Partyline: What kind of cable should I use for Party Line (PL) intercoms?
Party Line products are extremely forgiving and robust.Though not recommended, intercom can be run on many non-standard wiring with adequateresults.
The recommended gauge or AWG rating of wire is 18AWG when runningintercoms over long distances, as in 800 feet or so, this is imperative, butfor cable runs going short distances, 20 or even 22 gauge wire is fine.
Somemults (multi-core cable snakes) use 24 AWG and that is still within useablespec for nominal runs of 250 feet or so. Keep in mind that the ground drain on somefoil shielded cables (not the twisted pair normally going to pins 2 & 3 ofan XLR connector) are slightly thinner than the twisted pair. Attached is a chart of Belden cable specifications andsome spec sheets on popular models.