Preparing condo for ceiling speakers (during construction)

[WorkingTourist]

I have a condo under construction and I want ceiling speakers in most rooms.

The problem is that I will not be there until the condo has been completed.

I want hidden cables, so I want to prepare the condo for this.

I am thinking that since the rooms will already have a panel with TV signal etc., I need to tell the developer’s electrician to add an extra slot in this panel connected to a standard conduit (with a pull wire) that goes up to ceiling level.

When I arrive I can then drill a hole in the ceiling (where the speaker should be), and from that hole, “fish” the pull wire and then install the real speaker cable.

Is the the proper way to do this?

I’m basically looking for the simplest possible instructions I can give to my developer’s electrician that would allow me to later install speakers with hidden speaker cables.

[IMHO]

The pull-wire idea is a risky one.. If they use the wrong size conduit (too small), short elbows instead of long, flex conduit, or junction boxes, you're not going to be pulling through any new wires later..

Given this, I would recommend you get them to install the actual speaker wire now, rather than a pull wire.

Refer to this post for details on the wire spec: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/791795-wireless-speaker-system/?p=8954889 but do make sure they understand you want multi-strand wire, not solid core as used for mains power.

You should also specify that the speaker wires need to be run in separate conduits to any other type of wire.

You should also be aware that the suspension type ceilings they use in these places can/will produce a lot of rattles. It's not like Western construction where the gypsum is attached to solid wooden framing/trusses.. You might want to consider more conventional wall-mounted or floor-standing speaker locations.

Edited June 30, 2015 by IMHO