Do's and Don'ts of Installing Speaker Wire

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Wire Installation Safety and other Wire Management topics.

What should I avoid when installing speaker wire?

Do's and Don'ts of Installing Speaker Wire

You can't wait to set up your new speakers in your home theater and dream about the high quality of sound you and guests will enjoy while watching movies and listening to music. However, rush the job and your dream could become a nightmare.

When dealing with speaker wire installation, here are some do's and don'ts you should be aware of, courtesy of hometheatermag.com:

  • Do overestimate the amount of wire you'll need if you pre-cut the wire. This is because when running wire along rooms and through walls, the bends and turns the wire takes will demand more wire.
  • Don't run speaker wire near any other type of electrical lines. And if you must, keep your speaker wire at least 16 inches away from them and don't run them parallel to each other. Instead cross them at a 90-degree angle. Otherwise the speaker wire will pick up unwanted noise.
  • Don't tack speaker wire down with little staples or you risk shorting out the electronics. Instead, use plastic wire ties.
  • Don't use just any speaker wire for in-wall use. The National Electric Code and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specify code levels for speaker wire (CL stands for code level). Cable with the highest rating of CL3 is considered the safest. It's also fire retardant.
  • Do use PVC conduit, especially if you are running your wires under a foundation or through a garden for outdoor speakers. Remember that rodents chew cables. Also, conduit is smart because you can easily add extra lengths later.
  • Do realize that wall-mounted speakers can make other items on your wall rattle. So before you start measuring and drilling, take stock of framed artwork and other items on the wall. Have a friend hold up your speaker on the wall so you can listen. Test it by playing music with a consistent beat and by playing movie scores at different volumes. Move your speaker around the wall to make sure the spot where you want to mount it is indeed the spot where it will sound best.
  • Do punch as clean a hole as possible behind the area on the wall where your speaker will go. This will help hide the cable.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Wire Management Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sherril Steele-Carlin