18/2 Speaker Wire Riser CL2/CL3 Rated Stranded Bare Copper Unshielded - 500ft - White

Choose 18/2 Speaker Wire Riser for Your Needs

18/2 speaker wire is widely used in low-voltage audio applications and structured cabling projects. Its riser-rated jacket ensures fire safety compliance for vertical installations, while the 18 AWG conductors provide flexibility and reliable sound transmission for short to medium runs.

Technical Overview

The 18/2 speaker wire diameter typically measures around 1.5 mm per conductor, with stranded copper cores for minimal resistance. Each conductor is insulated with PVC and bundled under a riser-rated jacket.

This category covers both small residential projects and larger commercial installations. TS Cables ensures that it is available in multiple spool lengths, such as:

• 18/2 speaker wire white 100 feet
• 18/2 speaker wire white 200 feet
• large-scale 18/2 speaker wire 1000 ft roll

You can also find black 2-conductor 18-gauge speaker wire for concealed runs for aesthetics and coding. The 2-conductor 18-gauge speaker wire features stranded copper, which is flexible and resistant to breaking during pulls through conduits and walls.

Key Features of 18/2 Speaker Wire Riser

Still not sure if you should go for the 18/2 speaker wire riser cables? Well, here is a quick overview of the key features that it offers. It will help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

Conductor Material and Stranding

18 AWG stranded bare copper is the standard, allowing smooth signal flow while maintaining flexibility. Stranding (often 16–26 strands of 30 AWG) keeps the cable bendable without sacrificing conductivity.

Riser-Rated Jacket

The outer PVC riser jacket complies with NEC standards for vertical shafts between floors. This ensures limited flame spread and smoke generation compared to general-purpose speaker wire.

Available Lengths and Colors

Options like white 100 feet, white 200 feet, or 1000 ft roll allow you to buy precisely for the project scale. Black 2-conductor 18-gauge speaker wire helps with color coding and hidden runs.

Applications Beyond Audio

While ideal for distributed speaker systems, using 18/2 speaker wire for lamp or other low-voltage DC wiring is also common, as long as amperage limits are respected.

Applications

• Residential distributed audio systems
• Low-voltage speaker wiring in commercial spaces
• Short-distance home theater speaker connections
• Intercom and paging systems
• Light-duty DC applications (e.g., lamps, control wiring)

Buying Guide for 18/2 Speaker Wire Riser

• Gauge Selection: 18 AWG is best for short to moderate runs. You can use 16 AWG for longer distances or higher loads.
• Jacket Rating: Always use riser-rated cable for vertical shafts. For return-air spaces, plenum-rated versions are needed.
• Spool Size: Choose from 100 ft, 200 ft, or 1000 ft rolls depending on project size.
• Color Coding: White for walls and ceilings, black for concealed or coded runs.
• Conductor Quality: Opt for 100% bare copper over copper-clad aluminum (CCA) for lower resistance and better durability.

FAQs

Can I use an 18/2 lamp cord for speaker wire?

Yes, but dedicated speaker wire is recommended since lamp cord may not meet riser or in-wall ratings required by code.

Is 18/2 speaker wire plenum rated?

Not by default. Riser-rated 18/2 is common, but plenum versions are available for return-air ducts.

What gauge is 18/2 speaker wire?

It’s 18 AWG with two conductors, suitable for short runs in low-power audio systems.

What is the maximum distance for 18/2 speaker wire?

Generally, 18 AWG works well up to 25–40 feet with minimal signal loss for 8-ohm speakers. Longer runs may require 16 AWG.

Can 18/2 speaker wire be used outdoors?

Only if it has UV and water-resistant jackets. Standard riser-rated wire is not designed for outdoor exposure.