On an existing pre wire - 5 in ceiling speaker locations were selected and pre installation kits were installed. when I returned to the site, the architect installed high hat lights next to my locations (within 6 inches of speakers). These lights might be incandescent, halogen, etc...monster cable was used for ceiling speaker wire and ceiling is plaster with wire lathe construction. to chop new holes in plaster and move speakers would be difficult if not impossible. Would appreciate anyone's experience with lights that close to speakers. will it induce hum, buzz, etc...?

This message was edited by dvd on 07/29/02 19:04.11.

I've never had a problem with induced interference from lighting except in the case of low voltage dimming ballasts, and even then, it was in the line level componentry, not speaker level. Your biggest concern should be the proximity of the heat source to the wire. Make sure that no one is breaking any electrical codes and have proper spacing from the lighting device and any low voltage cabling.

-Tom Visser

dvd the only problem I have seen in the past is the buzz or rattle of the light cans when the speakers are cranked . If your talking about halogen 12v lights no shouldn't be a problem just don't let them install the transformer near any line lead or amps.

Wasn't there any electrical in the plans you were given ?


I have found , we are one of the fist ones the customer sees and we ARE the last one's the customer sees at the end of the job. (any problems from other trades that have p.o'd the customer get taken out on us) so if I can prevent problems with other trades I do so at all costs . Next time try ordering pizza and drinks for the cast and crew of the next prewire you get . You'll be amazed at the cooperation throughout the job.
Also make friends with the designer or Architect and General on the job.



This message was edited by kabster on 07/29/02 21:41.47.

There will inevitably be some loss of low frequency output due to cancellation when air leaks around the light can; probably not a big deal if they are surround speakers and you set up the receiver with "small" surrounds. Otherwise, the rattles will be your biggest troubles. If you used CL-3 rated monster cable, heat should not be a problem unless you laced the cable right on top of the light cans.

I have once had a constant "buzzing" problem reported by clients in only one case in over ten years. The solution was almost silly. Wrap the low volt transformers with Reynolds Wrap or any otherfoil. Kabster good call on the transformers. You would be surprised how many "lead techs" and A/V firm owners were baffled. They all had to return and remove the foil just to check me. FYI, the transformers could not be moved due to framing restraints.