In-Wall speaker wire question...

[DeadDog]

I want to run this cable to my back wall and then up through the wall to hook up my surround speakers. The wire will be running along the baseboard to the back wall then run behind the drywall to opposite ends of the couch (see gallery).

Here's the wire I want to use:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

I want to use this as it contains all 4 wires I need to hook up my two surrounds and is easier to hide 1 wire along the baseboard as opposed to 2. My question is, does the outer white sleeve need to be on when I run the wire through the wall? My plan is to seperate the wires once its behind the couch and just run two wires (red & green, blue & black) on each side in the wall behind the couch.

Hopefully that makes sense. Is it safe to run it that way or does the outer white sleeve need to be on when it runs behind the wall? Thanks.

BTW: I'll be getting new surrounds before I do this

[azncarbos]

For safety and following fire code...the outer sleeve must be there when running through any kind of wall..... hope that help.

[DIY_HD]

Azncarbos makes a good point. The reality is that low-voltage wire is unlikely to cause any fires. However, if you use wire that is not rated for in-wall use and you did have a fire, the insurance company may not pay the claim. You only need to keep the casing on until it leaves the wall. The wire you propose is rated for in-wall use, so there's no problem if it's installed correctly.

I ran two cables. First, I used 12-guage wire (unshielded) for my back surrounds because the cable length was right at 50 feet. I was lucky that I bought an extra 10 feet because I ended up needing it. (Copper doesn't stretch very well.) Especially with heavier guage wire, it is easier to work with as separate cables. I also used a wall jack for the AVR side. This improves the value of the house and makes it easy when you have to move things out of the way for cleaning, etc.

From what I read, the oxygen-free copper makes no difference in sound, but it does add to the cost. I just bought mine from Home Depot. I paid about $50 for 110 feet of 12-guage wire a couple of years ago, before the price of copper went through the roof. 16-guage should be adequate for your application and that's not a bad price consider it's oxygen free and 4-conductor.

I had a devil of a time fishing wire through the ceiling, but I tried to keep the hole size to 1/2 inch. One damn fine way to spend an afternoon! It worked out pretty good, if I do say so myself. (See gallery photos) You said you want to run the cable along the baseboard, or behind the baseboard? The latter is okay, but I don't recommend leaving the cable exposed because it is vulnerable to damage.

If you install a 4-conductor wall jack in the middle of the back wall, you can use patch cables to connect the speakers. If you are not going to do this, I suggest you use separate cables for each speaker. You can dispense with jacks if you keep the hole in the drywall small and it is covered, or hidden by the speaker itself.

Use a studfinder with A/C detection. You would be amazed where you will find electrical wires or water pipes. Be safe, and good luck.

[xneox]

Originally Posted by DIY_HD

From what I read, the oxygen-free copper makes no difference in sound, but it does add to the cost.

Seems to stay shiny longer too. I have some really cheap 14ga stuff running to my surrounds, and it's turning a nice shade of green at the ends...typical copper corrosion, but only after about 16 months. I have branded-OFC wire elsewhere and it's corrosion-free after five years or so. Not sure if that has anything to do with oxygen content, but worth noting.

I plan to replace the surround wire with something better in the near future...likely a spool of monoprice wire.

[azncarbos]

I totaly recommend monoprice spool of wire!

[DeadDog]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll probably go with two seperate runs then as it seems to be the safest route. I read about the low voltage pretty much being an non-issue as far as fires are concerned but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks again for your help.

[azncarbos]

No worry man!!