[btrvalik]

So I understand that building codes call for special in-wall wire, I just don't get why. I also understand that it is do to the type of PVC used for the jacket and how it burns in a fire. I still don't get it... If I lay the wire all over the floor I'm O.K. but once I stick it behind some wall board filled with insulation it now becomes a fire hazard? With all the PVC products in a typical house is the speaker wire insulation really going to cause significantly more fumes ? Can someone clarify the practical aspects of this for me?


Thanks

Bruce

 

[greywolf]

It's to prevent a wire from carrying a fire from the room where a fire begins to other rooms. Fire rated materials slow the spread of a fire.

 

[Larry Fine]

Quote:

Originally posted by btrvalik ... If I lay the wire all over the floor I'm O.K. but once I stick it behind some wall board filled with insulation it now becomes a fire hazard? With all the PVC products in a typical house is the speaker wire insulation really going to cause significantly more fumes ? Can someone clarify the practical aspects of this for me? Thanks Bruce

The difference is that, once installed in the building structure, it becomes part of the structure, which places it in the jurisdiction of the local building authority. There's a difference between a 'fire hazard' and how building materials behave in a fire. As Pat said, it's the latter that is important to the preservation of life and property.

 

[Mmasterg314]

I am going in wall but was going to go under carpet with in wall anyway for saftey reasons.

 

[Bigus]

What about attics and crawlspaces? Do you need in-wall rated there as well? What if it's run in an attic, and then penetrates a wall terminating at a wall plate?

 

[Larry Fine]

Mm, don't go under the carpet. It will create a visible mark in the carpet, and the wire can be damaged.

 

[cgblack]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bigus What about attics and crawlspaces? Do you need in-wall rated there as well? What if it's run in an attic, and then penetrates a wall terminating at a wall plate?

I would expect you would need inwall rated in attics and crawlspaces as well. Mind you if you are not getting a permit, then it is not really relevant.

 

[cgblack]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bigus What about attics and crawlspaces? Do you need in-wall rated there as well? What if it's run in an attic, and then penetrates a wall terminating at a wall plate?

I would expect you would need inwall rated in attics and crawlspaces as well. Mind you if you are not getting a permit, then it is not really relevant.

 

[btrvalik]

Permit issue aside I don't want to do anything that is unsafe. In my case the wiring is in the same room on the top floor of the house. I could just lay the wire on the floor, and tape it to the wall until I reach the wall mounted surrounds.. yuk or I can run the wire up to the ridge and down the wall behind the blueboard so if we do have a fire no one is tripping over the wire :^)

 

[Glimmie]

Not all counties and cities enforce any standards for class 2 wiring in residential applications. Now in MFD's or commercial that's another issue.


Ask your inspection office if they have any class 2 rules they apply. Specifically NEC artical 725.


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