Running Speaker Wire

[maxse]

So I just got some 5100UP cable from westlake. Turns out I kinda screwed up and need some more and they are out of stock on ALL of the 12 and 14GA UP wire which I tihnk is rediculous.

Anyway I need to know if it is okay to run this wire next to electrical wires. I am running it along the wall above the ceiling(suspended ceilings) and there ar ea lot of place where there is electrical wire. Is this okay?

Also can you please recommend what I should get to hold the wire against the wall? Do I just use a staple gun and staple it? The cable is thicker than just speaker wires at most stores because of the gray covering, so let's hear it, what do you guys use?

 

[jaxvon]

Well, you unfortunately learned that you ALWAYS need more speaker cable than you think.

As for holding the speaker cable, I would get a few packages of these. They're designed for low-voltage runs, so it will be code. Normal stables can damage your insulation and jacketing, which could lead to problems later on. Plastic wire-staples won't do that.

You should try to keep it at least a few inches away from electrical wire, if not a foot. If you must cross electrical wire, do so at a 90 degree angle.

 

[maxse]

yea JAx you where right. I should have ordered more cable ughhh.. Any1 know how long it usuallt takes westlake to get them in stock again?

Also the link to the home depot you gave me takes me to some generators or something lol. So Im still not sure what to use. In terms of plastic ties I understand to put cables together but how will I mount them to the wall?

 

[jaxvon]

Hmm, apparently Home Depot has issues with their links. If you go to the Home Depot website, search for "300345" you will find the item I was talking about.

As for Westlake's stock, they should have it replenished sometime early this week. If you need to know, I think giving them a call would be the best option.

BTW, how is that wire working out for you? Flexible enough, etc?

 

[maxse]

thanks Jax. Yea those wires are awesome I just didnt like the fact that when I tie them in those knobs on the back of the reciever sometimes the wires would seperate and Iw ould have to twist them together again but no biggie. Thanks. I see what you are talking about at home depot, but is the space in that plastic clamp wide enough for these cables? because the grey covering looks pretty thick. By the way what are they called so I can pick 'em up at the local home depot? Wire thingies? lol.

 

[jaxvon]

The way to solve the problem with the wire separation is to use some banana plugs. Impact Acoustics sells some nice ones for a good price. The "wire thingies" are called "wire staples" or "cable staples". The product I recommended is for 1/4" cables. The outer diameter on your cable is .260 in., only 1/100" larger than the specification, so it should fit with just a little pressure.

 

[maxse]

awesome, thanks jax. I dunno I'm not to crazy about using banana plugs, right now the bare wires seems to work fine. Maybe later on I will "upgrade." Thanks for all of your help, you have been invaluable.