How do I wire speakers

[Dru]

I've been asked to install two ceiling mounted speakers in a shop, each one being able to play something different.

Although a qualified electrician, i've never done any before.

How do I wire them? What cable do I need?

Help appreciated

 

[telectrix]

speaker cable?

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speaker cable? this is schoolboy stuff.

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speaker cable? c'mon, this is 13 year old schoolboy stuff.

 

[Dru]

Do I literally just run one to each speaker from where the music system will be?

 

[telectrix]

if you want them to play different music, then each must be wired to a separate source.

 

[Dru]

It's what i imagined but thought it couldn't be that easy as there are specialist audio firms out there doing this kind of install. I thought they had to know something that I didn't

 

[Bick]

Do I literally just run one to each speaker from where the music system will be?

Yes! Making sure you have correct polarity. :drummer:

 

[ackbarthestar]

Yes! Making sure you have correct polarity. :drummer:

I did something similar switching matched stereo speakers in varying combinations to each room, that is allowing for impedance matching when more than one pair were connected in parallel.
Quite fun really, the client was very happy.....

 

[i=p/u]

2c flex if distance is low is cable is only bought in full roles ...... Just saying . And wire straight into speaker if no amplifier

 

[Mr.Simple]

Yes! Making sure you have correct polarity. :drummer:

Not sure that speakers actually have a polarity? When different music is to be piped to speakers it really doesn't matter. However if you are sending the same music (or stereo) it is important that both speakers are wired the same way. If not then the cone of one speaker goes say in and the other goes out resulting in sound waves that are 180 degrees out of phase. If this is the same music the effect is "destructive interference" and a lower sound pressure level. It is for this reason that speakers usually have red and black terminals as to get the best effect the sound needs to be in phase.

 

[Rockingit]

Unless you're making cardiod pattern and using reverse boxes.......... Lol. Yes, make sure they are each wired the same way around. I normally use 6mm tri to cable if the customer is picky.

 

[Bick]

Not sure that speakers actually have a polarity? When different music is to be piped to speakers it really doesn't matter. However if you are sending the same music (or stereo) it is important that both speakers are wired the same way. If not then the cone of one speaker goes say in and the other goes out resulting in sound waves that are 180 degrees out of phase. If this is the same music the effect is "destructive interference" and a lower sound pressure level. It is for this reason that speakers usually have red and black terminals as to get the best effect the sound needs to be in phase.

Yeah, I should've been a bit clearer and said maintain correct polarity throughout, if this 2 speaker setup is actually going to be playing a stereo source to avoid phase cancellation.

 

[MDJ]

Run a speaker cable to each speaker. the cable usually is a twin white and one core has a black line running down it. you look at the back of the speaker and stereo unit and there are red and white push to open terminals, nuff said yes?

 

[jackhammerJIM]

i would love to see a cardioid sub array installed in a ceiling :rockon2:

 

[Guitarist]

I love that there are now 14 posts about connecting 2 speakers. Priceless.

 

[camerabloke]

Whats a speaker? :banghead:

 

[Taylortwocities]

Just make sure you install the best quality speaker cable.

I always use this stuff. Kimber Select KS-6068 : Kimber have introduced three new Select...

 

[ultinator]

Just make sure you install the best quality speaker cable.

I always use this stuff. Kimber Select KS-6068 : Kimber have introduced three new Select...

Yep, I can concur with that. I used this to wire a 50w subwoofer in my car boot, and well it may seem a little pricey but wow, you can sure notice the difference.....

I guess so, but does a cable really make that much difference to justify costing £7858 per metre?

 

[telectrix]

Whats a speaker? :banghead:

house of commons has got one. not sure how he;s wired, though.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Isn't he a tweeter?:cheesy:

 

[Guitarist]

Isn't he a tweeter?:cheesy:

There have been 1 or 2 woofers...