How to Install Speaker Wires

In order to wire stereo speakers, you'll need to understand the basic installation requirements of speaker wires. While the configuration of your speakers may vary, the installation of wires will be the same.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stereo receiver Left and right stereo speakers (additional speakers optional) Speaker wire Connectors (optional) Wire stripper Tape measure

1. Determine where the speakers will be placed. Measure how much wire you'll need to run and purchase the correct size wire. Run string where the wire will be for the most accurate measurement.

2. Strip the ends of the speaker wire. You'll need about ½ inch of wire to connect the terminals. If you're using bare wire, be sure to twist the small strands together to prevent them from shorting out the speaker. If you're using add-on connectors such as pins or banana plugs, connect them to each strand of wire.

3. Be sure the power is off and connect the speaker wire to your receiver or amplifier. Use the outputs for the specific speakers you are connecting, and connect one strand of the speaker wire to the negative output terminal and one to the positive. Some speaker wires may have one side marked or color coded as positive or negative to make connection easier.

4. Run the wire to to the speaker. Connect the positive strand of wire to the positive input terminal and the negative strand to the negative terminal. Use connectors or bare strands of wire secured to the terminals to make the connection. Be sure that the negative and positive strands do not touch.

5. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for each speaker you're connecting.

Tips & Warnings

• When shopping for wire, be sure to purchase wire compatible with the method you're using to run it. For instance, flat cable is available for under-carpet runs. Cable for in-wall wiring needs to meet your community's safety code requirements. Speaker wire comes in different gauges; gauge relates to the size of the wire. Smaller gauge actually equates to bigger wire; 12-gauge wire is necessary for runs of 200 feet or more and helps improve sound on shorter runs. Receivers and speakers use one of two systems for connecting wire: spring clamps or binding posts. A spring clamp requires you to press down and insert the wire or pin connector; a binding post requires you to unscrew a small knob and insert the wire into the hole.