in wall Speaker wire

[dusty011]

Need help quick newbie

New house construction need help with what type of speaker wire to run in the walls I started to run rca high power speaker wire with clear shield on it 16 gauge for short runs and 12 gauge for long runs is this wire ok or do I need to start over..

Thanks
Dusty

 

[OttoMatic]

I believe in-wall is rated as CL-2 for fire protection and code reasons.

I use 12 gauge for everything, but I'm sure you could get away with less. I would use whatever they have at Home Depot.

Good luck.

 

[dusty011]

Thanks Otto

I started to run rca speaker wire from home depot, it is clear shielded side by side . I ran 16 gauge for short runs and 12 gauge for the long runs. will this work????

thanks

 

[MDS]

The speaker wire will work but may not satisfy code requirements. As Otto said, you need to use CL-2 (or higher) rated wire.

 

[dusty011]

Thanks for your help guys
Dusty

 

[m_vanmeter]

in-wall speaker wire

for a do-it-yourself type and the final installation will not be inspected by the local electrical inspector, just about any 14 or 12 gauge wire will work.

BUT, as part of new construction or a major remodel where the work will be inspected, you must meet local and national electrical codes for the type of wire you install - or the work will be rejected.

Wiring that meets the national electric code for in-wall use has a flame resistant outer covering and produces little toxic smoke. As mentioned in previous replys 14 gauge should be just fine for runs less than 40 or 50 feet.

since I am a "new" forum member, go to www partsexpress dot com and search for " 14 AWG 2C Carol Architectural Speaker Cable " it is well priced and meets the code requirements

 

[annunaki]

To mirror the others, CL-2 rated wire should be used for in-wall installations. There are many conflicting theories on what gauge to use for what length of run. If the system will be used primarily for background music or whole house audio I would say 16ga. would be good up to about 80ft. For longer runs 14ga. or 12ga. should be considered. If it will be for in-wall wiring as part of a theater system, I would do at minimum 14ga. as higher power will be used through out the system.