In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Sep 2008
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This was posted in another thread and thought it deserved its own . I am interested in your inquiry too. I don't mean to derail this thread...but I just received my Q4's yesterday. After a thorough exam I'll admit I'm extremely happy with their appearance and overall build quality. I'm planning on doing a side wall mount this weekend and I'll be running my speaker cable in-wall. So my question is this...Can I use basic speaker wire or not? I've got lots of regular 14g wire available but its not in-wall rated. Thanks for any help on this matter and I didn't want to hi jack someone else's thread. Regards, Bill...
I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.
-Max Payne
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
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There is a coated wire available at the box stores for inwall applications. I'm sure alot of guys are using reg speaker wires inwall but I believe there is a code for such applications, finding the code on the gov't website is similar to reading the Denon Owners Manual(frustrating).
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Blue Jeans' "Ten White" and "Twelve White" are NEC rated for in wall use.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 179
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If in-wall rated wire meets code, than what exactly is code and by using standard wire would it compromise my installation down the road? Just wanting to do it right, the first time.... BTW...thanks for moving my original post. I should've known better. Regards, Bill
Last edited by billy p; 08/27/09 03:06 AM.
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Bill, there's no question of sound quality involved. It's a fire safety related matter which is covered by national and/or local building codes and may be interpreted in various ways by local inspectors when new construction requiring an inspection is involved. Using regular lamp cord/speaker wire for behind wall runs doesn't create a fire hazard, but if a fire starts otherwise and reaches the wire the ordinary polyvinyl chloride jacket gives off toxic fumes at high temperatures. The wire which meets specifications for behind wall use has an added outer jacket which eliminates/delays the release of fumes during a fire. Have no idea what local requirements, if any, are applicable in your area, but again, there's no audio problem with using regular wire.
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
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I believe if you are not "up to code", and there is a fire the insurance company may not have to honor the policy. Also if the building is sold with wire in the walls which is not rated for in-wall use it may fail the inspection.
There are both UL and NEC codes for in-wall use, with the NEC being more strict.
The code has nothing to do with sound quality, it is all about safety.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466 |
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 179
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Wow Thanks ...that certainly helps clear things up for me... . I guess I'll use in-wall rated wire just to be sure. Now, outside of the usual online retailers, where can I get some cheap in-wall rated wire in a pinch? Thanks, Bill...
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
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Billy, you should be able to find coated wire at one of the box stores(HD, Rona, Lowes). Check out this link , there's some info of interest here.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: In-wall speaker wire guidelines
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 179
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
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Thanks for the link. Heh...I didn't even know about it and its Canadian . Thanks for all the help guy's! PS: 5 posts and now I'm a regular...
Last edited by billy p; 08/27/09 02:29 PM.
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