How to Wire Speakers for the Most Effective Load

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:WireSpeakersMostEffectiveLoad
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How to Wire Speakers for the Most Effective Load

Introduction

Determining the load that your system can handle is very important when wiring your speaker system. You need to make sure that you don't overpower the speakers or overuse the amplifier. Follow these steps so the speakers will work the best they can.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Find out what the wattage is on your amplifier and speakers. The amount of power speakers and amplifiers have is measured in watts. You can find the amount of watts a speaker or amp can handle by looking on the back or reverse side of the device or by checking the usera??s manual.
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Step Two

Look for the ohm of the speaker and the ohm of the amp and make sure that the speaker ohm rating does not exceed the ohm rating listed on the back of the amp. You'll want the ohm of the amp to match the ohm of the speakers.
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Step Three

Determine your wiring mode. You can wire your speaker in three wiring modes: series, parallel or a combination of the two. Visit the Colomar website to determine which wiring process will work best for your system. Below are descriptions:
a?￠ Series: Each speaker is wired separately, giving your speaker ohms an additive value (Two 8-ohm speakers will give you 16 ohms).
a?￠ Parallel: The speakers are wired together before they connect to the source. Parallel decreases the resistance (Two 8-ohm speakers would give 4 ohms and four 8-ohm speakers would give 2 ohms).
a?￠ Combination: Connect to sets of series wired speakers in parallel. Combination wiring is used to maintain a constant load (Four 8-ohm speakers in combination would give 8 ohms).
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Step Four

Use parallel or combination wiring if your speakers have a higher ohm rating than your amplifier. You can lessen the amount of ohms going out of your amp by using the appropriate wiring. Use series wiring if your stereo has a higher ohm rating than your speakers.
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Step Five

Once you've determined your wiring situation begin the wiring process. Be careful and make sure you connect the speakers properly. If you have any questions you should hire a professional to help you wire the speakers accurately.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Read the instruction manual of the amp and speaker system to find out what wiring process is recommended.
  • Test the system at a low volume just in case you have a bad wire or bad connection.
  • Never use wiring that will overuse the amp. Make sure the ohms on your amp match or are more than the speaker you will be using.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Owner's manual
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