safe to run cable through return air conduit?

[QED]

I'm installing a TV in the kitchen for the wife, and it seems the easiest way for me to run cable to it would be run it into an interior wall which is apprently serving as a return air conduit down to the basement. I already have cable run to the same area in the basement where the return air conduit ends. The hardest part would be snipping a small hole in the sheet metal directly underneath the wall in the basement...

Is this against code? I think I read somewhere that running cables through air returns is relatively safe but in some areas is prohibited as it could pose a risk of spreading fire or toxic fumes (from burning plastic) through the house...

 

[SampSon]

Sure it's safe.
Building code is specific to your municipality.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Sure it's safe.
Building code is specific to your municipality.

and what are the odds anyone is going to find out? well unless hte house burns down.

 

[QED]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Sure it's safe.
Building code is specific to your municipality.

I guess I'm not really worried about local building code as much as I am elecrtical code... I know there's some national standard out there for wiring...

 

[Amused]

Cable doesn't carry any signifigant electrical current.

It's fine.

Maybe TV will be cooler now?

 

[SampSon]

Originally posted by: QED

Originally posted by: SampSon
Sure it's safe.
Building code is specific to your municipality.

I guess I'm not really worried about local building code as much as I am elecrtical code... I know there's some national standard out there for wiring...

TV cable typically doesn't qualify as a load carrying electric wire.

 

[MedicBob]

I believe the NEC, National Electrical Code, states you need special cable for the reason you posted. The toxic fumes. Common sense tells me 1 or 2 cable runs isn't a problem. Besides if your house is on fire there are alot of other things that care give off toxic fumes. I suppose the cable could provide a "pathway" for the fire to travel up. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[FoBoT]

yes, i have done that in other houses

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

it should be fine, but you might buy a bushing to protect the cable where it passes through the sheet metal hole

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: QED


I'm installing a TV in the kitchen for the wife, and it seems the easiest way for me to run cable to it would be run it into an interior wall which is apprently serving as a return air conduit down to the basement. I already have cable run to the same area in the basement where the return air conduit ends. The hardest part would be snipping a small hole in the sheet metal directly underneath the wall in the basement...

Is this against code? I think I read somewhere that running cables through air returns is relatively safe but in some areas is prohibited as it could pose a risk of spreading fire or toxic fumes (from burning plastic) through the house...

You want plenium safe cable, its coating is designed to limit the amount of toxic release into the vents in case of fire. And as someone else noted, gromet the cut sheet metal so the wire doesnt rub (and seal it so you dont vent into the wall).