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Russound Acclaim Speakers Installation Manual
PREPARATION / WIRING INFO
Speaker Wire
What kind to use:
We recommend using Russound speaker cable or any
16 to 14 gauge multi-stranded wiring for amplifier-to-speaker connections.
Selecting the proper gauge:
Wire is measured in gauges: the bigger the
gauge, the smaller the diameter of the wire. The gauge of wire needed is
determined by the distance between your amplifier/receiver and the speakers.
The longer the wire run, the heavier the gauge needed. Use the following
chart as a guide:
Length
Minimum Gauge
0' to 150' (0 to 45m)
16
100' to 200' (30 to 60m)
14
If the conductors are not sheathed in colored jackets, be consistent with
usage. The standard colors on the terminals are red Positive (+) and black
Negative (-). If the wire has transparent insulation, one conductor will be
copper-colored (+) and the other silver-colored (-). If the wire has an opaque
insulation, the conductors are differentiated by a series of ribs or grooves, a
stripe, or dotted line on one conductor. Use and mark these as the Positive (+)
conductor.
Installation Tips
When installing the speakers, avoid:
• T-bar "drop ceilings" with very thin fiberboard panels which can buzz and
vibrate. If needed, reinforce the drop-in panel with wood or particle board.
• Ceilings where there are pipes, heating ducts and especially AC wiring in
the general vicinity. Local building codes may dictate the type of wire you
need to use. Only wire that is rated for use in walls/ceilings should be used
for that purpose.
Speaker Wire Paths
• Avoid running speaker wires close to house electrical wiring for any
distance. If you have to run them to the same locations, leave two feet
between the wiring. Speaker wires should cross AC lines at a 90° angle.
• The entire path between speakers and amplifier should be clear and
unobstructed. Confirm placement for a wall port close to the intended
location of the amplifier or receiver.
• Label speaker wires at each end with Left and Right and the room location.
Impedance Matching for Amplifiers and Speakers
Not all amplifiers or receivers can safely operate two sets of speakers at once.
If you intend to use more than one pair of speakers at a time it’s important
to consider both the impedance of the speakers and the capabilities of the
amplifier or receiver you’re using.
Typical usage of speaker wire conductors
-
+
-
+
