|   Speaker Wires running side by side with Electric Wires. | rshad
Oct 2, 2003 7:27 PM | | I am having a house built and a 7.1 system installed.
While inspecting the electricians handy work, I noticed that he is running the speaker wire for my surrounds and rears along the 120 volt electric lines--side by side through the studs.
Is this a problem? Will this affect my sound quality out of my surrounds and rear speakers? |
| re: Speaker Wires running side by side with Electric Wires. | skeptic
Oct 2, 2003 7:47 PM | | It is not a good idea. It would only take a few inches separation to reduce any induced noise substantially. A foot or two would be plenty. The electrical contractor wanted to save a little time by not having to drill a few more holes. If the sheet rock isn't up already, I'd insist that he remove the wires and reinstall them with some separation. With the wires in close proximity, there is a small risk that one day, drilling a hole in the wall could damage insulation on on both a power and speaker wire a the same time with an electrically conductive (steel) drill bit. I don't like to think about the possible consequences.
I don't like it the way it is and it was totally unnecessary. |
| re: Speaker Wires running side by side with Electric Wires. | rshad
Oct 3, 2003 1:23 PM | | I didn't even think about the drill comment. Although, unlikely, I really do not want my entire system fried.
I appreciate your input. I'm taking off work early today to go out and fix this situation. |
| re: Speaker Wires running side by side with Electric Wires. | okiemax
Oct 2, 2003 8:49 PM | | Skeptic is right. Also, although it may not be necessary to point this out, the speaker wire you are using needs to be rated for in-wall use. |
| re: Speaker Wires running side by side with Electric Wires. | skeptic
Oct 3, 2003 5:04 AM | | I am not familiar with wire rated for "in wall" use. I am familiar with wire rated for different voltage classes, underground, return air HVAC plenums, and many other situations but not "in wall" use. When you look at wire used for intercoms, thermostats, burglar alarms, phone, cable tv, and other non power distribution wire used in the homes, I don't generally see any markings on the wire. These are what the code classifies as "power limited under 50 volts." Enlighten me. |
| re: Speaker Wires running side by side with Electric Wires. | okiemax
Oct 3, 2003 12:48 PM | | I was referring to the CL3 rating. The descriptions of speaker cable for sale on web sites such as Crutchfields will say something like "CL3 rated for in-wall use." |
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