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ECS-650-IC Owner’s Manual
SPEAKER WIRING
Overview
In a 70V or 100V system, a speaker wire is run from the amplifier location to the first speaker location. A
“loop out” is run from the first speaker to the second speaker, the second speaker to the third speaker, etc. If
installing with a standard receiver/amplifier (not 70V or 100V system), a separate speaker wire must be run
from the amplifier to each speaker location.
Best Practices
• In most cases, it is easiest to install a speaker system by prewiring and then installing the speakers.
• Plan the locations of the speaker holes, volume control boxes, and the amplifier and be sure wiring can be
routed everywhere necessary before cutting any holes.
• Install spare wires for redundancy when you must run wire through a location that will not be accessible
later.
• When you aren’t enclosing speaker wire fully in conduit, make sure to leave enough of a wire loop for the
speaker wiring to allow you to connect the terminal to the loudspeaker either on the ground, or at the top
of the ladder. A short wire loop makes attaching the speaker wires more difficult to work with at the top of
the ceiling grid.
Recommended Wiring
• 70/100 volt applications: 18 AWG, stranded, 2 conductor cable.
• 8 ohm applications: 16 or 14 AWG, stranded, 2 conductor cable.
Note: Some ceilings are rated for use as a plenum return for heating and cooling. In these areas, you must use plenum type
cable to pass building inspection. Consult with local building code enforcement to determine the requirements of each job.
Wiring Connections
1. Remove the access plate on top of the speaker (see illustration) and remove the set screw terminal
connector. If using a conduit to route wiring into the speaker, attach the makeup access plate to the conduit
fittings before attaching the wires to the connector.
2. Strip the insulation on each conductor back ¼ inch and use your small flathead screwdriver to secure each
wire into the connector. Make sure no loose strands short between the + and – connection and that the
polarity is correct. There are 2 + and – connections on the terminal for ease of attaching a loop out wire
to additional speakers. You may connect to either the inner or the outer connection, but we recommend
keeping the wiring consistent among all of your speakers. For example, use the inner connection for your
speaker connection and use the outer connection for your loop out to the next speaker.
3. Re-attach the connector and cover plate. Do not use the back plate cavity as a junction for wiring that is
not powering the speaker.
