Speaker wire instead of "regular" wire

[pablito]

Hi:

I am going to prewire for some blinds and called Hunter-Douglas and Somfy and both call for 16/2 cable. For some reason, I'm finding some in wall 16/2 speaker wire (by Omega) cheaper than the equivalent sized lamp cord. This surprised me, but perhaps it is a bulk thing. The point is, just what makes speaker wire "special"? Is it crazy to use it to carry about 2-3Amps (I think I'm being conservative) at 12/24V? A post in the watering can howto makes this sound ok, but I thought I should check. The other advantage is that the speaker wire is FT4 rated (in wall use in Canada) so It would seem safer anyway.

Paul

 

[Skibum]

Wire is Wire... 16/2 speaker wire is absolutely fine for carrying voltage.
It may not however meet code.

Disect a lamp cord sometime, you will see that it is in fact "speaker"wire

 

[Photon]

If you are going to hide it in the wall, you might want to look for a "CL2" or "CL3" certification on the wire package. Then save the certification with the rest of your system's documentation to prove to a building inspector or insurance investigator that it is certified for in-wall use. My favorite home center has several brands of speaker wire, and one isn't listed. I bought a brand that had the certification.

 

[pablito]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll pick it up later today.

Photon: The FT4 rating means suitable for in wall use in Canada. I think FT6 is suitable for plenums. I saw no such markings on any of the appliance or lamp cord I came across.

 

[Photon]

Sorry pablito, I wasn't paying attention.

 

[pablito]

Photon: No worries at all.

I'm not quite sure what to think of this in the end. I tried calling the Belden support and the sales person didn't think I should do that, but didn't offer much of a reason. I'll probably flip a coin.

 

[jlehnert]

I actually had a conversation with an EE professor about this once and it does make a difference "technically". Something to do with using the wire to supply power vs getting a signal to a speaker, and how there are differences in characteristics because of solid/stranded, and how tightly the strands are wound up. Unfortunately, his explanation was not the greatest to begin with, and the conversation took place at a Hooters, so I was lightly drunk and VERY distracted. In any case, I can’t regurgitate it anymore.

I generally recommend using the right tool (or wire) for the job, but sometimes you just have to work with what you have. As long as you have the CL2/CL3 (or whatever the equivalent is up on the Great White North), I wouldn’t sweat it too much. Be conservative on the wire gauge (bigger is better), and you'll be safe either way.

 

[sic0048]

Well lamp cord is stranded just like speaker wire, but lamp cord isn't generally used for long distances either. Certainly lamp cord isn't wall rated, so getting a wire that is rated is important if you plan to put it in the wall. Personally I don't think it is going to make a difference, but you could always try to call Hunter and see if they have an opinion about using stranded wire vs solid.