sound system install help

[daddymac]

If someone out there that might be familiar with building codes in the Middletown area, I have a question. Our church is about to start a renovation/remodel project on our sanctuary. I am in charge with renovating the sound system. Nothing really complex, but a question has come up.

We presently have audio cables, mic, snake, speaker cable, etc. that runs under the stage/platform area to several floor boxes and wall plates. The new area will be the same, but more of it. Nothing in the way of new construction, just remodelling what is there.

Our pastor is concerned that all this low voltage stuff has to be in conduit to meet bulding codes. I told him I didn't think it did.

any help? any certified electricians want to take a stab?

thanks

[chevyman440]

Most communities that I've done anything in want anything under 100 or rarely under 70 volts in conduit. many paging systems are 70v so you don't have to run in conduit.

There should be no problem at all. The only other obstacle would be plenum air return...if you don't pull return air through the space then you should be okay.

Call you local electrical inspector! it's the only way to be sure.

Power cables must be SO cord, not SJ if they are at all exposed to foot traffic.

-Matt

[quietstorm]

Plenum Defined

Plenum means "air bag". A Plenum area, is the air return for an air conditioning system. In most buildings, the area above a drop ceiling or under a raised floor is used as the air return (source of air) for the air conditioning. Those drop ceiling and raised floors are also where wire is often installed. If wire and cable is installed in a drop ceiling or raised floor, it is out of sight. If that cable were burning, it would give off toxic fumes. These would be fed to the rest of the building by the air conditioner as a result people could be injured even though they are a long way from the fire.

> Most communities that I've done anything in
> want anything under 100 or rarely under 70
> volts in conduit. many paging systems are
> 70v so you don't have to run in conduit.

> There should be no problem at all. The only
> other obstacle would be plenum air
> return...if you don't pull return air
> through the space then you should be okay.

> Call you local electrical inspector! it's
> the only way to be sure.

> Power cables must be SO cord, not SJ if they
> are at all exposed to foot traffic.

> -Matt

[palouse1]

Generally, low voltage stuff is not required to be in conduits. We do a lot of hospital work, and even there low voltage is allowed to be run outside of conduits if the owner so chooses. However, as stated, (and since we work in Washington/Idaho) a quick call to your local building official and / or a reputable commercial electrical contractor should clear things up in a hurry.