INTERCOM CABLE CONSIDERATIONS

The Clear-Com intercom line is intended to run on one shielded cable pair per intercom channel. One conductor carries audio, and the other conductor carries the DC power for Remote Stations. The shield serves as the ground return for the audio and power conductors.

When choosing interconnect cable, keep the following considerations in mind: 

• Keep cable runs under 500 feet (150m). The DC resistance of the ground or common conductor affects crosstalk.

For permanent installation runs longer than 500 feet, do not use wire smaller than 20 gauge. The capacitance of the interconnect cable affects system frequency response and side tone stability. Total capacitance should not be greater than 0.25 uF. 

• Ground Isolation: The Pin 1 ground connection of each XLR connector must be isolated from the chassis. Pin1 should not be connected to the shell of the XLR connector. 

• Multi-pair Cable: Individually shielded multi-pair cable is acceptable for use in multi-channel systems. For crosstalk considerations the shields must be tied together on both ends of the cable to produce the lowest possible DC resistance path for the ground return. 

• Suggested Cable Types:

The following chart lists the specifications of various BELDEN cables:See attached 

You can also use any of the Belden analogue multi-pair snake cables
We recommend the 1800 series (1815R) or the supa-flex 1900 (1904A) cable