UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

Evan Kirkendall

Evan Kirkendall

Senior
Jan 10, 2011
903
4
18
Abingdon, MD
www.harfordsound.com
Hey guys,
I'm doing an install using the venue's existing equipment. We have to run a few speaker cables and XLR lines through the floor and walls. The electrician is giving a shit about it because the cables are not "UL listed." I've never even heard of a UL listing for 12/4 NL4 or XLR cable before. I didn't think it mattered for such a low voltage anyway... The speaker cable is made by LEX, and the XLR is made by whirlwind. Can anyone shine some light on this for me?



Thanks!
Evan
 
Re: UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

Evan Kirkendall said:
Hey guys,
I'm doing an install using the venue's existing equipment. We have to run a few speaker cables and XLR lines through the floor and walls. The electrician is giving a shit about it because the cables are not "UL listed." I've never even heard of a UL listing for 12/4 NL4 or XLR cable before. I didn't think it mattered for such a low voltage anyway... The speaker cable is made by LEX, and the XLR is made by whirlwind. Can anyone shine some light on this for me?



Thanks!
Evan
Click to expand...

Well, the speaker cable could potentially carry voltages higher than standard wall current given modern amplifier output, however the concern is probably because of the lack of fire rating for standard SJ or similar cable. You wouldn't want the cable to overheat somehow and burst into flames in the wall, or serve as a "wick" to get fire into the wall if there was a fire in the room. Also in some cases I think it has to do with the noxious fumes released by burning cables.

Install cable is generally rated for the application and if you are running it through a hole in the wall, you'll likely need to seal around that hole with an appropriate fire retardent material such as the one 3M makes. Your cables should probably be running through conduit as well. If they are going through a "plenum" space, you need plenum rated cables too.

Of course this all varies by state and city, so ask your electrician or inspector what's up to code.
 
Re: UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

You have to use CL rated cable for in-wall use, and there are special provisions for any cable running vertically as fire is a bigger concern with vertical runs. Your local electrical inspector will tell you everything you need to know.

Portable cable is almost never rated for in-wall use.
 
Re: UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

Er...what they said. For reference, here's a couple cable part numbers you can use, from Belden. Every cable manufacturer should be able to cross-reference these numbers and provide you with their in-house version for cheaper, if you so desire.

Mic Cable: Belden 9451 - CMR Rated
Mic Cable: Belden 9451P - CMP Rated
Speaker Cable 12/4: Belden 5002UP - CL3
Speaker Cable 12/4: Belden 6002UE - CL2P

Incidentally, here's a nice little hierarchy table showing cable ratings I just came across:
http://www.sheerwire.com/pdfs/tech_nec_subhierarchy.pdf

Oh, and don't believe your local electrician. I just had an argument with one on my current jobsite, who seems convinced that FT4 (Canadian version of Riser) cable will suffice for the plenum airspace. He even referenced our version of the NEC. Except that this particular ruling applies to single-conductor only, and I'm installing multi-conductor, which requires FT6 (Canadian version of Plenum). All because the original consultant for some reason didn't spec conduit in what would have been a really, really easy place to put it. Straight shot down a brand-new hallway between two pull boxes. Stupid easy. But no. The consultant spec'd J-hooks for that spot. Conduit everywhere, except the only plenum airspace in the building. Between the stage and FOH, naturally. Gah.

EDIT: Oh, and welcome to the world of installs!
 
Re: UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

Evan was asking about UL listings.
I just looked at my roll of CM 12-ga plenum cable (which apparently is at the top of the substitution chart you posted) and yet there is nothing on the cable or spool about a UL listing.

Evan does need to use the correct cable for in-wall use though.
-I am not sure of this, but if each line has it's own dedicated conduit you can get away with touring or our normal portable-use cable. (correct me if I'm wrong please)
 
Re: UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

Craig Hauber said:
Evan was asking about UL listings.

-I am not sure of this, but if each line has it's own dedicated conduit you can get away with touring or our normal portable-use cable. (correct me if I'm wrong please)
Click to expand...
But pulling rubber jacketed cable through conduit presents it own set of challenges.

That is why the hard plastic jacket is chosen-along with the fact that the jacket is thinner-so you can get more wire in the same size conduit.
 
Re: UL listings for XLR & speaker cable?

Craig Hauber said:
Evan was asking about UL listings.
I just looked at my roll of CM 12-ga plenum cable (which apparently is at the top of the substitution chart you posted) and yet there is nothing on the cable or spool about a UL listing.

Evan does need to use the correct cable for in-wall use though.
-I am not sure of this, but if each line has it's own dedicated conduit you can get away with touring or our normal portable-use cable. (correct me if I'm wrong please)
Click to expand...
The CMP rating on your cable is the UL listing I believe the electrician would be looking for. The problem with the cables Evan was going to use is that, often, these have no rating at all printed on them - merely labeled 'Microphone Cable' or 'Speaker Cable'. I've got spools of that here as well. A quick check of Whirlwind's website does not list any UL rating for its microphone cable (though it may have a rating, he'd have to call them).
 
Top Bottom