|
| I had inspections two months back and my inspector made me pull out my speaker wire. Can he do this? Why?
He said that it didn't have any approvals or FT stamps or markings. What is a FT stamp??? I live here in North Vancouver and have insured I pulled all proper permits. Why do I need this. I bought the wire at my "Box" - it must meet code right? How could wire with no FT rating even be sold if it's needed. I'm so confused - please help.. The inspector went on to say that a fire starting in the living room could spread through out the whole house depending on the type of wire, it's burn rate and the path the wire takes through the home. Scary. If that's the reason then for sure I would think this wire doesn't burn. Does it? I'll test them all - this week. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by petey_racer (My Page) on Mon, May 31, 10 at 11:29
| "Why do I need this. I bought the wire at my "Box" - it must meet code right?" HAHAHAHA OK, seriously. "Meet code"? What code? I am not familiar with Canadian code on this so I cannot comment on the cable designations. |
|
| There are also specific cables that are "in-wall" rated. It has something to do with how the jacket of the cable reacts if the wire heats up due to excess current. btw.....I am no professional, just read a lot of crap on the internet...... |
|
| the cable must be marked FT-4 on it to be "in-wall",by code. |
|
- Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Mon, May 31, 10 at 17:56
| Not sure on the exact equivalent of CSA (Canadian Standards Association) FT-4 but I believe it is CL2 or CL3 - riser rated. Basically, what it comes down to is that if a fire was to start at or near the in-wall cable, would the cable contribute to the fire spreading? With the correct insulation, as in in-wall rated, it would not substantially contribute. Between floors, in vertical walls, it should be riser rated. If the cable passes through air handling areas (very unlikely in residential) it must be plenum rated as well which means the fumes emitted are within specific toxic limits. The silver/gold zip-cord type of speaker wire is hardly ever in-wall rated... but the good thing is that the proper in-wall speaker cable (CL2/CL3) is usually cheaper. Coax, Video, Audio, Ethernet cables all must be in-wall rated as well. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Electrical Wiring Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.