Gang - is running a CL2/3-rated A/V cable (eg: Component Video, HDMI) through drywall "OK" in terms of Code? Or, does it need to be in a conduit?

For soundproofing reasons (we're using GG/DD/RSIC), I want to only cut holes in the drywall big enough to pass a cable through, and then caulk the bajeebus out of it. On the other (enclosed) side of the drywall, I'd have conduit to make it easy to run during the initial install.

I'd also have a 2nd conduit (2'' Orange Carlon Resiguard) for "futureproofing".

How do you guys handle this? I don't want a huge 2'' conduit opening coming through the drywall - would MUCH prefer to have just the cables, and caulk all around them.

I suppose an alternative would be a 1/2'' or 3/4'' grommet of some sort, with QuietPutty jammed all into it after I ran the cables..but I like the "small hole in the drywall with caulk" a WHOLE lot better!

Thanks!

- J

It would depend on your local codes, but just from memory I don't recall hearing anyone say that conduit was required for low voltage. In my area, there is only one requirement, that the cables not be run in a conduit or box with high voltage - it does not even say that cl2 or cl3 is required. If conduit was required, that would mean that your phone/cable tv cables would have to be in conduit, if they are not, that is a sign that it is not required.

cl2/3 is in-wall rated.

Regards,
Tim

Thanks, Tim..

I always thought "in-wall" CL2/3 meant that it was OK to go through studs, but I wasn't sure about drywall itself.

What about going through drywall? Is that also "in-wall"?

My projector cables will run through conduit in the soffit (installed over double drywall and GG, after the room is built). So, I need to punch through the drywall twice - coming into the room, and leaving the soffit/entering the ceiling into another conduit.

I don't want to punch the conduit through the drywall, since it's 2'' in diameter, and that would be a giant hole in the aquarium..so, my plan was:

- Run conduit (2'' Carlon Resiguard) out the back of the Equiment room, STOPPING before it punched thru the drywall

- Run the PJ cables through the drywall (outer shell of the room - EQ room is under stairs) by themselves, NOT IN CONDUIT. Caulk the heck out of the penetration.

- Come back into conduit, the other side of the drywall (in a column that attaches to the soffit)

- Run until I get to the point I was to go into the joist cavity. Punch another VERY small hole (just large enough for the cables to cross the ceiling plane)

- Re-enter conduit and go until I hit projector drop.

How's this sound?

Thanks for the help.

- J

I don't know of any codes prohibiting this.

I have seen it done many, many times (eg every residential thermostat in existence)

Good luck,
Tim

Ah, thermostats! Of course..

Thanks for the help.