Speaker Wire Problem

[brett_day]

So i just had my wife (i know mistake) pic up some speaker wire from radioshack.
It is 16 guage wire and it is a generic brown color but the wire sleeve or no where on the packet does it indicate the wires polarity for the + or -.

what will happen if i get these two mixed up and hook them to the wrong connector on the speaker and amp? is there anyway for me to tell which is + and which is -?

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by brett_day

So i just had my wife (i know mistake) pic up some speaker wire from radioshack.
It is 16 guage wire and it is a generic brown color but the wire sleeve or no where on the packet does it indicate the wires polarity for the + or -.

what will happen if i get these two mixed up and hook them to the wrong connector on the speaker and amp? is there anyway for me to tell which is + and which is -?

there is no +/- for speaker wire. There should be a white little strip on one side. You can hook either side into a + or - port as long as the side that's + is + on both speaker and receiver you'll be fine (same for - )

[brett_day]

Originally Posted by wormraper

there is no +/- for speaker wire. There should be a white little strip on one side. You can hook either side into a + or - port as long as the side that's + is + on both speaker and receiver you'll be fine (same for - )

ok so it does not matter what part of the cable i attach to + or _ as long as the wire that is on the speaker + is on the amp + and the same for -.

i am kind of a noob to this so i just want to make sure

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by brett_day

ok so it does not matter what part of the cable i attach to + or _ as long as the wire that is on the speaker + is on the amp + and the same for -.

i am kind of a noob to this so i just want to make sure

exactly, and don't worry, I had to ask noob questions when I first hooked up my first set of speakers.

[brett_day]

Originally Posted by wormraper

exactly, and don't worry, I had to ask noob questions when I first hooked up my first set of speakers.

thanks so much man! it is greatly appreciated! now i can go and enjoy these speakers and not worry about destroying them! Your da man!

[tommyboy81]

Originally Posted by wormraper

there is no +/- for speaker wire. There should be a white little strip on one side. You can hook either side into a + or - port as long as the side that's + is + on both speaker and receiver you'll be fine (same for - )

Yeah what he said. Sometimes it may not be a white strip you're looking for. Sometimes theres writing on the wire.

[SkullPhyre]

Just look for the white stripe or writing on the wire. And take your time you are in no hurry. Better to take forever and get it done right then mix something up and fry it. If you have kids have your wife take them out of the house or keep them occupied. My wife took the kids out when I mounted my LCD on the wall earlier this year. And again when I hooked up my new receiver the next week.

[brett_day]

well there is writing on one sleeve of the cable just a bunch of numbers...the only part of it that makes sense to me is the awg 16 part of it. there is also a temp listed on there 75 degrees c

[DiverSpear]

Originally Posted by brett_day

well there is writing on one sleeve of the cable just a bunch of numbers...the only part of it that makes sense to me is the awg 16 part of it. there is also a temp listed on there 75 degrees c

More than likely it isn't speaker wire, it sounds like zip cord. The 75C is it's insulation rating. That is typically found on wire designed for electrical installs. Any other writing on the wire? If so give it and I can tell you the the type of insulation and wire. The only time I see temp data on speaker wire is when it is cl3/R type wire.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by brett_day

So i just had my wife (i know mistake) pic up some speaker wire from radioshack.
It is 16 guage wire and it is a generic brown color but the wire sleeve or no where on the packet does it indicate the wires polarity for the + or -.

what will happen if i get these two mixed up and hook them to the wrong connector on the speaker and amp? is there anyway for me to tell which is + and which is -?

You have to mark this wire yourself. Your wife was decieved because the package does say speaker wire - its zip cord. It can be used for speaker wire, just mark your negative end with black electrical tape or something to indicate which one you are using for - and +. You'll be fine

[richteer]

Originally Posted by SkullPhyre

Just look for the white stripe or writing on the wire. And take your time you are in no hurry. Better to take forever and get it done right then mix something up and fry it. If you have kids have your wife take them out of the house or keep them occupied. My wife took the kids out when I mounted my LCD on the wall earlier this year. And again when I hooked up my new receiver the next week.

Very, err, sound advice!