CL2 rated cables?

[Humanzee]

So I got some new speakers for Christmas, they are neat. Now that means that I can get the surround processor that I want too.
Anyway its time to select speaker wire and interconnects for hooking it all up and I keep running into the term "CL2 Rated" but I don't know what it means. I even searched google to little avail. I'm tring to decide between oxygen free copper calbe or CL2 rated copper cable that also has a jacket for each pair so that its easier to work with behind walls etc. Both are the same size conductor but I don't know about the ratings. Anybody know what CL2 means?

[Lucas]

CL2 rating is for cables designed for in-wall installation. It regards the plastic insulation(doesn't burn easily etc) around the copper and not the copper itself.

[BFisher]

If you install where your cables are in the wall/ceiling... make sure you use CL2 rated - don't just use regular speaker wire. You can find it at most Home Automation stores (online). It's not cheap but it's the right way to do it. If you can't find any stores, send me a PM and I'll send you a few (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post stores here)

[jdamore]

Unless you have building codes to follow, I wouldn't even worry about it. Maybe I'm being dense but if theres enough heat in my ceiling/walls to melt the insulation off "regular" cables then I think I've got other problems. I always had the idea that CL2 cables will not burn and spread like a fuse. But again, if theres fire in the walls, CL2 will help?

Well if you want to use CL2, monoprice has a large selection.

[GTwannabe]

Originally Posted by jdamore

Unless you have building codes to follow, I wouldn't even worry about it. Maybe I'm being dense but if theres enough heat in my ceiling/walls to melt the insulation off "regular" cables then I think I've got other problems. I always had the idea that CL2 cables will not burn and spread like a fuse. But again, if theres fire in the walls, CL2 will help?

Well if you want to use CL2, monoprice has a large selection.

I would worry about it for an in-wall installation. If your house burns down and the claims adjuster discovers you've installed "regular" (non-CL2) cable in the walls, your insurance company can deny your claim, even if that wiring was not the direct cause of the fire.

[Conejo]

When I was a twelve, I got hold of some 3-conductor telephone cable that I used on my bike to run 6V-DC from a motorcycle battery to a radio on the front. I crashed the bike and shorted out the wires on the front. From all the smoke and sparks you would have thought I was in a Hollywood movie.

If you want to use the cheap stuff, just make damn sure the cables never accidentally come into contact with 110VAC, any heated metals in the wall, or a kid with a motorcycle battery.

[FMAX]

you an insurance agent?

I don't think they would deny your claim for non CL2 rated speaker wire. There would definately be another reason for them to deny your claim.

if you are doing a remodel that may require permits then an a-hole inspector might bust your balls. CL2 is easier to install anyway Lowes or HomeDepot should carry CL2 4 conductor. go with at least 18ga, 14ga if you are going 200' or more but not nessary. Anything outside in the ground best to buy Gel cable for corrosion, more expensive though.

(Conjo) DO not use for any thing other than audio equipment!

[GTwannabe]

Originally Posted by FMAX

you an insurance agent?

I don't think they would deny your claim for non CL2 rated speaker wire. There would definately be another reason for them to deny your claim.

if you are doing a remodel that may require permits then an a-hole inspector might bust your balls. CL2 is easier to install anyway Lowes or HomeDepot should carry CL2 4 conductor. go with at least 18ga, 14ga if you are going 200' or more but not nessary. Anything outside in the ground best to buy Gel cable for corrosion, more expensive though.

(Conjo) DO not use for any thing other than audio equipment!

No, I'm not an agent. While an insurance company probably won't flat-out deny your claim for improper wiring, it will certainly count against you when they calculate amount covered/reimbursement. Why risk it when it's just as easy to install the correct type of in-wall wire?

[stanger89]

Why would you not use CL2 wire?

12AWG CL2: $0.32/ft
12AWG: $0.26/ft

If saving $3 over 50ft of cable is that important, maybe you should re-examine what parts you're spending money on. If you go with 14AWG, it's only a $1 over 50ft.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10239

[Humanzee]

CL2 it is then, I am going to make a drop from behind the TV down through the crawls space and up into the walls where the surround speakers are going to be. Its not the price difference that I care about, it was the audio quality. Not that I'm likely to be able to tell the difference but if I'm going to go under the house to pull wire, I want to pull the correct stuff.

I think 100ft of 12AWG CL2 should do it. I've bought from monoprice before and I'm happy to give them some more business. I see that they have some nice Banana Binding Posts too. Thanks for the response guys.