When you guys pre-wire w 16/4 to the KP location, and then 16/2 to the speakers, how do you generally connect them? (When using KP, not in-wall volume control, and the ends need spiced together)

Solder & Heatshrink?
Solder and tape?
Scotchlocks?
Wire nuts?
masking tape?
bubble gum?

crimp connectors

wirenuts then wrapped in elec. tape. Ziptied to screw in stud so as to provide easy access in the future if necessary.

We dont use 16 gauge wire..but use wire nuts and then Zip-tie all wires to prevent them from being pulled on and pulled apart

OK we have used 16ga from time to time but 98% of the time its 14ga

You mean like the automotive "butt" connectors?

Telephone "scotch lock" types? (20 ga and above is all I can ever find)

Crimp/butt connectors. Usually run 14 guage, but either way I crimp it. Klein has a sweet crimp tool.

If you get a decent micro torch it doesn't take much longer to solder and shrink.

Unfortunetly, it does.

By the time you cut the heat shrink, slip it on all four connections, get the torch and fire it up, find the solder, solder the connections,and shrink it, you've added 5 to 10 minutes per keypad.

Multiply that by 12 or 18 keypads and it adds up!

Generally, walls don't vibrate too much and there isn't alot of moisture(hopefully!) to require the solder/heatshrink method.

If it's an outside connection, i recomend it.

If you've added an extra hour or two into the bid, go for it!

Without a doubt, it's the best connection,but, overkill for the inside stuff.

I've used crimps for 18yrs without a problem!

The Klien 'stake-on' crimpers rule!

We use this type of crimp:

[Link: idealindustries.com]

There are other companies that make these also.

Then use a Klein crimper model number 1005. I'd provide a link but they're website works in frames so it doesn't show in the address bar.

I used these two pieces for years while in car audio and when that company moved into home and CI we kept using them. Just wire tie the wires to the box or to a staple on the stud that way they never get lost and you should be good.

The only reason we do this is for those "just in case" situations. In case they want to upgrade, or maybe when they move they want to take the system out and just put in volume controls for the next owner.

Hey! that's mine. Which job did you find it on?

Larry torches, solders and heatshrinks all his electrical work, too.

We've got to remember that no matter how great that connection is at the wallplate, it's still a spring clip or binding post at both ends. Wire nuts or crimp connections will work just fine if moisture isn't a problem(and if moisture is a problem inside a wall cavity you have bigger problems).

we dont do that at all... we run 14/4 to the first speaker then loop it to the second..... i dont see a reason to go to the keypad location then break it out to 14/2 what a waist of time and energy......

we have not used v/c ever so its a moot point for us. when we prewire its for something that requires cat5 for keypad and then speaker wire to speakers.

maybe we have been lucky all these years but i cant imagine running speaker wire to the keypad location...not even when we use a matrix audio peice.......we still use cat5 for keypads

sorry for rant

ed

I guess we have a lot of clients that would like keypads but by the time the builders cost overruns have been paid we are lucky to get a volume control and a zone 2 sold.
I just feel that the keypad/volume location is as good as any for that 4 conducter to 2
transition.