Onkyo TX NR 515 with 18 gauge speaker wire

[tt2013]

Hi,

I am in a tricky situation due to a small mistake I did which could cost me dearly. Wondering if anyone can throw some advise.

While we were getting our home built, we pre-wired the game room with speaker wire and after closing, we installed in-wall speakers and also connected them all to
Onkyo TX NR 515.

After setting everything up, I just noticed that the speaker wire has a small note in a corner that its "not for in-wall speakers".
As I was in hurry to get the wiring done before drywall is put, I didn't do enough research and looks like I bought 18 gauge speaker wire instead of 14 or 16 gauge.


I understand we are supposed to use either CL2 or CL3 certified only speaker wire for in-wall installations and it could fail home inspection.
But other than that, could this be a fire hazard? Should I return the powerful Onkyo TXNR 515 and get something simple?
Is it better to get the whole wiring replaced which could be pretty expensive now that everything is finished?

Speaker Wire: GE 100' 18g Speaker Wire
GE 100' 18g Speaker Wire - Stranded-76497 at The Home Depot

In-Wall Speakers: Polk Rc80i
Amazon.com: Polk Audio RC80i 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair, White): Electronics


Audio Receiver: Onkyo TX NR 515
Onkyo TX-NR515 - 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

I spoke to my builder and he suggested that as long as the receiver does have enough continuity and enough ampiage it should be ok. (I didn't gete these technical terms though )

Appreciate your inputs. If replacing the wire is way to go, I guess I will have to get some pros this time.

Thank you.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Here's my general take on it - (a) it's not a fire hazard, but (b) you'd better check with your insurance company to see if it will void your coverage.

If you did the wiring yourself (or saw it afterwards), do you recall if the wires are secured in place inside of the wall? If they aren't, you may be able to pull new wire through without too much trouble (you'd attach the new wire to one end of the installed wire, and then pull on the other end of the installed wire until you'd pulled the old wire all of the way out - and then the new wire would be in place).

How long are the wire runs in your walls? 18-gauge isn't horrible by any means, especially for surround speakers. They don't get all that much power anyway. The longer the run, the thicker the wire you'll want, so that's why I'm asking.

 

[tt2013]

Welcome to the forum!

Here's my general take on it - (a) it's not a fire hazard, but (b) you'd better check with your insurance company to see if it will void your coverage.

If you did the wiring yourself (or saw it afterwards), do you recall if the wires are secured in place inside of the wall? If they aren't, you may be able to pull new wire through without too much trouble (you'd attach the new wire to one end of the installed wire, and then pull on the other end of the installed wire until you'd pulled the old wire all of the way out - and then the new wire would be in place).

How long are the wire runs in your walls? 18-gauge isn't horrible by any means, especially for surround speakers. They don't get all that much power anyway. The longer the run, the thicker the wire you'll want, so that's why I'm asking.

thank you for the suggestion Adam. The room is about 18 x 16. I did the wiring myself and it is just dropped over the roof. I will definitely try your suggestion. Only issue I see with this method is I had to drill some holes in couple of studs for running the wire and I hope the new wire won't get stuck in those while pulling them.

 

[j_garcia]

The risk is not that the wires will cause a fire, it is that they are not supposed to add fuel to the fire in the event that one starts. If the wire is not in wall rated, there is a HIGH probability it will void your insurance/warranty.

The length of the run is a factor, but so are the speakers. If you use a demanding speaker, 18AWG may not be sufficient.

Speaker Wire

That chart shows 18AWG to be good for an 8 Ohm speaker for just 32ft.

 

[tt2013]

The risk is not that the wires will cause a fire, it is that they are not supposed to add fuel to the fire in the event that one starts. If the wire is not in wall rated, there is a HIGH probability it will void your insurance/warranty.

The length of the run is a factor, but so are the speakers. If you use a demanding speaker, 18AWG may not be sufficient.

Speaker Wire

That chart shows 18AWG to be good for an 8 Ohm speaker for just 32ft.

Thanks for the link j_garcia. Considering the safety and home insurance validity issues, I guess I will try replacing the wiring with certified one. If I can't pull it through, will get an electrician to do it.

 

[Rickster71]

The room is about 18 x 16. I did the wiring myself and it is just dropped over the roof. I will definitely try your suggestion. Only issue I see with this method is I had to drill some holes in couple of studs for running the wire and I hope the new wire won't get stuck in those while pulling them.

This sounds very doable. Properly fishing wire is a bit an art form and in this case much will depend on the amount of 90 degree bends and how well you tape the pulling head.
PM me if you need any help.

 

[tt2013]

Sure Rickster71. I plan to buy a CL2 certified one and will try to replace the existing one. Thank you.