Things You'll Need:
- Home stereo
- Speaker wires
-
Step 1
Run a string from the location of the intended amplifier to each speaker. Add a little extra length to each speaker just in case. Measure the string to know how many feet of wire you need.
-
Step 2
Purchase the speaker wire in either 12, 14 or 16 gauge thickness. 12 gauge wiring is ideal for high-wattage stereos (500 watts or higher), while receivers producing low wattage (250 watts or less) will work well with thinner 14-16 gauge wire. 18 gauge wiring can also work for home stereos producing less than 100 watts. Also note that the longer the run of wire, the thicker it should be. For instance, if your 100-watt stereo requires that the wire be run over a distance greater than 25 feet, you would want to go with a 14-16 gauge wire rather than the 18 gauge. Thicker wire, while more expensive, will provide greater sound quality.
-
Step 3
Unplug your receiver.
-
Step 4
Connect your wire to your speakers and receiver by connecting the positive terminal on the receiver's speaker output to the positive speaker wire input on the corresponding speaker. Do the same for the negative terminals. Continue this procedure for each speaker in your home stereo setup. Speakers and amplifiers can have one of two types of terminals: spring terminals or binding post connectors. Spring terminals will only work with tinned base wire ends, but binding posts can work with different types of connections, including pin, banana plug or spade.This will help in distinguishing the two leads. Make sure to double-check that your speaker wire is connected positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative between your home receiver and your speakers.
-
Step 5
Hide the wiring underneath carpet, tucked under baseboards or in ceiling tiles. This gives the installation a cleaner look and protects the wiring from getting damaged.
