In-wall wiring?

Maurice · November 2003

I have my FXi30's mounted to the wall and I want to run the wires inside the wall. But can I do this if there is electrical wiring in this same wall. There is an outlet, so will I get interference. Also, if it can be done, is there a tool available to fish the wire through to keep from having to repaint. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Fireman99 · November 2003

The elec wires in your wall may cause you some "hum" in your rear speakers. as for a tool to fish the wall it is called a fish tape.
Dan

dorokusai · November 2003

I would not recommend running it alongside, or in the same stud channel as your electrical outlet. AC will induce interference, especially if run alongside your speaker cable.

NEC and your local electrical codes will have the guidelines you need to look into for proper install. Do you HAVE to do what they say? That's your call, not mine. If you burn your house down because you used non-approved, self installed wiring, you may have a problem getting the insurance claim fulfilled.

Do what you feel is in your best interests. I, reportedly, do not use UL rated wire.

I used wall plates also. The only special tools I used: Drywall saw(Stanley) and a Fish Tape(Klein/Greenlee). My install went painlessly, AND I was drinking beer, just to make sure it would. You are going to have to make a hole big enough for the rear guts to recess into the wall. The wall plates will cover the rest completely, if you take your time, and do it right. Duffman and myself have used plates, pictures are in the showcase. I am sure some others have also,in addition to those examples.

Maurice · November 2003

The electrical wires should be running horizontally and my speaker wire will go vertically about 5 feet from the floor. Also I want to use UL listed in-wall wire. With that plan, do you think I will get any interference. Thanks for the help guys.

dorokusai · November 2003

It is recommended that all wire crossing be at 90 degrees, to reduce potential interference, Could you still get interference, sure, but much much less likely.

I would still go into the next channel for your wall plate, but do whatever is best for your situation.

Maurice · November 2003

I'm not sure what you mean by stud channel, but what I want to do is exactly what Grimster did with his i30's. Guess maybe I should ask him huh?

This hobby is so addictive. "Everytime I think I'm out, they pull me back in".

dorokusai · November 2003

Yea, Grimster, SOB! I was forgetting a Sony brother....drop him a line, hes a nice guy. I mean channel, in that they are spaced 16" apart, covered in sheetrock or drywall, thus creating a "channel", running north to south. I am sure they is a technical name for it, but its all I could think of.

Grimster74 · November 2003

Okay Maurice, you rang. Kinda short on time, trying to put the kids to bed. If you have any questions about how I ran the speaker wire not only for my FXi30's, but also my RTi28's, throw my the questions. If I'm not mistaken, I think I took pictures to document the whole thing, from start to finish. Just let me know. The real trick was the 28's.

Maurice · November 2003

I see in your pictures that the wall you ran cable for your 30's has an electrical outlet. Did you get any interference after running the wires in-wall. I'm not sure, but I assume the electrical wires are running horizontal in the wall, and your speaker wire went in vertically. BTW, the wire I'll be using happens to be the exact same color as my walls (light gray) so I could run it on the outside if I have to. But I really prefer the custom install look like you have. Just wondering if I will hit a problem. Thanks for any help you can give me. BTW, to hell with what everybody else says, Sony ES ROCKS!:D

Grimster74 · December 2003

Okay Maurice, sorry it took so long to get back in touch with ya. As far as if I picked up any unwanted noise, none what so ever, at least I can't hear any. I also used Monsters top UL rated wire also to keep from getting any unwanted noise. If the speaker wire you are using is the same color as the wall and you can live with the fact that the wire is exposed I'd say go with that. The way I did mine is very time consuming and a pain in the @#$. I'm really anal about having wires exposed. Another option is to stuff the wire under the base board at the floor and/or remove the base boards and run the wire behind them and then use a fish tape to pull the wire to your desired height. There is quit a few ways to do it so if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

Maurice · December 2003

Thanks for the advice Grim. I've already used this wire for my surrounds coming from the avr. Its running along the base boards but isn't noticeable because of the color. But like you I'm picky about looks so running that wire up the wall is my last choice. But I do have a buddy who is a contractor so I will talk to him and see if he can run the wire inwall. I think I might go with the same Monster cable you used for the inwall run because noise is not an option. This equipment cost too much to put up with poor perfomance. Thanks Bro. BTW, love the mancave (cool name)

Also, Doro, thanks for the help. I knew I could count on my fellow SONY-ITES.

In-wall wiring?

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