Speaker Wire

Home Work Pro

I am in the middle of a basement remodel and I need to run speaker wires above a suspended ceiling. There will be a 100 watt home theater system with a max distance run of 30 ft. What gauge wire would be recommended for these runs? Thanks Brian

GregS

14g would be fine.. Do NOT use the transparent crap.

Are you not using someone to do the home theatre design/install for you?

MSSI

By code you need to use CL 2 or better.

Home Work Pro

The homeowner is putting the system together himself. I just offered to run the wiring before I install the ceiling.
I'll be happy to sell you his phone number if you want to come to north east Ohio and warm up.
What is cl2 and where do I buy it locally, or is 14g ok above a suspended ceiling?

CanadianLowVolt

It's a Class rating for the cable by the National Electrical Code, signifying its suitability for in-wall installation. It's jacketed 99% of the time in an opaque jacket (usually white) with the conductors insulated individually inside the outer insulation.

EDIT: Since CL2 is a rating, you want 14 gauge cable that's CL2 rated. If you see designations like 14/2 and 14/4, the /# signifies the number of conductors. You probably want 14/2.