Speaker cable in wall

[MisterMoseley]

Evening all
Planning ahead for the (hopeful) build of a small extension which will probably house a half decent amp/receiver and some stand-mount speakers. Will end up being my second, rather than main, system.
The walls will be plasterboard (dot/dab) over block and I/d like to take the opportunity of running speaker cable inside (the PB).
Any obvious dos/dont’s?
Assuming that speaker cable doesn’t have to be rated for in-wall use or am I completely wrong about this?
Best to terminate with some sort of back box and face plate?
Sensible to use the same cable in wall and from wall plate to speaker terminals?
Thanks

[Patrick Dixon]

I would look at putting it in flexible conduit if possible - will give you more option to change it in the future. Personally I wouldn't bother with wall plates - bring it through a back box and run it directly to the speakers. You can make/re-purpose a faceplate of your choice to make it look pretty.

It doesn't have to be rated for in wall use - mains cables that carry much more power do (to take account of them heating up).

[Pigmy Pony]

A couple of good tips there - especially the 'in a flexible conduit' idea, I really like that one :) Swapping out cables without wrecking the plaster, clever.

[Barry]

Where will the amp/receiver be located? Will the buried speaker cables run horizontally to the respective speaker outlets?

[high.spirits]

Totally agree with the conduit idea. I did this and it works well especially when I wanted to change cables, just use original as a draw wire.

[MisterMoseley]

I would look at putting it in flexible conduit if possible - will give you more option to change it in the future. Personally I wouldn't bother with wall plates - bring it through a back box and run it directly to the speakers. You can make/re-purpose a faceplate of your choice to make it look pretty.

It doesn't have to be rated for in wall use - mains cables that carry much more power do (to take account of them heating up).


Where will the amp/receiver be located? Will the buried speaker cables run horizontally to the respective speaker outlets?

Amp/receiver most likely will be located on a low hifi rack, about half way along the inner wall (wall about 2.7m). Below a window.
Not ideal location, but it will be what I have to work with.
Ideally, will run speaker cable horizontally and if possible, kept well away from new power cables.
Thanks

[MisterMoseley]

Just an additional thanks to everyone who has posted above.
Much appreciated.

[Barry]

If the hifi rack is located near a power socket then you shouldn't have any problem with the buried speaker cables running out horizontally, parallel to and near the skirting board.
I don't know how the power sockets (ring or radial) will be fed, but I assume their wiring will be vertical, either down from the ceiling, or up from the floor. Either way you shouldn't have a problem, as the two sets of cables will be at right angles to one another.

The use of conduit is a very good idea.