Is it OK to run speaker wire next to power wire?

It is really okay to run speaker wires along power wires. In theory it shouldn’t be done, but in a car environment, you won’t notice it. There was a debate on this before. Because the voltage is only 12.5v, it’s not high enough to cause interference. 

Can speaker wire run next to electrical wire?

According to NEC 300.3(C)(1), you can only run the speaker cable in the same enclosure as a higher-voltage circuit if the insulation of the speaker cable is rated for the voltage of the higher-voltage circuit.

How far does speaker wire need to be from electrical wire?

As much as possible, keep them 1 foot away from the power lines throughout their runs. You can safely run audio and video in the same bundle as security, phone, data, and other low-voltage wire.

Can you run low voltage and speaker wire together?

Keep low voltage and speaker wires at least 12-inches away from any AC wires when running them together. If they must cross each other, cross them at a 90-degree angle. Either use silicone filled waterproof grade terminators or solder and seal all connections.

Can speaker wire be next to Romex?

Speaker wire can be run right beside romex. Coax audio and video needs to be at least 6 inches away.

Can speaker wires touch insulation?

What a speaker touching insulation can do is change the “color” of your sound. The increased pressure on the speaker may hurt the higher-frequency sounds and amplify the lower frequencies. It will also have an effect on the sound known as compression.

Can you run electrical wires next to each other?

This is a best practice policy in the IT industry to avoid interference and is recommended in our industry, as well. It is suggested to keep a distance of 12-16″ or more between low voltage and line voltage when cables runs are parallel. If they must cross each other, it is recommended to do so at a 90-degree angle.

How long is too long for speaker wire?

Note2: Avoid Speaker Cable runs more than 50 feet. Best Performance can be achieved by moving the amplifiers closer to the speakers. For example, 18 gauge wire connected to an 8 Ohms speaker should not exceed more than 32 feet in length from amp/receiver to speaker.

How long can you run 12 gauge speaker wire?

Speaker wire of 14 gauge is good for an 80-foot run, and 12 gauge is good for 120 feet.

Does the length of speaker wire affect sound?



Quote from video:

Can you run speaker wire through conduit?

You can run speaker wire underground. Burying it inside PVC pipe or conduit is best practice.

Does Heat Affect speaker wire?

There’s no real risk of it affecting the performance, though heat might affect the color. The only (small) risk is that heated wire insulation might release some funky plastic fume you’d rather not breathe.