How to Attach a Speaker Wire to an RCA Connector

RCA connectors

Developed in the 1940s by the Radio Corporation of America, the RCA connector was originally designed to connect mono phonograph players to external amplifiers. Also referred to as a "phono plug", the RCA connector replaced the earlier TRS connectors and offered higher quality sound. Today's modern speaker wire is often sold without connectors, thus requiring the installation of an RCA connector or other type of connection. Using a few common hand tools, RCA connectors can easily be connected to speaker wire.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters/strippers
• Soldering iron with solder
• Speaker wire
• RCA connector

Instructions

1. 

   Speaker wire

   Measure the length of speaker wire desired and cut with wire cutters/strippers.

2. 

   Basic wire cutters

   Separate the individual strands of insulated copper wire at each end approximately 2 inches. Using the wire cutter/strippers, strip off approximately 1 inch of insulation from each wire.

3. 

   RCA connector with plastic sleeve

   Slide the RCA connector sleeve over both strands of speaker wire until it is above the exposed copper wire. RCA connectors come in two parts; a plastic or metal sleeve and the metal plug. The sleeve covers the plug connections and protects them while in use.

4. 

   Soldering iron and solder

   Slide one of the bare copper wire strands into the positive connector on the RCA plug. Using the soldering iron, solder the wire in place with a small amount of solder. Allow to cool completely before checking the connection. If necessary, use the soldering iron to remove the solder and wire, and reconnect.

5. 

   RCA connector with a metal sleeve

   Solder the remaining speaker wire strand to the metal tab that extends from the RCA plug. Once completely cooled, check to ensure the connection is strong. Using the wire cutters/strippers, bend the metal ends of the tab over the speaker wire to secure it into place.

6. Slide the sleeve into place, covering the speaker wire connections. If using a metal RCA connector, the sleeve will screw into the plug.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark or note which copper wire strand you used for the positive connection so that you can maintain continuity throughout the speaker wire. With speaker wire, neither strand is designated as positive or negative, it's just important that you maintain continuity throughout the wire. For simplicity, use the strand with lettering as the positive side.

• Cut speaker wires only as long as necessary to provide a cleaner installation.

• Solder-free RCA connectors are available if soldering is not an option.

References

• Media College: Audio Cables and Connectors