Shielded electrical wires use a conductive shield and often a drain wire to help reduce electromagnetic interference in audio and control signals, making them useful near equipment or wiring that may introduce noise. Unshielded electrical wires do not include that layer and are commonly used for lighting control or speaker connections where the installation has lower noise concerns and the cable’s conductor count and gauge match the application.

For low-voltage speaker systems, two-conductor, 12-gauge speaker wire with oxygen-free copper conductors supports audio installations, while 16- or 18-gauge, two- or six-conductor lighting wire suits low-voltage lighting systems. For control systems, shielded 18- or 22-gauge, two-pair wire with drain conductors supports line-level audio, lighting control, and other low-voltage signal connections.

For indoor low-voltage runs, review the cable’s listed jacket ratings, such as CM, CL3, or FT4, to match the installation requirements. For outdoor or direct-burial work, select wire specifically identified for those environments, such as speaker wire described as rated for direct burial, rather than relying on the gauge alone.

Compare the wire’s gauge, conductor count, shielding, conductor material, and intended use with the requirements for your connectors, equipment, and system. Also verify the wire’s voltage, temperature, jacket, and installation ratings, then confirm that the connector accepts the conductor size and wire type before installation.