Low Voltage wiring in-wall?

💬 Lounge
1

I know its different per-state, (I'm in NJ) but I cannot seem to find this info.

I'm considering putting wire in-wall to do some 24v lighting using LED strips. I had an electrician friend once tell me there's no "code" for low voltage, but I'm planning to do this as permanent fixtures so I want to do it "right" so I dont have to worry about it when I eventually sell my house.

2

There isn't any "Electrical Code" that applies to this where I live, either. However, there is a fire code. You would need to check local standards. Many places require you to use a "FT-x" rating. This relates to the properties when the insulation burns. If you plan on running any through duct work such as a cold air return (even having it just pass through), there is plenum rated cable that is typically required for the same reasons.

1 Like
3

I believe what he meant by that is code doesn’t require inspections for low voltage cable. That has changed in recent years at least in my area. We added on our home and I ran all the low voltage wires in the addition and the inspector didn’t care other than making sure all the holes were filled with foam. Last year my neighbor was redoing his kitchen and living room running speaker wire and they had to be inspected. So YMMV in NJ.

The important thing to note is the wire must be rated for running in walls.

4

Speaker wire?!?!

I literally just ran some through my attic yesterday for my home office to get proper 5.1 on my gaming computer. :nerd_face: Just checked though and it's Plenum rated. (even if cheap 18 gauge)

But in my living room I have full 7.1 wire wall-jacked up using standard speaker wire

5

Not optimal... Probably wouldn't meet fire code due to toxic fume emissions. But each state and locality has different fire codes too.

Remember that inspectors have a wide berth of discretion in what to inspect or not, regardless what local code stays. It is always better to err on the side of caution in terms of using plenum and fire rated cables.

1 Like
6

As others have mentioned, any wires in your walls could potentially start (or spread) a fire. And I believe fire/building code requirements can vary even within one state. I live in NYC and I think we have fire code rules re: in-wall wiring that other parts of the state do not. Can't blame the FDNY for being stricter than elsewhere, they're the ones that have to figure out how to put out a fire on the 60th/70th etc. floor of some very tall buildings here.

If you’re not 100% certain whats required in your municipality (or close to 100% at least), consider hiring a licensed electrician to run new wiring.

7

In my experience many licensed electricians do not know much about Class 2 installations. Most say there is no NEC requirement. I live in Connecticut.

I would:

  1. Call my local town hall inspector and ask them if/what requirement there are.
  2. Purchase good quality cable, rated for in wall and vertical installation. As stated above this is more a fire consideration than NEC related.
  3. If it works for what you need, consider Thermostat cable. Its already in most every home. The cable is almost certainly rated for such an application.

I would not use the ubiquitous "speaker wire" in any in wall installation. The insulation is not robust and it is not work the effort. IMHO it's kind of like using cheap paint.

3 Likes
8

Agreed. I've always believed that if you're going to do something, do it right or just don't bother. Remember the old saying... "There's always time to do it twice, but never time to do it right."! I purchase good quality cable, use good quality connectors designed for the application and take the time a project deserves to function as expected and look good at the end. There's no substitute for research, planning and careful execution.

2 Likes