Easy Guide for Home Theater Wiring – Part 2

As covered in Part 1, entertainment and sports fans typically spend thousands of dollars on electronic equipment and seating for their home theaters. However, they rarely devote any consideration to their wiring requirements.

Part 2 will discuss The Right Hardware, Raceways, and Separating AV Cables and Power Cables. Bring in an experienced and licensed local electrician to get the best results.

3) The Right Hardware

 Choosing the right hardware for home theater wiring is of utmost importance because the choices will have a direct affect on audio quality. The speaker wire’s gauge (thickness), as expressed in terms of AWG (American Wire Gauge), will be its most important feature. A speaker wire will be thicker the lower its AWG number. Ensure that the speaker cable’s thickness is compatible with your audio equipment.

The typical recommendation for the majority of home theater speakers is the 16-gauge wire. In cases where the need of the network’s wiring exceeds 50 feet in length or ceiling or in-wall speakers will be set up, a thicker wire gauge, 12 or 14-gauge, will be required. Thicker wire helps compensate for the significant power loss when using longer cable runs.

4) Raceways

 A top priority for home theaters is ensuring every cable and wire is hidden. This is best accomplished by utilizing a cable raceway.

Raceways are channels made of wood or plastic that cover wiring efficiently and aesthetically. Kits usually feature anchors, covers, connectors, double-sided tape, elbow joints, and screws.

5) Separating AV Cables and Power Cables

 In comparison to 60Hz power cables, audio and video (AV) cables are of low voltage. Thus, electromagnetic interference (EMI) can result if they are near each other. Ensuring they are separated at an adequate distance helps prevent EMI. This can be accomplished by using cable hangers or managers for running AV cables and power cables on separate sides of an area.

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 Founded in 1991, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured. Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.