Code for cables in the walls? Network, speaker, HDMI, etc? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

photon · 05-10-2007, 10:37 AM

Does anyone know what code is for low voltage signaling cables in the walls and ceiling in a residential house? I've heard everything from no code to requiring plenum rated cables (fire resistant) to having to put it in a conduit.

Anyone know for sure? This is just for a basement development and speaker wire running to speakers and video cables (HDMI, component, VGA) to a projector.

redforever · 05-10-2007, 11:13 AM

My son is an electrician. I asked him, he said there is no code but dont connect to regular voltage, or you will get buzzing and interference in things like your telephone etc.

ken0042 · 05-10-2007, 11:26 AM

I can't say I know "for sure." But I just had the wiring of my basement inspected by the city and was talking to the guy. He said there really isn't any code to follow- just try to avoid contact with heating ducts and high voltage lines; I believe 2 inches away is sufficient.

photon · 05-10-2007, 11:57 AM

Cool, that's kind of what I thought. I may do a conduit just so it's easier to pull a new cable if necessary.

And you also want to stay away from high voltage lines to reduce interference, or if you have to cross one do it at a 90 degree angle.

MacDougalbry · 05-10-2007, 05:13 PM

To be safe, I would only use FT-4 rated wiring, if I were you.

On the City of Calgary web site, they say that permits are required, but I am guessing this only applies to commercial installations: (pg.23+)

http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server....l_bulletin.pdf

This Electrical Inspection Section is enforcing permit requirements for all communication installations being done in the city of Calgary. As per The City of Calgary By-law 55M89, a Communication Permit is required for the installation of communication systems. Inspectors are instructed to ensure permits are obtained for the installation of communication systems. Provisions have been made for the registering, licensing, and obtaining of Communication permits for companies involved in the communication business. In reference to the Canadian Electrical Code (20th Edition), communication system means

“an electrical system whereby voice, sound, or data may be received and/or transmitted, and includes telephone, telegraph, data communications, inter-communications, paging systems, wired music systems, and other systems of similar nature. It excludes alarm systems such as fire, smoke, or intrusion, radio and television broadcast communication equipment, closed circuit television, or community antenna television systems”
Any hybrid system which connects different types of systems together (i.e., an intrusion alarm system connected to a telephone system) may require a permit. Consult with the Electrical Inspection Section to determine if a permit is required for these types of installations.
If the communication installation is done in conjunction with the main electrical installation, then both installations must be listed on the same permit.

Phanuthier · 05-10-2007, 05:15 PM

This might be dumb, but did you ask Google? Standards are usually on the internet and easy to find.

photon · 05-10-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

To be safe, I would only use FT-4 rated wiring, if I were you.

On the City of Calgary web site, they say that permits are required, but I am guessing this only applies to commercial installations: (pg.23+)

Hm, I wonder if CL3 cable from the US is comperable, monoprice.com has great prices, and fire rated cables there aren't that much more expensive. EDIT: Seems CL3 cable and FT-4 are the same.

Yeah we're pulling a permit since it's a full basement reno, just waiting for the development permit so I can submit the electrical permit.

I've been googling but only find conflicting stuff, maybe I should try just going straight to the goverment sites.

photon · 05-10-2007, 05:46 PM

Lol, well I found the standards .. seems you have to pay to get them!

http://www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/...30&Parent=2778

zarrell · 05-10-2007, 06:00 PM

I just finished up my new house and just used standard cables everywhere. As far as I know (I built in Turner Valley, so am not to familiar with Calgary's codes) the electrical inspection has nothing to do with speaker wire or A/V cables. I just did my cabling after the electrical inspection so there were no problems. There shouldn't be a problem running cables anywhere, I would just stay away from running it inside or right beside an heating duct. If there's a fire, I'd say you have bigger worries than if your cables will survive the fire.

BTW, I got all my cables (cat6, rg6, hdmi....) from monoprice as well. Great service from them.

You may know this already, but if you are running any low voltage wire near electrical wire, keep them a minimum of a foot away and if you have to cross the wires, do so at a 90 degree angle. Especially if you're running HDMI and other such cables, I would keep them away from the electrical wire as far as possible.

redforever · 05-10-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zarrell

I just finished up my new house and just used standard cables everywhere. As far as I know (I built in Turner Valley, so am not to familiar with Calgary's codes) the electrical inspection has nothing to do with speaker wire or A/V cables. I just did my cabling after the electrical inspection so there were no problems. There shouldn't be a problem running cables anywhere, I would just stay away from running it inside or right beside an heating duct. If there's a fire, I'd say you have bigger worries than if your cables will survive the fire.

BTW, I got all my cables (cat6, rg6, hdmi....) from monoprice as well. Great service from them.

You may know this already, but if you are running any low voltage wire near electrical wire, keep them a minimum of a foot away and if you have to cross the wires, do so at a 90 degree angle. Especially if you're running HDMI and other such cables, I would keep them away from the electrical wire as far as possible.

I believe codes are set provincially, not by the city. Now on the other hand, cities and towns might have different requirements as to when you need permits, but I believe codes are provincial.

BlackArcher101 · 05-10-2007, 06:51 PM

There's no code, but there's standard practices. Do a search on the net and you can see the best way to install low voltage/current wiring.

The main thing to keep in mind is routing of the cable/wire. Stay away from anything that can cause or induce noise/current in the wire. Like others said, stay away from metal ducting. As well, try not to run the cables along side power wires. If running along the inside of a joist, put them up on the side opposite the power. Try not to route through the same holes as well. Now, if drilling new holes, there are limitations of where you can drill and how big. That should be available in the regular code.

edit: I should read better today so I don't post the same info