Installing outdoor speakers can help enhance your outdoor living space by providing music, television audio, or even announcements throughout your yard, patio, or deck. Properly wiring outdoor speakers is important for safety, performance, and longevity. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to wire outdoor speakers to your home stereo or entertainment system.
Planning the Placement and Layout
When wiring outdoor speakers, you first need to decide where you want to place them and how you want to set up the layout.
- Consider where you will most often be in your yard when using the speakers – patios, sitting areas, gardens, etc. Place speakers in those key spots.
- Determine if you want speakers spread out to cover a large area or focused in one spot. For wide coverage, place speakers around the perimeter. For a “zone” system, cluster speakers in one location.
- Decide if you want the speakers pointing down from the eaves/roof or mounted on the ground or on short posts. Elevated mounting can increase the coverage area.
- For a multi-speaker system, determine if you want them all playing the same audio source (mono) or separated into pairs/groups for different sources (stereo).
Choosing Speaker Wire Gauge and Type
You will need high-quality, weatherproof outdoor speaker wire to run from your indoor audio source to the external speakers.
- For runs less than 50 ft, 16-gauge wire is sufficient. For 50-100 ft runs, use 14-gauge wire. For over 100 ft, use 12-gauge wire.
- Oxygen-free copper (OFC) or copper-clad aluminum (CCA) wire is ideal for outdoor use. Avoid bare copper wire.
- Insulated wire will prevent shorts. Look for wire rated for direct burial and outdoor use.
- You can buy two-conductor wire with polarity markings already on the insulation. Otherwise, use electrical tape.
Running Speaker Wire to the Mounting Locations
Outdoor speaker wire runs need to be planned based on where you place the speakers and where the audio source is located indoors.
- Wire can be run above ground through exterior walls or eaves using wire channels. Keep it out of direct sun and rain.
- For in-ground wiring, dig a trench 6-12 inches deep running to each speaker location. Bury conduit if required by local codes.
- Drill holes through walls or foundations above ground level. Feed wire through and seal openings.
- Leave 12-18 inches of extra wire at the end to connect the speakers. Coil up excess wire out of the way.
Weatherproofing Wire Connections
Since outdoor speakers will be exposed to the elements, you need to properly weatherproof all wire connections to prevent shorts, corrosion, and failures down the road.
- Use exterior-grade terminal strips or wire nuts rated for outdoor use to join wires.
- Wrap connections in electrical tape before covering with wire nut or inserting in terminal. Helps prevent corrosion.
- Enclose wiring junction boxes and terminals in plastic bags or weatherproof boxes. Secure tightly.
- Use gaskets, caulk, or rubber sealant on all drilled holes where wires enter wall cavities from outside.
Connecting Speakers to the Audio Source
With your speaker wire run to each location, you can now connect them to your indoor stereo, amplifier, or volume control knob.
- Connect the other end of the wires to the amplifier or source, matching polarity.
- Use the speaker outputs if available, otherwise use the “A” speaker wire terminals.
- Connect all speakers in parallel across the amplifier outputs. Add volume controls if needed.
- Connect a stereo source to inputs for pairing outdoor speakers. You can also use speaker switches.
- Test speaker wiring before mounting them. Make adjustments as needed.
Securing and Mounting the Outdoor Speakers
Once wired and tested, it’s time to mount the outdoor speakers in their planned locations.
- For elevated mounting under eaves, use exterior-rated speaker brackets secured into rafters.
- Attach ground stake or post mounts in desired spots. Maintain wire slack when inserting post.
- Use weatherproof mounting screws and hardware. Apply sealant on drilled holes.
- Make sure speaker terminals are facing down to prevent water intrusion.
- Dress wires neatly against surfaces. Use insulated wire staples as needed.
With good planning, robust wires, weatherproof connections, and secure mounts, your outdoor speakers will deliver stellar sound for many years. Be sure to inspect wiring each season and make any needed repairs promptly. Enjoy your favorite audio everywhere you spend time outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions About Wiring Outdoor Speakers
How to wire outdoor speakers?
Run outdoor-rated speaker wire from your indoor audio source to each speaker location, leaving slack. Weatherproof all connections with tape/sealant. Mount speakers securely under eaves or on ground/post mounts. Connect wires to the amplifier speaker outputs matching polarity.
What gauge wire should I use for outdoor speakers?
16-gauge wire for runs under 50 ft, 14-gauge for 50-100 ft runs, and 12-gauge for over 100 ft distances. Oxygen-free copper (OFC) or copper-clad aluminum (CCA) wire is best.
Can I bury speaker wire for outdoor speakers?
Yes, you can bury wire for outdoor speakers 6-12 inches underground by digging a trench. Use wire rated for direct burial. Run through conduit if required by local codes.
How do I weatherproof outdoor speaker wire connections?
Use exterior-rated wire nuts, wrap connections in electrical tape, enclose junction boxes in plastic bags, and apply gaskets/caulk on holes where wires enter.
Where should I mount outdoor speakers?
Mount speakers in key locations you use most – patios, sitting areas, gardens, etc. Elevated under eaves spreads sound over larger area. Cluster speakers in one spot for a focused “zone.”
How do I prevent damage to outdoor speaker wiring?
Use wire channels or conduit to run wiring and keep it protected from sun, rain, lawn equipment, etc. Dress wires neatly against surfaces and use insulated staples. Keep connections in weatherproof boxes.
Conclusion
Installing outdoor speakers allows you to enjoy music, TV, and more wherever you like to spend time outside your home. Pay close attention to the speaker placement, wire gauge needed for the run lengths, and weatherproofing all connections and mounting locations. With good planning and proper installation, your outdoor speaker system will deliver amazing sound for many years of backyard enjoyment.