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the same, which ensures that the volume levels, frequency ranges, and tonalities are
identical. Any excess wire should be snaked back and forth, but not coiled, to avoid
creating an inductor/antenna for stray radio signals.
Before making the actual connections, cut each length of wire to size. Note the markings
on the wire that differentiate between each conductor. Sometimes the marking clearly
identifies a positive and negative side. Some common clearly positive and negative
markings or identifiers are:
Positive
Negative
Red
Black
Copper
Silver
╋ ╋ ╋
━ ━ ━
In many cases, the mark is a single stripe on the jacket of one of the connectors. In this
case the side with the stripe is generally considered the positive side, but it really does not
matter as long as you are consistent in always using the stripe as positive or always using it
as negative.
If you plan to use banana and/or pin plugs (highly recommended) install the plugs on the
wire, taking care to match the polarity of the plug (usually identified by a red or black
stripe around the plug body) with the polarity of the wire. Once you have constructed each
wire assembly, double check each end to ensure the polarity matches that of the other
end on the same conductor.
If you will not be using bare wire for any of the connections, strip about 3/8" insulation
from the wire end and twist it to prevent stray strands.
