cfk@houxf.UUCP (KLEIN) (07/26/84)
Armored cable for stereo wiring still seems like overkill. If stereo wires are secured to the sides of the studs in compliance with the NEC (electrical code) standards, there is little chance of a nail finding the thin wire (a meteor will probably crush the wiring first). Even if the homeowner cheats on the codes and doesn't tack down the wiring, it is pretty difficult to drive a nail or drill into a small wire with slack. Besides, why should this person armor plate the speaker wires while the 220v 30 amp circuit for the clothes dryer is not armored? Indeed, armored cable is typically used only for commercial construction while the "plastic-looking" cable is used in homes. Both types fully comply with the NEC. If the homeowner is afraid of electrocution or fire, have the electrician use armored cable for power cables, then move along to speaker wires. Also, speaker wire is considerably less expensive, provided you don't use conduit or other protective covering (these don't really protect against nails since it is hard to tell that your driving a nail through these things). Although signaling and control circuits may use speaker wire, audio hi-fi circuits are not signaling and control circuits and I don't think they are covered by those sections of the NEC. Indeed, they are low voltage, low power circuits more akin to telephone circuits. The higher power control circuits are line voltage (ie, 110v) circuits used with some types of furnaces, etc. Low voltge circuits have much more lenient treatment. Treating audio wires like telephone wires allows use of small gauge wires without armor or other protective covering. Once again, consult your electrician or building inspector if you have doubts. They know codes better than us local "experts."