Plenum rated speaker wire?

[tyrex]

Hey guys, great forum! There seems to be some debate on the subject, but will I need to use plenum rated speaker wire in a suspended ceiling application? The unit is a chiropractors office in a strip mall. Thanks!

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

Is your ceiling an "other space used for enviromental air" as discussed in 300.22?

In other words, does the ceiling act as the return air, or ar the air returns ducted?

 

[tyrex]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

It's been 2 weeks since I've looked at it, but I believe the ceiling would act as the return air. I will check again. Thanks for the reply.

 

[hbiss]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

Some people think that speakers and wiring don't matter. Same rules apply to the wiring and you may be required to use backboxes, not open speakers. Check with the AHJ.

-Hal

 

[tyrex]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

Thanks hbiss, we always use fire rated speaker enclosures.

 

[infinity]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

Don't forget to use CL2 or CL3 rated cable. Zip cord style speaker wire is not listed for use when concealed by walls, ceilings etc. If it's a plenum than you'll need CL2P or CL3P cable or equal.

 

[mdshunk]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

Originally posted by tyrex:
Thanks hbiss, we always use fire rated speaker enclosures.

Holy cow. And you can bid this way and get work, or is it mostly T&M? Curious...

 

[tyrex]

Re: Plenum rated speaker wire?

To be honest, we use the enclosures for the improved sound performance, both the better bottom end and reduced transmitted noise which is a biggie in 2 story homes. We point it out during the bid process and I think it makes it look like the other guys are cutting corners. I just tell people if you want it done right this is how, if you want it done cheap there are other ways. The few bids we lose purely over cost are probably not customers we wanted anyway. The fact that they are fire rated is just a bonus and second selling point for us.