Running speaker cables

joeygrand3
joeygrand3 Posts: 41
edited April 2007 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I`m in the process of running speaker cables nine feet up through a wall into the attic. I then need to run the cables across the attic for about twenty feet to connect them to a pair of Polk rc60`s ceiling speakers. Has anyone had any experience with this that you can share with me. I want to avoid any pitfalls. I`ve never done anything like this before, but I am handy and feel that with the proper care and tools, I can do it, or is it recommended to get a professional installer? I appreciate any advice.
Post edited by joeygrand3 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited April 2007
    Where is the amp located?

    You will need a snake, which is a solid flexable wire at least 10' long, to fish the wire through the wall to the attic.

    Drill and 1/2" drill bit.

    A helper to pull the wire through the wall.

    Don't step on the ceiling when in the attic because you will break it.

    Have a blast!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joeygrand3
    joeygrand3 Posts: 41
    edited April 2007
    Thanks a lot for your input. The amp is located in a wall unit which sits fairly flush against the wall that I intend to snake the speaker cable through. I want to run the cable from the amp to a speaker connection box. This will be about 6 feet. for each speaker. I do have a question. What is the 1/2 inch drill bit for?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited April 2007
    You will need to drill throught the 2 by 4 wood to get the wire from inside the wall into the attic, if I understand what you are trying to do. I thought you were going to connect the amp to speakers about 20 feet away.

    Where is this speaker connection box? Did you install that?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2007
    Stay away from fluorescents, and cross electric wires at 90 degrees if passable. Do not run parallel with any electric wires.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phileth
    phileth Posts: 22
    edited April 2007
    If the wall does not have insulation, it may be easier to cut a hole in the wall behind the amp, then drill a hole in the attic floor to access inside the wall. Then drop the wire down and have a friend pull it out of the hole. That way you won't need to fish it.

    I had to do this with a coax cable one time and it worked pretty good, you just have to make the hole in the wall big enough to see into and reach through to grab the cable.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2007
    I would still fish it for the best results; I have cut holes in 3/2" plaster and it was not fun...
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter