Leslie 147 Custom Cable

[Guest]

Hello! Sorry if this has already been answered here, I couldn't find anything when searching. I'm currently in the middle of a major A/V overhaul and part of that includes installing pockets in our stage to reduce the amount of cables running everywhere on the deck. We currently have a Roland VK7 plugged into an old pedal that converts an audio signal to a 6 pin output. It also has a switch to cycle the speed of the motors in the lesie. That is plugged in directly to a Leslie 147 via a 25' cable.

What I would like to do is install a panel on the wall by our leslie that leads to a pocket in the floor right where the organ usually is placed. The wires would be run inside of their own 3/4" conduit beneath the stage. So my question is, Rather than buying 6 conductor leslie cable, can I use some 12 AWG sheilded A/C cable for power (pins 3/4 I believe), and then run everything else off some extra West Penn 4245 cable we have around. It's 24 AWG? If that doesn't work, what cable should I use for a permanent install like this?

[David Anderson]

Pins 2, 3, 4, and 5 all have 120VAC on them because 2 and 5 are used for motor control relay switching, which operates on 120VAC. Only pins 1 and 6 are audio.

You need to consult local electrical wiring codes regarding how to handle this.

Leslie cables are grandfathered into approvals because they had UL approval when they were new.

[tpappano]

To meet code you cannot put the audio wires in the same conduit as the ac wiring. It will need its own conduit or it could be run alongside the power conduit, zip-tied or something. If it must pass through an “air plenum” space it needs to be “plenum rated”.

[Hamman]

That goes for sound reinforcement.....not for what he is trying to do.

[Guest]

Thanks for the insight! My second thought would to use armored A/C cable for pins 2,3,4 and 5 with the audio cables in the conduit. I'm guessing 14 gauge would be sufficient? I'll see if I can find anyone in the area who knows what the codes are for this, but it does make me wonder if they would still be grandfathered in to running in the same conduit if it was the official 6 conductor cable. Does anyone have experience with something of this sort?

[tpappano]

On using the armored cable you need to ask a pro who has up to date code knowledge. On putting the original Leslie cable in conduit I see two issues. First, if you remove the connectors you no longer have a “Listed” product that is grandfathered. Second, running the Leslie cable in conduit may be a problem because it doesn't carry any approvals for installation in conduit and carrying ac power, etc. (voltage and temperature ratings, etc)
Others may have better info but I think these issues are likely a problem, especially in a commercial building.

[David Anderson]

I have a colleague who designs and installs the wiring in music studios and performance venues, and I refer all such matters to him because that's his area of expertise. I know because he's asked me the details of Leslie hookup formats. It is, in the end, best to have a professional handle such things, even if it costs more up-front. You'll have fewer headaches down the road.

Also, I don't know what your venue is used for, but in concert venues, they often get sent a picture of how the band likes to be set up. The keyboard player is not always in the same place. But maybe this is a church. Still, I've seen situations in churches where they decided to change the setup and were frustrated by a hard-wired organ hookup in the floor or the wall.