Liberty AV 16-2C-PSH-WHT 16 AWG 2 Conductor Twisted Shielded Plenum Cable

Product Overview

The Liberty AV 16-2C-PSH-WHT is a 1000-foot reel of 16 AWG 2-conductor plenum-rated shielded cable for commercial AV audio distribution and low-voltage wiring in air-handling spaces. The foil shield with drain wire provides EMI and RFI rejection, making this cable the appropriate choice for speaker or signal runs in environments with potential interference from power circuits, lighting ballasts, or HVAC equipment. NEC CMP and CEC CMP FT6 ratings permit installation in return-air ceiling plenums without conduit, meeting fire code requirements for commercial building construction. The 1000-foot reel format suits large-scale commercial deployments where minimizing splices is a priority.

Product Description

The 16-2C-PSH-WHT steps up from the 18 AWG version with heavier conductors, reducing DC resistance on longer speaker runs and improving current-handling capacity for 70V or 8-ohm systems in larger commercial spaces. Stranded annealed bare copper conductors are covered with plenum-rated PVC alloy insulation; the pair is twisted to reduce common-mode noise, and a foil shield with drain wire wraps the assembly for additional EMI/RFI rejection. The outer jacket is plenum-rated PVC approved for open plenum installation under NEC Article 800.

In a typical commercial AV deployment, this cable serves 70V distributed speaker home runs from a central equipment room to ceiling speakers across a large floor plate, control cable runs to room controllers or relay panels, and Class 2/Class 3 power distribution where shielding is required. The 16 AWG gauge makes it a practical middle ground between the 18 AWG option for short-to-medium runs and 14 AWG for the longest or highest-load circuits. The white jacket integrates with white ceiling grid systems and provides visual differentiation in multi-cable pathways. RoHS compliance and CEC FT6 certification support commercial procurement requirements in both US and Canadian projects.

Key Features

• 16 AWG Stranded Conductors — Annealed bare copper reduces DC resistance compared to 18 AWG, extending effective run length in 70V and 8-ohm speaker systems.
• Foil Shield with Drain Wire — Continuous EMI/RFI rejection for signal and speaker cables routed near interference sources.
• Twisted, Shielded Construction — Pair twist plus foil shield provides two layers of noise rejection for reliable audio and control signal integrity.
• NEC CMP Plenum Rating — Approved for open air-handling plenum installation without conduit per NEC Article 800.
• CEC CMP FT6 Rated — Satisfies Canadian Electrical Code requirements for plenum cable installations.
• Plenum-Rated PVC Alloy Jacket — Low-smoke, flame-retardant jacket for air-return ceiling spaces.
• White Jacket Color — Integrates with white ceiling infrastructure; assists visual cable identification.
• 1000-Foot Reel — Bulk reel format reduces splices and supports continuous home runs in large commercial floor plates.
• RoHS Compliant — Meets EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances requirements.

Typical Applications

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

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 16 AWG and 18 AWG shielded cable for commercial AV?

16 AWG has lower DC resistance per foot than 18 AWG, which means less voltage drop on longer runs and better current-handling capacity for 70V or 8-ohm speaker loads. Choose 16 AWG when run lengths exceed the point where 18 AWG produces noticeable power loss, or when the total tap impedance demands higher current delivery. For short runs under 50–75 feet with moderate loads, 18 AWG is typically adequate.

When is shielded cable required for commercial speaker wiring?

Shielded cable is recommended when the cable route passes near sources of electromagnetic interference—fluorescent ballasts, VFDs, power distribution panels, or heavy HVAC equipment. In commercial buildings where low-voltage and power cables share ceiling spaces or conduit, shielding provides measurable noise rejection that preserves audio quality at the speaker.

How do I terminate the drain wire on this shielded cable?

Connect the drain wire to the signal ground or chassis ground at the source end of the run (typically the amplifier or DSP output). Leave the drain wire floating or tape it back at the far (speaker) end to avoid creating a ground loop, which can introduce 60Hz hum into the audio signal.

What does NEC CMP rating mean for in-ceiling installation?

CMP (Communications Multipurpose Plenum) is the NEC designation for cable approved for installation in air-return ceiling plenums without conduit. Non-plenum cable (CL2, CL3, or CMR rated) requires conduit in plenum spaces. Using CMP cable eliminates the conduit cost and labor while satisfying fire safety requirements under NEC Article 800.

Is this cable listed for both US and Canadian commercial installations?

Yes. NEC CMP covers US installations and CEC CMP FT6 covers Canadian Electrical Code requirements, so this cable is approved for commercial projects in both jurisdictions.

Can I use this cable for RS-232 or RS-485 control wiring in AV systems?

Yes. The shielded twisted pair construction is suitable for RS-232 and RS-485 control runs, balanced audio distribution, and other low-level signal applications where the twisted pair and foil shield provide adequate noise rejection for reliable system control.

Why choose a 1000-foot reel over shorter lengths?

Bulk 1000-foot reels allow continuous home runs from a central rack or equipment room to distributed endpoints without mid-run splices. Splices in low-voltage speaker cable introduce resistance, potential failure points, and additional termination labor. For large commercial floor plates or multi-room installations, the 1000-foot reel typically results in lower installed cost and better long-term reliability.