In Wall Speaker Wire Cl2 Vs Cl3

In wall wire is available with two conductors.

In wall speaker wire cl2 vs cl3.

Both cl2 and cl3 wires run through both. Cl cable designation both cl2 and cl3 speaker wire are suitable for in wall installations. This is the next step up. If you want to install your outdoor speaker wire underground you ll need wire rated for direct burial.

Next 16 2 speaker wire 16 awg gauge 2 conductor ul listed in wall cl2 cl3 and outdoor in ground direct burial rated oxygen free copper ofc 100 foot spool white 4 9 out of 5 stars 83 29 99 29. If you re going to run cable inside your walls or ceiling you ll need ul rated speaker wire labeled cl2 or cl3. Cl3 speaker wires are the exact same except they can handle 300 volts. If you re going to run speaker wire inside your walls or ceiling you ll need ul rated speaker wire labeled cl2 or cl3.

An example would be cl3 or class 3 which many people recognize as an in wall rating because of the labeling on the spools of speaker wire found at home improvement stores. Broadly speaking it mirrors the definitions of class 2 wire but the jacket is designed to protect against voltage spikes of up to 300 volts. These ratings refer to use in low voltage applications. Speaker wires are a big part for both outdoor speakers and indoor speakers because both need them.

You ll also see cable with cl2 and cl3 ratings which refer to the amount of voltage the cables can carry cl2 150 volts cl3 300 volts. But there are many more ratings and almost all of them also are in wall ratings for nec purposes as we ll see. Cl3 stands for class 3 wire and is also defined in article 725 of the national electric code. Cl2 and cl3 indicates compliance with underwriters laboratory standards which in turn determines the suitability of each cable for use with the nec.

Take a look at our comprehensive in wall wiring guide for more information. The underwriters laboratory ul looks at heat generated from current flowing through wire how quickly the cable will catch and spread fire when exposed to flame and the wire s susceptibility to damage from external stresses. Cl2 and cl3 cable doesn t reduce smoke or gases but minimize the possibility of shock.