Inceiling speaker install

leroyjr1

Well I'm using inwalls for my surrounds and will be using 25ft runs to the receiver. What gauge wire should I be using? Was thinking since its only 25ft runs I might be able to get away with 14 or 16 gauge wires. What do you guys think? Also need some recommendations on the best way to cut open 6 inch holes in the ceiling. I currently own a drywall knife but cutting nice circles might be a chore. Is there a better way?

Thanks

leroyjr1

Bump

newbeewannabee

I just installed 2 RC620i's in my ceiling and it was relatively simple. I personally used 12 gauge to run my 2 30ft lengths Maybe excessive but since i was up there i might as well go all out the first time. I used a dremel with the drywall attachment to cut 2 ceiling holes.

obieone

newbeewannabee wrote: »

I just installed 2 RC620i's in my ceiling and it was relatively simple. I personally used 12 gauge to run my 2 30ft lengths Maybe excessive but since i was up there i might as well go all out the first time. I used a dremel with the drywall attachment to cut 2 ceiling holes.

Was that a textured ceiling, i.e. 'popcorn'?

polkfarmboy

Cutting the rock should be easy with a knife as you just pencil out the holes. Before you saw into it though you should get a razor first and swirl round your outlines to take some of the thickness out of it and it will be easy to cut without taking out a stray chunk and messing up the hole

newbeewannabee

No..the ceiling texture was a stucco texture(like the houses in Florida)...i can see if you have popcorn texture polkfarmboy's recommendation would be better..

leroyjr1

newbeewannabee wrote: »

I just installed 2 RC620i's in my ceiling and it was relatively simple. I personally used 12 gauge to run my 2 30ft lengths Maybe excessive but since i was up there i might as well go all out the first time. I used a dremel with the drywall attachment to cut 2 ceiling holes.

Guess I borrow my fathers dremel and just buy the drywall attachment if he doesn't already have it. Thanks

Did you use inwall wires or just plain lamp cord type?

begbie

I used 14 guage wire for a 25 ft run. More than enough for back surround duty.

Watch for ceiling joists. Use a stud finder.

newbeewannabee

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Guess I borrow my fathers dremel and just buy the drywall attachment if he doesn't already have it. Thanks

Did you use inwall wires or just plain lamp cord type?

I used normal speaker wire..not in-wall rated wires..

leroyjr1

newbeewannabee wrote: »

I used normal speaker wire..not in-wall rated wires..

Ok, already fished some 12gauge regular wire thru the floor joists. Was just thinking if I needed inwall wires or not. Guess I'll just leave what I have and just cut the holes for the speaker.

Thanks

rooftop59

I just used in wall 16 gauge from monoprice. And a cheap little dry wall saw. Pretty easy just measure right a go slow. I do think that the razor is a good recommendation. If i was doing it over again, I would have spent a little extra on both the speakers and a heavier gauge wire, but the setup works pretty well for me.
Good luck!

mantis

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Well I'm using inwalls for my surrounds and will be using 25ft runs to the receiver. What gauge wire should I be using? Was thinking since its only 25ft runs I might be able to get away with 14 or 16 gauge wires. What do you guys think? Also need some recommendations on the best way to cut open 6 inch holes in the ceiling. I currently own a drywall knife but cutting nice circles might be a chore. Is there a better way?

Thanks

I would use 14-2 CL3 in wall rated wire. You could get away with 16-2 at those lengths but I'd rather use 14g. In ceiling speakers come with a template so you stud find the ceiling and lay out your speaker placement , trace the circle template and cut out with a drywall knife. They make adjustable hole saws that also catch the drywall dust but for 1 pair of in ceiling I don't see the need to spend the 100 bucks for the tool unless you plan on using it more then once.

newbeewannabee

Two more tips i would recommend before you start.
1)Protect your investment with ceiling speaker covers. Something like this http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-265&utm_source=googleps
2)After you use the templates as described by mantis...drill a 5/16 hole where the center would be(in the center of the template). Use a coat hanger with a ribbon tied to the top..push it thru the 5/16 hole...climb into the attic and where the coat hangers came thru.. ensure no electrical wires or other obstacles are in the way. Also remove the insulation around the hole so when you make the ceiling speaker hole no insulation falls into your home.

kermit_xc

bump

leroyjr1

Got everything all hooked up. Installation was a breeze and took less than 20 minutes from start to finish.

begbie

looks nice and so does that av stand ya got !

leroyjr1

thanks