How to connect speaker wires is a detailed guide for everyone.
Welcome!I will show you how to connect speaker wire with great results.It is easy to do it yourself if you know how, and you can save money too.
I can help you get your system up and running by sharing what I have learned over the years.
Examples of the most common positive wire markings are shown here.It's easy to figure out which wire is positive once you know what to look for.
99% of the time you can tell which speaker wire is positive or negative by looking at it.
Sometimes you need to look very closely under good lighting because imprints can sometimes be a little harder to notice.Positive wires that use a "+" print can be hard to read.
One of the most important topics is how to connect speaker wire to extend it.
The diagram below shows you how to use two of the best ways to extend speaker wire.
You don't need a lot of tools to do it.Using solder is reliable but takes more time than using another method.This is what I use for most of my professional car and home audio jobs, and it gives great results in only minutes.
It's one of my favorite ways to connect speaker wire as a professional.It gives professional results with very little work or hassle.
There are only a few things that need to be done: cutting the wire, stripping it, and attaching and crimping it.
Tools or a pair of utility scissors can be used to cut speaker wire.The correct tools can be used to cut wire.A cutting feature is built into many wire strippers and crimpers.
You definitely need the right tool to cut speaker wire.Regular scissors can become damaged if they are not cut properly.
There are some inexpensive tools that will cut wire and make it easier to extend speaker wire.
I recommend and use wire cutting pliers as they are capable of cutting a wide range of wire sizes.The wire cutting feature on many other tools works well for 18 gauge speaker wire.
If you only do light work occasionally, an all-in-one tool like a crimp tool is more convenient.
If you want to cut wire, just insert the wire and close the tool until it is securely held in place.Then squeeze very hard.The wire should be cut lightly.
You can use utility scissors, but don't use standard scissors for paper or fabrics.The wire needs to be inserted at the inside of the blades.
There are a number of tools you can use to strip speaker wire.Standard wire is a good choice for a low-priced wire stripper.
It can be difficult to remove speaker wire, but you will be able to do it in a few tries.The main trick is to pinch only the insulation of the wire.
If you squeeze a stripper too hard you will break off the wire strands.
Smaller gauge wire can be harder to strip without breaking.For the first few times, use surplus wire that won't hurt your speaker wire needs.
I recommend stripping enough wire to expose it.To be able to twist the wire together, you need a minimum of 1/2′′.
Once you have prepared your speaker wire by stripping it, it is time to use a tool to crimp it for a reliable connection.
It isn't very hard to use a crimp connection with speaker wire.You will get the hang of it after a few tries.
The wire gauge sizes they can be used with are specified in the standard colors.Although red is listed as fitting 18 AWG wire, I have been using blue butt connections for years without any problems.
The examples of butt are shown here.They are sold based on the wire gauge they can use.
You can be sure that they will fit with various types of speaker wire if you try that.Speaker wire manufacturers may have different internal wire conductor sizes.
The soldered wire is the most reliable way to extend the speaker as it is permanent and extremely strong.
It is important to cover the wire when you are done.A short circuit that can permanently damage the output components in an amplifier or stereo can be caused by the wire touching each other.
The amount of time you need to do this work with a soldering iron is about 10 minutes.
A soldering iron costs between $7-$10.You will also need solder and electrical wire.To get the wire hot enough for the solder to flow well, I recommend at least a 25W soldering iron.
If you don't already own a soldering iron, you can expect to spend about $10 if you shop carefully.
The binding posts and banana plug jacks can be used to connect speaker wire to a home stereo receiver or amplifier.
Once they are in place, banana plugs offer more convenience than just using bare wire.You can connect or disconnected your speakers at any time since they plug into the jacks.
There are two main types of banana plugs: those with a side-mounted set screw and those that have a top-located hole and/or side hole.
There are examples of some of the most common banana plug speaker wire connections for sale.One of the basic categories is those that use a set screw or have a binding post style.As we go, I will explain the differences.
Depending on where you shop, you can find different styles of banana plugs that work for speaker wire.Almost all work the same and fall under one of two categories.
The most important thing to know is how to use them with smaller wire as some of the most common wire gauge don't fit inside them if not done right.If the wire isn't connected correctly, it could come out.
Despite some of these banana plugs being more expensive than others, almost all of them work well so there is no reason to pay too much.You can find a good deal from online retailers.
Adding banana plugs to speaker wire isn't hard, but there are things that can cause problems if you're not aware of them.The internal wire barrel is too big for most speaker wiregauges.
You are done!Despite not fitting inside the plugs perfectly, you can use 18AWG and other sizes of speaker wire reliably and without pulling your hair out.
The banana plugs are easy to use, but you need to make sure that the wire is held in place under the large central threaded screw.It is possible for the wire to slip out when pulled.
Banana plugs may have a side hole in addition to a center hole through the main screw.I prefer not to use the side hole if I have a large gauge speaker wire.
You are done!Adding banana plugs to the speaker wire should take a few seconds.
One of the simplest and most common types of speaker wire terminals is the spring clip terminal.
Speaker wire is usually connected to home and car speakers the same way.They are the same regardless of their impedance ratings of 4 or 8.
There are two ways to get great results and only a few steps for each: using quick connect crimp terminals and using a soldering iron and solder.
It takes more time and effort to solder a high quality connection.It is more difficult to use a soldering iron if you are working in your car as it needs a power source and extension cord.
I recommend using quick-disconnect terminals as they are easy to use and can give an excellent and reliable connection.Speaker wire connection tabs aren't standardized in their sizes, one thing you should knowIt is important to check before you start.
One speaker brand may use two tabs for example, while others may only use one.
The speaker wire quick connect terminal sizes are shown here.Some of the most common speakers for home and car are shown.
Don't use a "twist and tape" approach to connecting speaker wire.A poor connection can cause oxidation, power loss, and even come off over time.
A bad connection can cause permanent damage to the amplifier or stereo by short-circuiting the other speaker wire.
Subwoofers usually have one of two types of speaker wire terminals.
The spring-loaded terminals are easy to use, while the quick-disconnect tabs can be a bit difficult.The tabs come in different sizes for both.
Most of the time, the tabs are two.25′′ slide tabs or one 25′′ and one25′′ like, used with smaller speakers.
The speaker wire quick connect terminal sizes are shown here.Some of the most common small speakers are shown.It's very common for subs to be.250′′.
You are done!The wire should be nice and tight, with no looseness to come apart over time, and the crimp terminals should not be able to move.
I'm Marty.I am an electrical engineer and a car audio fanatic.Before becoming an engineer, I was a professional installer and still enjoy audio electronics projects and sound as a hobby. I would love to help everyone find answers to their questions and enjoy good sound.