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iiW4 ARC In-Wall Loudspeaker Installation Guide
Multi-room audio, where you will use multiple pairs of speakers in different rooms, is a completely different wiring situation and the
methods for doing so are too numerous to cover here. Consider what device you will amplify them with, if you will have local controls to
wire to, if you need to pull control cables like CAT6, or will the speaker wires home run to the head-end? On. and on.., and on. Home
runs to a single location are the safest but controlling the volume remotely in a room will then require a wireless command and control
system that are typically pricy. If all this sounds foreign to you, stop everything now and consult a professional to learn more about
your options and at least consider having them wire your house for the command and control system you plan to use.
Getting Wired.
Proper loudspeaker wiring methods and type and quality of wire are essential to good sound. At a minimum, 6 AWG 2-conductor
speaker wire is recommended for runs up to 50 feet or less, 4AWG for longer runs. When permanently installing wire inside walls, be
sure to use wire that is rated for in-wall use and has special jacketing for fire prevention. In the U.S., the U.L. standard is CL-2, CL-3 and
CM wire, and in Canada the CSA standard is FT4 wire. The wire should be run in accordance with National Electrical Code best practices
to meet any applicable local or national building codes. Be forewarned, MDU and high-rise developments have additional requirements
and restrictions. For best results, avoid running speaker wire near AC wire, as it may induce a 60Hz hum in the audio signal. It’s a good
idea to run the speaker wire after the AC wiring has already been completed, so that you can route the speaker wire away from the
AC wiring. If speaker wire and AC wiring must run parallel, install the speaker wire within a steel conduit. Note that low voltage wiring
(doorbell, intercom, telephone, security, etc.) can also induce hum.
Drill with Caution!
Remember, these are only suggestions. There are building codes and best practices to be followed – be sure you are familiar with them.
When drilling holes through wall studs or ceiling joists, use a drill bit that is (sharp) wider than the speaker cable that will be routed
(pulled) through them. Always drill through the center of the stud or joist. If the hole must be drilled within one inch of the edge of a
wall stud, add a nail plate to the drywall side to protect the wire from possible nails and screws put in the wall later. Line up the holes
in the studs or joists as you go, so that pulling the wire through them will be easier. Maybe you consider hiring a professional installer
and see a movie with some friends instead.
Installation: New Construction Continued....
