Splicing CL2 and CL3

[RobbyRob]

Is it safe/ok to splice together cl2 and cl3 speaker wire? Both wires are 16 gauge; some of the cl3 is run outside under my deck. Most of the cl2 is run indoors about 20 feet. In all the wires run about 35 feet for two outdoor speakers. Thanks!

 

[Swerd]

CL2 and CL3 cables are both meant for indoor in-wall use. (See last paragraph below.) I'm not sure if they meet code for outdoor use. When you say "outside under your deck", do you mean suspended above ground, or buried underground? You'll have to check your local building and electrical codes to be certain.

To directly answer your question, I think splicing CL2 and CL3 would be OK as long as it's domestic use and not commercial. But you may have to do something else, such as use a water-proof outdoor conduit, to use that in-wall wire outdoors.

CL2 and CL3 cables are coated with insulation and jacket material that releases less toxic gas if the cable catches on fire. CL2 cables are certified to carry up to 150 volts and are designed for residential uses, while CL3 wires can handle 300 volts and are intended for use in commercial settings.

 

[RobbyRob]

Thank you, the deck is above a walkout basement. The cl3 is outside and was there when we moved in. I’m assuming it was done by a professional. It’s just 2 outside speakers. I’m planning on butting the wire together with some waterproof connectors. The connection will be above ceiling tiles. Thank you!

 

[Speedskater]

For outdoor use, you could use cables designed for sprinkler control or low voltage decorative lighting systems. These cables can be buried.
Those fire code rules only apply to low voltage in-wall cables. The line voltage outdoor cables have different rules.

 

[highfigh]

CL3 is for the same uses as CL2, with the addition of plenum spaces- CL2 is rated for in-wall or ceiling, as long as it's not a plenum space. These designations are going away and CMR/CMP are the replacements. It has nothing to do with outdoor or commercial use, by definition. If it's covered, either is fine for outdoor, but if it's buried, it needs to be in conduit and best case, 'direct-burial' cable is used. Splicing in either case is fine as long as it's done correctly, with HeatNSeal butt splices, weatherproof butt splices with heat shrink tubing or wire nuts that have dielectric grease in them but I would recommend against making splices underground unless they're done with underground splice kits.

Here's a link that shows more info-

https://www.cablewholesale.com/support/technical_articles/cable_ratings_and_materials_and_counterfeiters.php