Wire type questions

[sbex55]

A couple questions on proper wire usage:

1 - I purchased some Southwire Thermostat 18/2 brown solid wire from Lowes. Can I use this wire in places where 18 AWG is called for? For example wiring the ELK transformer to the control. Or wiring the doorbell sensor to the control. Or wiring the battery to the control. I understand wiring smokes should/must be firewire.

2 - I want to run speaker wire to my keypads to power speakers. Is the 16/2 stranded wire labeled 'speaker wire' sold at Lowes acceptable? The wire has a clear jacket around it. My wire runs to the keypads vary from 20 to 60 feet.

3 - In general, is it better to use 18 AWG solid vs stranded for panel hookups? Seems like stripping the solid wire would be 'better' than stripping the stranded wire since using solid would eliminate the chance of cutting a strand.

Thanks for the help!

 

[wuench]

1.) yes
2.) yes but 16/2 is probably overkill, size-wise
3.) Up to you, as you pointed out solid is generally easier to terminate, stranded however is more flexible. Cutting a strand though is not really a concern in stranded

 

[tmbrown97]

2. I'm not sure if the clear-jacketed stuff is rated for in-wall; just make sure of that. Typically they have an 18/2 or even 18/4 rated for in-wall use. You only need 2 but the extra pair can give you flexibility for other stuff in the future.

 

[sbex55]

Thanks for the help. You're right ... the clear jacket wire is not in-wall rated. It's off to Monoprice for 18/4 speaker wire. Thanks again!

 

[Del91574]

You would have to be careful and consider the application prior to saying any 18 AWG is acceptable. If the system incorporates fire alarm, then in actuality, the wire for the transformer and siren/speakers could be considered part of a fire alarm system, in addition (though not part of this discussion) to the keypad(s), which would necessitate fire rated cabling.

Solid vs. stranded generally is a preference item, but in the case of some circuits, solid is always the way to go. IMHO, I prefer solid, as permanent wiring doesn't generally need to be flexible and workability is neglible. I've seen plenty of people that don't understand how to work with solid, overtighten connections or nick the conductors, leading to breakage or failure.