Is it safe to run this wire outdoors (along a roofline)? I expect over time the coating would degrade, but is that > 5 years?
185835
The coating is plastic, and is not biodegradable. It will discolor; it may stiffen, but I don't expect it to corrode or erode. What's important is that the copper is not exposed to the elements; if you are terminating the wires outdoors, make sure you don't expose too much copper, and be sure to use outdoor-quality equipment. (I have this wire going through a hole in my basement wall above my sliding door and out to Bose outdoor speakers, below my deck. Works fine so far."
185836
I recommend asking the question directly from the manufacturer or check their website. Sorry I have used it only for indoor purposes.
185837
I don't know how long it will be before the wire insulation (coating) starts degrading and breaking down. To be on the safe side, if I were you I would rather use speaker wires meant for outdoor installation such as these: Black - 16/2 Awg 50 FT Increments Direct Burial AND CL3 Rated In Wall - Speaker Wire/Cable - Indoor/Outdoor - Premium Home/Outdoor Audio/Low Voltage Lighting 50FT Stranded
391594
I use it as a barrier for subterranean termites, where it's injected several feet underground, and it will last at least 5-7 years in that application. I suspect it is water resistant on the surface of the ground, but maybe not that long.
1101816
Yes and no. If you put it in conduit, then it's protected enough you should be fine. It is not an outdoor rated cable, however.
2076226
My guess is that the wire covering will crack over time from UV exposure if left bare. Running it through conduit is a possible solution.
20555
In one word: No. It will coat anything nicely, but any Epoxy resin will yellow, crack and generally degrade when exposed to constant UV rays and weather. It will last a few years but be prepared to do the project again. If it's under a canopy then it will last longer, but overall these coatings are not meant to be used outdoors
443313
I use mine outdoors. I coated with a layer of "mineral oil". I live in Las Vegas, so we do not have severe winters. Hope that helps!
279992
Absolutely yes! The cable is indeed safe for extended periods of outdoor use. I've tested it myself for my irrigation system with an electric pump which takes in water from the lake. It's been holding strong for now about a year -- resisting both scorching sun and icy cold weather. You won't be disappointed.
2046868
Scott, I do not believe that this wiring is rated for any such conditions as running it in areas where it is constantly exposed to adverse conditions. (Although I don't know this for a fact.) I do know that I personally went through quite a few sets of these leads due to damage of different sorts until I got wise enough to protect them in wire conduit, flex, or other wire raceways. My suggestion would be to use a different type of cables like a RG-59 coax combined with a bigger gauge power lead for any critical areas that might be exposed to bad conditions. (This is assuming that you have a little more room for wall penetrations, etc. because this other cable is quite a bit larger in diameter.) But they are rated for all adverse conditions without extra layers of protection needed, however these cables are not available from Amazon and are readily available from other sources. These bigger cables are what the professional security companies use whenever they are not installing a completely wireless system. Remember that these "videoSecu" or cables work just fine in ideal conditions BUT as I have stated in my review--------These cables are at most a bare-bones minimum gauge and insulation to get the job done. And I am a electrical contractor that knows wire and it's properties. I hope that this is of some help to you. NOTE: The other cables are more expensive but worth every penny if you are installing in exposed conditions or areas where possible damage due to temperature, U.V. rays, constant high humidity or wetness conditions exist.
459870
Might be for a little while. The wire connector in the back would probably corrode pretty fast.
227329
Speaker wires are usually vinyl clad, which does not weather well. Best to get some outdoor rated wire so it will last longer, unless this is a temporary application.
1923020
As I have been a union certified electrician for nearly twenty years, I highly advise you to cut the quick connect off and throw it away. Then strip the wires and splice them correctly using outdoor silicon filled wirenuts available at any hardware store. Mine have never failed. The failing point is usually the quick connects. Also, use outdoor, direct burial rated 14/2 copper wire. This wire is rated to be just under the groundcover or soil so it makes it very easy to use.
660759
I am laying this cable today outdoors, however, i have it protected by conduit. I have been told that it will be OK. Trust this helps
486557
I have used it outdoors without any problem. I would not leave it out in the weather. I keep mine coiled up in a box on the patio. I have not seen anything wrong with this. I will take in inside when it gets cold.
2086984
I bought and installed mine 2 years ago in an exposed outdoor location. I'm located in northern NJ and the unit is like new and works perfectly. It has survived numerous downpours, a few tropical storms, superstorm Sandy, several weeks of below freezing temps and several snow storms. Granted I shut that circuit off in the winter but there's been no evidence of wear and tear. I have it installed on a stake I've set in the ground so in winter I put a bucket over it to keep the snow off it. The box has no gaskets and isn't sealed up tight to make it weather proof. Whatever moisture gets in seems to easily find its way out. I was a little worried like you before I bought it but it seems to hold up very well.
1821510
Hey jeffrey. I think you should be ok. I have been using this priduct for two years now and never had a problem. I usually run three times a week and this product its been very reliable even running under the rain or severe weather of Chicago in winter. Hope this help.Regards,Greg
335138
I would think so. I have an Innotek hidden fence system and this is top-of-the-line wire! We've done a 9 acre property, a 6 acre property and we just did our most recent 4 acres. This stuff will last for at least 15 years. We installed it with landscaping staples. Just be sure NOT to drive the staple too hard into the ground. The wire will be fine, but over time, the metal from the staple wears into the thick wire coating. So keep an 1/8th of an inch clearance from the wire with the staple. Heck, we've had trees fall on this wire and it's been fine.
461293
I have not used them outdoors yet, so I can't really say. My only thought is that perhaps the metal wire that goes behind the head may corrode in continued use in such conditions. I don't have the details on exact material of the wire itself.