E
%Start How to Quickly Test Speaker Wires and Speaker Connections GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Home Theater & Entertainment > Audio 180 180 people found this article helpful
visibility
691 views
thumb_up
26 likes
E
lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 25, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Audio Speakers Soundbars Stereos & Receivers
What to Know
With a battery and one end of a speaker wire, lightly touch the wire to the battery. If you hear noise, that's a good sign.If you don't hear anything, make sure to verify everything is connected properly, and then try again with another wire.
thumb_up
40 likes
D
This article covers how to quickly and efficiently test your speaker wires and connections with a common household battery.
How to Test Speaker Wires and Connections
All you need is a common household battery (a fresh one, preferably) such as an AA, AAA, or a 9-volt battery.
thumb_up
49 likes
T
Don't use anything bigger than these. While you're at it, grab some masking tape and a pen so you can label the wires as you go along.
thumb_up
29 likes
J
If you have speakers located in other rooms (particularly with a whole house or multiroom audio systems), you might want an assistant to help you watch or listen. Turn off all equipment before you begin. With your battery in hand, and access to an end of a speaker wire, lightly hold up the end of the wire against either side of the battery (labeled as either positive or negative with a + or - sign).
thumb_up
4 likes
S
If you have the right wire and everything works, you'll hear your speaker make some noise. Once you've identified which wire connects to which speaker and can confirm there aren't any major issues with the wire or speaker, you'll need to make sure your positive and negative speaker wires are connected to the positive and negative ports on your speaker itself as well as your receiver for the best connection possible. Speakers, receivers, and speaker wires are not built the same.
thumb_up
13 likes
S
The overwhelming majority of speaker wires will come with a way to identify which connection is positive and which is negative, but oftentimes it isn't as clear as a label that says "positive" or "negative." Usually, consulting your specific product's manual or a Google search is the easiest way to clear up confusion. Once everything is connected, play some audio through your speakers to confirm everything actually works as intended.
thumb_up
22 likes
J
While you will get the best performance out of your speakers by matching the polarity of the speaker wire to the port on a speaker or receiver, this usually won't cause serious audible issues, so don't expect to hear if each speaker is connected correctly polarity-wise.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you don't hear anything from a speaker, check the wire connections on the back of the speaker to make sure they're firmly set.
thumb_up
17 likes
S
Use a fresh battery and only briefly touch the wires to the battery while testing, otherwise, the battery can quickly drain. If you still don't hear anything, the problem may be a defective speaker or defective wire between the amplifier and the speaker.
thumb_up
29 likes
Z
Connect working speaker wires to the unresponsive speaker. If the speaker still doesn't produce any sound, the speaker may be defective. You'll need to investigate further as if you're troubleshooting when one speaker channel isn't working. If the battery test does work, this likely means that the original wire is the problem.
thumb_up
34 likes
S
Carefully check the entire length of the wire in question since even a small break can lead to problems. If you're dealing with a subwoofer, you'll have to address a few additional steps to troubleshoot when your subwoofer isn't working. Subwoofers don't always connect in the same way that typical stereo speakers connect.
thumb_up
30 likes
Z
Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
thumb_up
12 likes
A
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect Speakers Using Speaker Wire How to Fix Common Car Amp Problems How to Splice Wires for Speakers and Home Theater Systems How to Fix It When WhatsApp Voice Messages Aren't Working How to Choose and Install Speaker Wire Connectors How to Connect a Subwoofer to a Receiver or Amplifier How to Install and Set Up a Home Theater Receiver 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse How to Use a Speaker Switch for Easy Multi-Room Audio How to Connect a Projector to a Speaker How to Make Wired Speakers Wireless How to Add Bluetooth Adapter to Your TV The Complete Guide to Home Audio Systems for Beginners 5 Things to Consider Before Buying Stereo Speakers No Sounds on Windows 11?
thumb_up
49 likes
M
Here's How to Fix It How to Install In-Wall Stereo Speakers Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
24 likes
Similar Discussions
-
5 ways in which GTA 6 can improve the Vice City map
-
Blue Lock s new trailer reveals opening theme by Unison Square Garden
-
Minecraft Redditor collects XP in furnace for over a year
-
What time will The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power Episode 4 air on Prime Video? Release date and more explored
-
8 Steps to Better Walking With MS Everyday Health
-
Is Fate The Winx Saga Based on a Book? Inside Its Origins
-
Louisiana Monroe Warhawks vs Army West Point Black Knights Live Score and Stats October 22 2022 Gametracker CBSSports com
-
Jets Braxton Berrios Cleared of injury designation
-
PiC hour Challenges photos APK Download for Android
-
Otodom Serwis Nieruchomości APK Download for Android
-
Akakçe APK Download for Android
-
Mus 3D Online APK Download for Android
-
Air Quality APK Download for Android
-
AFK アリーナ APK Download for Android
-
JT Foot Mercato le retour en force de Sadio Man et du Bayern Munich Football Allemagne
-
Salaire du patron de TotalEnergies un d put toulousain lance une cagnotte Guillaume Meurice de France Inter reprend l id e Haute Garonne Toulouse
-
Une fuite d tect e en Pologne sur un ol oduc reliant la Russie l Allemagne Pologne Russie
-
Vitamine B12 les aliments consommer pour viter les carences Has Diapo
-
El Hospital La Paz de Madrid realiza el primer trasplante de intestino del mundo de una donaci n en asistolia ltımahora Hospital
-
Breaking Polkadot s Gavin Wood Ditches CEO Role
-
Pfizer reportedly plans to charge up to $130 for COVID 19 vaccine Covid Moderna
-
IRS Raises Contribution Limits for 401K and Other Retirement Accounts in 2023 Irs
-
Genshin Impact fans blown away by god tier anime reveal Dexerto
-
Fortnite Where to Find the Junk Rift Item The Nerd Stash
-
Good Boy Treats Audience With His Appearance During Toronto Weathercast By Asking Meteorologist For A Treat
-
Hey Pandas What s Something Cringy You Did Where You Were Young? Closed
-
8 best free dating apps to help you get back out on the scene
-
Here s how much homework is too much homework according to science
-
Google Pixel Watch Release Date Price Specs and News
-
How to Fix It When Chromecast Is Blinking Red