How to Wire Outdoor Speakers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to add some music to your backyard barbecues or pool parties? Installing outdoor speakers can be a great way to enhance your outdoor entertainment experience. However, running the wires can be a bit tricky.

Tom Silva from This Old House provides a step-by-step guide on how to wire outdoor speakers without drilling into any support structures. First, locate a void in the wall where you can run the wire down. Tom found a clear space by the nailing pattern on the siding, indicating the presence of studs. He drilled a hole just below the double plate and above the nail pattern to avoid drilling into the structure.

Next, Tom used a snake with a hook on the end to catch the other snake in the wall and pull it back up. Once he attached the speaker wires to the snake, he ran it down a plastic conduit pipe to keep the wire off the floor.

To deal with the wooden baseboard, Tom used a router to create a groove or slot called a dado. He then laid the wire in the slot and taped it to the baseboard. Once the wire was secured, he nailed the baseboard to the wall.

By following these steps, you can wire your outdoor speakers while avoiding any structural damage. So, bring on the music and enjoy your outdoor entertainment!

FAQ

How do you connect wired outdoor speakers?
How to connect/power/wire passive outdoor speakers. It's done exactly the same as with regular passive speakers: you simply connect speaker wire to the positive/negative terminals to the corresponding positive/negative terminals on the amplifier or receiver.
Do I need an amplifier for outdoor speakers?
Most outdoor speakers are passive devices, which means they do not have built-in amplification and will need a source of power.
Should outdoor speaker wire be in conduit?
You can run speaker wire underground. Burying it inside PVC pipe or conduit is best practice. You should bury it at least 6″ deep or more for more protection.
What size of wire do I need for outdoor speakers?
Use 16-gauge wire for runs of 80 feet and less. For runs of 80 to 200 feet, step up a notch to 14-gauge wire. If you plan to go out more than 200 feet, opt for 12-gauge wire.