types of speaker wire for in wall (1 Viewer)

[Joseph Salerno]

Hi,
I'm am setting up my first HT and would like to hide speaker wires in walls as much as possible. I was wondering if the type of speaker wire made a difference? I've seen what they call "in wall". If I route the speaker wire thru the wall/ceiling, should I use the in-wall wire vs. the regular speaker-wire? Is there a difference between the two? I'm also considering the "flat-wire" if I cannot get into walls. Thank you

 

[Bill Kane]

Joseph,
The general response here is to follow Electrical Code and use CL-2 or CL-3 rated “in-wall” wire that uses shielding resistant to heat/flame gas emissions. It also is a move that could make a difference in abiding by homeowner insurance standards should there be a fire, god forbid, and subsequent inspection. HERE is a nice little PDF on this from Crutchfield.
On this forum, it’s generally recommended using 12-gauge, despite the scale shown by Crutchfield for the added stability from higher-frequency rolloff.
Many like the CarolCable 12-gauge 2-conductor from partsexpress.com HERE Part 100-740. Home Depot also may carry spools of 12AVG CL-2/CL-3.
If you're thinking about a third rear (rear center) speaker some day, you can run that now or get the 4-conductor roll which wud involve a splice. At 19cents a ft for 2-conductor you cud just as well run three of these cables
Flatwire is much more costly, but there are lots of types out there, including "stick-on" and paintable versions.

 

[Joseph Salerno]

Thanks for the reply and the tips on where to look to buy.

 

[Aaron H]

I am just about to buy a 250 foot spool of 12 guage wire from Home Depot to run my surrounds in-wall. The wire is made my Leviton and is about $55 for the spool. Anyone know if this wire is rated CL2/CL3? I'll have to check when I go back later, I guess.

Aaron