Cable extend?

[hchytd]

Hi,

If I need to extend my speaker cables (and do not have the option of just buying longer ones) can I splice an additional (3 feet) of the same or similar speakers wire to the ends of current speaker wires? If so, what's the best method(s)? - they will be inside the drywall as well...(should I cover the jointed/twisted cable area with electrical tape)?

Thanx fellas!

-Tiffany

 

[bobbydigital]

I have been forced to due this also and I used marrets to connect the speaker wires they will provide a little better twist than your fingers and you can still wrap some elctrical tape around them if you want.

 

[jaxvon]

I would prefer to see you use a wire nut inside some electrical tape, preferably inside a junction box so it's code.

 

[Rocky]

they are speaker wires man, I don't think they need to be to code like wires carying power

 

[jaxvon]

they are speaker wires man, I don't think they need to be to code like wires carying power

There are most definitely codes for low-voltage wiring. Granted they aren't as strict as with normal wiring, but it's best to stick to something that you KNOW would be code so the inspector doesn't become a thorn in your side. The last thing you want is a grumpy inspector stopping you from getting your drywall up and the final sign-off. In addition, having the splice well covered and in a junction box ensures that nothing will happen to it, espeically if you have to pull other wires through the wall later on.

On the flipside, code does not really specify how close to run your wires, and many electrical installers will run your signal and speaker cables too close to power wires or not cross them at right angles. It sounds like you're doing your own wiring, so doing it right won't be a problem. And while you have your walls open (if you do), be sure to run some extra conduit and some spare signal cables (like a boatload of ethernet) around so you can be future-proofed.

 

[majorloser]

It would be better to use crimped butt splices and cover the whole splice with heat shrink tubing. Much cleaner splice that will last.