Liberty 14-gauge 2-conductor Unshielded Speaker Wire Plenum-rated (Black/500 feet)

Product Overview

The Liberty AV 14-2C-P-BLK-500 is a 500-foot reel of 14 AWG 2-conductor plenum-rated speaker wire for commercial AV installations in air-handling spaces. Carrying NEC CMP and CEC CMP FT6 ratings, this cable is approved for open plenum ceiling installation without conduit, meeting fire and building codes in both US and Canadian commercial projects. The black PVC jacket provides visual differentiation from white-jacketed cables in shared ceiling spaces and suits installations where dark cabling is preferred for aesthetics. This cable is appropriate for 70V distributed audio systems, standard 8-ohm speaker connections, and Class 2/Class 3 low-voltage power runs.

Product Description

Stranded annealed bare copper conductors keep DC resistance low across long horizontal runs, maintaining consistent signal levels in multi-zone distributed audio systems. The conductors are covered with plenum-rated PVC alloy insulation, and the twisted pair configuration reduces electromagnetic interference pickup in shared cable pathways. The outer jacket is a plenum-rated PVC compound that produces low smoke and meets the flame propagation requirements for air-handling plenum spaces per NEC Article 800.

At 14 AWG, this cable is rated for longer speaker runs than 16 or 18 AWG options, making it the practical choice for large commercial spaces where speaker home runs exceed 75–100 feet. The 500-foot reel reduces the number of junction points in a single installation, keeping signal integrity consistent from amplifier to speaker. RoHS compliance and the CEC CMP FT6 rating make this cable appropriate for commercial installations in both the United States and Canada. The black jacket color is useful in facilities where color-coding by circuit type is part of the installation standard, or where a darker cable is preferred for cable management aesthetics.

Key Features

• 14 AWG Stranded Copper Conductors — Annealed bare copper minimizes DC resistance for extended speaker runs in commercial AV systems.
• NEC CMP Plenum Rating — Approved for installation in open air-handling plenums without conduit per NEC Article 800.
• CEC CMP FT6 Rated — Satisfies Canadian Electrical Code requirements for plenum cable installations.
• Twisted, Unshielded Construction — Pair twisting provides noise rejection in environments with mixed low-voltage cabling.
• Plenum-Rated PVC Alloy Jacket — Low-smoke, flame-retardant jacket rated for plenum air spaces.
• Black Jacket Color — Enables visual differentiation from white-jacketed speaker or control cables in the same ceiling space.
• 500-Foot Reel Format — Provides continuous cable length for large-room installations without mid-run splices.
• RoHS Compliant — Meets EU hazardous substance restrictions for environmentally responsible procurement.
• 70V and 8-Ohm Compatible — Handles both constant-voltage distributed audio and standard direct-coupled speaker loads.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom
• Conference Room
• Huddle Room
• House of Worship
• Government Space
• Commercial Meeting Space
• Multi-Purpose Room
• All-Hands Room
• Training Room
• Auditorium

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the black jacket color differ from the white version (14-2C-P-WHT-500)?

The two cables are electrically identical, with the same 14 AWG stranded copper conductors, CMP plenum rating, and performance characteristics. The black jacket is used when color-coding distinguishes circuit types (e.g., white for speaker, black for power), or when a darker cable is preferred in specific ceiling or wall applications.

What is the difference between CMP and CMR cable ratings?

CMP (plenum) cable is rated for installation in air-handling spaces and return-air plenums without conduit and uses a low-smoke, flame-retardant jacket. CMR (riser) cable is rated for vertical runs between floors but cannot be used in open plenum spaces. CMP is the higher rating and may be used wherever CMR is specified.

Is 14 AWG appropriate for 70V distributed speaker systems in large venues?

Yes. 14 AWG is a common choice for 70V distributed audio runs in commercial spaces where home runs exceed 75–100 feet. The heavier gauge reduces resistive losses at the tap transformer, maintaining consistent voltage across multiple speakers on a single circuit. For shorter runs under 50 feet, 16 AWG is typically sufficient.

Can this cable share a plenum space with Cat6 and fiber runs?

Yes. As a CMP-rated cable, this speaker wire can be installed alongside other plenum-rated low-voltage cables in air-handling ceiling spaces. Maintain recommended separation from line-voltage power cables per NEC guidelines to minimize interference.

Is this cable compliant for commercial projects in Canada?

Yes. The CEC CMP FT6 rating satisfies Canadian Electrical Code requirements for plenum cable, making it suitable for commercial AV installations in both US and Canadian jurisdictions.

What connectors are compatible with this cable?

The stranded 14 AWG conductors work with standard spring-clip speaker terminals, binding posts, and commercial-grade AV terminal blocks. Use a wire stripper set for 14 AWG and strip approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch of insulation for termination.

What is the recommended installation temperature for plenum cable?

Plenum cable should be conditioned at room temperature for at least 24 hours before installation and should not be pulled in ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), as cold temperatures reduce jacket flexibility and increase the risk of insulation cracking during pulls.