How To Run Wires For Surround Sound? A Detailed Guide in 2023

  • 01 Dec 2022 05:41
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How To Run Wires For Surround Sound? A Detailed Guide in 2023

Wires for surround sound are a problem that makes many people tired during operations. It requires skills, supporting accessories, and expensive costs. To solve the above problem, we decided to come up with the most effective solutions on how to run wires for surround sound. Besides, you can also refer to more surround sound tips to help the audio cord's path become more beautiful than not everyone knows.

How To Run Wires For Surround Sound? 

Here are specific implementations for you. I have selected the fastest methods on how to prewire for surround sound effects, so you can rest assured to apply.

Through Baseboards

Through baseboards 

Through baseboards 

First, running surround sound through baseboards is the simplest method of the three suggestions. Yet, you also have to have the ideal conditions to implement this approach most effectively. The first requirement is that there are no thresholded doorways in your room. It is better that your room has extra carpet and you can quickly move around. As for the idea, I will use tape to fix the carpet to the floor. I just left a narrow slot to fit the power line for aesthetics. At this point, I already have the mold ready to deploy the wire according to the existing mold. For tools, you need the following basic supplies: wire strippers, pliers, AV equipment, screwdriver, razor, and tape measure. The detailed implementation process includes seven steps:
  • Step 1: Once you've located the correct starting point for the wiring, use pliers to pull the mat behind the AV unit.
  • Step 2: Align the space between the carpet and the base of the wall so that it fits the line you have prepared. The enclosed area will detract from the aesthetics of your line.
  • Step 3: Start running the cable in two ways (parallel or in two directions). Either way, it is quick and doesn't affect line failures.
You need to make sure your strings reach the surround sound. It doesn't matter how the wire direction works.
  • Step 4: Linearization begins with the pliers pulling the carpet up. The perfect distance is 2 feet.
  • Step 5: Insert the cable into the gap. At this step, you must be gentle so that the wire does not puncture and create a small space to anticipate the carpet moving.
  • Step 6: Run the bracket from your surround speakers to your speakers and secure the speaker wire.
  • Step 7: Do the same with the 2nd surround speaker.
Now, you have implemented run surround sound through baseboards.

With Crawl Space

Before taking this second method, consult with electrical professionals in your area. In some places, this practice does not receive permission from the power company.  Also, you may experience difficulty based on speaker placement relative to the wall in your room. Some tools you must prepare are a drill, 1/2 inch bit, rivet finder, fish tape, wire stripper, razor, screwdriver, hammer, low voltage box, wire stapler electricity. If you're ready, we'll come up with seven concrete steps.
  • Step 1: You determine the cable to go. Choose the shortest path and only exploit the roads with few obstacles.
  • Step 2: Locate the niche to anticipate the distance your wire will travel. 
According to construction rules, speaker wires must not coincide with electrical cables, so you should choose a place. So, your rope will reach the open recess without collision.
  • Step 3: Make a low-voltage box hole a fish tape 18 inches off the floor.
  • Step 4: Locate the drill in the wall to connect the wires. Ask for help from others so you can drill as accurately as possible.
  • Step 5: Connect the speaker wire according to each previous format. A good tip is that you don't have to retrofit wall panels if your surround sound is wall- or ceiling-mounted.
  • Step 6: Use fish tape to run the wiring. Then you take a hammer and nails to fix everything firmly.
  • Step 7: Check if everything is still loose or not.

With Crown Molding

With crown molding

With crown molding

Running surround wire with crown molding is my favorite method. In essence, this method also has many of the same principles as the two suggestions above.  The most significant exception is how the line works. Instead of deploying under the floor or on the wall, I choose the location on the floor. Now, you may find it difficult. However, I have tips for you to make it a lot quicker and easier. Here are nine steps specific to you:
  • Step 1: Determine the installation location using a wall-mounted 1×2 specimen. Accordingly, you have solid molds to create safety and long life for your hometown. One tip for placing your prototype is to follow the rule of 0.75 inches from the ceiling and 2-3 inches apart.
  • Step 2: Like other methods, you need to determine the wiring diagram of the arch. The simplest way is to run the sections together instead of running in two separate directions.
  • Step 3: Use the machine to cut a square hole about 1 inch in the ceiling to make a line. A quick tip is to use fish tape to thread the wire through.
  • Step 4: After putting the two wires through, fix the wire tightly until the position of the surround speaker.
  • Step 5: At this point, you can mount the 18-inch wall mount or mount the speaker in the wall dome.
  • Step 6: Connect the speaker wire to the first dome.
  • Step 7: Do the same with the second arch; you can go back to step 5 for reference.
  • Step 8: Create protection for speaker wire termination points
  • Step 9: Recheck the line and ensure there is no wire leakage.

How To Hide Surround Sound Wires?

To improve the appearance of surround sound through baseboards, you can use the following four methods to hide surround sound wires.

Speaker Tape

In addition to protecting and securing speaker wire on the wall, speaker wire tape helps match the speaker wire color with the border. With this method, you peel off the adhesive tape on the back and stick it directly on your wire.

Cable arrangers and concealers

Cable arrangers

Cable arrangers

As the name suggests, these two kits help you hide cables without making your wiring out of place. Another advantage is that these products save the best costs. The downside of this model is that your wires may be exposed after a while.

Pipe corner tracks

The duct tape method is another alternative to speaker wire replacement. With low cost, many industrial parks have chosen this model to optimize costs. This method is for you if you want to apply extensive wiring diagrams.

Simple concealer

Finally, the Simple cable concealer kit can be applied to a range of 250'', equivalent to 160 cables. With its thin and light design and many designs, many users love the simple concealer.

Conclusion

Have you found a method to run wires for surround sound most effectively? Although some methods are challenging, you must apply them to match your room design. If you have any other questions, please comment in the article below. Thank you for reading!

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Steve McConnell By, Steve McConnell

Steve McConnell discovered his passion for technology early in his life when he bought his first Nintendo (NES). After spending hours experimenting with cartridges, he finally got inspired and began disassembling and rebuilding any that didn't work. Steve began playing online PC gaming after he quit console gaming. He was a passionate gamer and a problem-solver, which led him to create his own computers.
Steve brings curiosity, critical eyes, problem-solving skills, and persistence to US Best Gear as a tester. Steve is a tech nut who loves to keep up with the latest technology, from electric toothbrushes and electric skateboards to fitness trackers and sewing machines.

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