
old hand
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OP
old hand
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 82 |
When I am running speaker wire through walls, do I need to avoid placing the speaker wire in the vicinity of electric cables for the house electric wiring? If I need to avoid the house wiring, how close can I get with the speaker wire? Can they cross over each other at various points, or run along side each other at all? I would be using 12 gauge wire with the protective wrap, which does not provide any shielding.
M60's Rotel Nad Music Hall MMF-5 M80's VP150 QS8's Sherwood Newcastle Panasonic Plasma Algonquins
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Bob,
I tried to stay at least 12 inches (for parallel) from any electrical run in my theatre room.
If you can't do that, then intersect the electric lines at a 90 degree.
DO NOT run any speaker wire right next to an electrical line for any length. It should be 90 degree intersects only and 12 inches or more for parallel runs.
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828 |
Just to continue the above post never through the same hole as electric either. Jake
------------------------------------------------ Leave the gun, Take the canolis.
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471 |
You are wise to ask this. I agree with the above posts - if you avoid running alongside electrical lines, you will avoid interference that could disrupt your sound quality.
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 340
devotee
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devotee
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 340 |
If you are in Canada, FYI there is electric code on what type of wire you use also. Just cannot be normal spreaker wire ! I am not talking electrical wire There is code in the EC that stipulates wires that are run for speakers
Last edited by axiom_man; 04/18/07 01:19 PM.
Pioneer sc-1525 M80 HG Cherry
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Quote:
If you are in Canada, FYI there is electric code on what type of wire you use also. Just cannot be normal spreaker wire ! I am not talking electrical wire There is code in the EC that stipulates wires that are run for speakers
Are you kidding me? I haven't even had an inspector come check things out yet
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471 |
Something else came to mind. It may not apply to your situation, because it sounds like you may be fishing speaker cables through existing walls and existing electric lines.
But if you are not, i.e. if you are building something new, then make sure that your electrician puts in all his lines before you run your speaker wires. I've heard secondhand stories of people who've laid in their speaker wire and then had electricians come in and run their electric lines right along the speaker wire. That's great for the electrician - saves him the work of drilling new holes in the 2x4s, etc. Sucks for the homeowner, though!
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 35
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 35 |
Quote:
Are you kidding me? I haven't even had an inspector come check things out yet
You better hope they don't make you rip down that drywall. On the bright side, then you could upgrade/add any wiring you want (again).
Play it loud...
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Actually, i am not planning to get an inspector to come in...sheesh, they can call me if they want...i'll probably get in trouble for this...
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Re: Running speaker wire through walls
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 853
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 853 |
Its not wise to run lamp cord type wire if that is what you used. The reason there is a code for in wall speaker wire has to do with possible breakdown of the insulating cover over time and the increased fire hazard from overheating or shorts. We are likely talking years before anything happens but it makes sense to use the proper insulated wire wire. Home Depot sells various guages of inwall grey coloured insulated CL rated wire and its fairly cheap.
John
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