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Is it ok to run speaker wire underneath track lighting?

I just bought a track lighting system (which I'm going to plug into a standard outlet using the system's end power feed and cord). I'm also running the wires from my speaker system (for t.v.) across the wall in the same place that I'm placing the track lighting. So I'm planning to run the speaker lines underneath the track-- basically the lines will be placed on the ceiling and the track will be placed directly over it and screwed into the ceiling. (I will cut a small channel in the ceiling for the wire so the track can be flush without squeezing the wire.) The point is to have a single thin line of cords running together across the ceiling through the length of the track that looks like this:

-------wire----------[ track ]---------wire---------

In the world of electricity and interference and heat, etc. is it not a good idea to have the speaker wires in constant contact with the track, even if it's underneath? The speaker wires are standard clear, plastic-looking cords with the two silver metal wires visible inside. The track system is the Hampton Bay Transitional Collection from Lowes, and the track is metal-like, though it may be some other material coated to look like metal.

Thanks!

3 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    that will work just fine as long as you make sure not to strip any of the protective coating of the wire you will be fine

  • Jim S
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    I agree with the other two answers, that what you propose should be fine. I suggest you use at least 16 gauge speaker wire to minimize the loss of signal over a long distance and because the wire is more sturdy than the 20 to 24 gauge speaker wire supplied with some systems.

  • 1 decade ago

    As a rule of thumb, it is best to keep Media related feeds away from power routes. Its not the heat, but certain power can cause interference with your media related wires; resulting in varied reception.

    BUT... sounds like we are talking about simply track lighting and very basic speaker wire. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

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