Simple way to test which wire is going where from long distance???

[redgtxdi]

I figure the title & summary probably still might not make much sense so here's the whole breakdown..........

Surround sound "rear" speakers. Got the house pre plumbed with wire but the wire is copper/copper. So I can't tell which should be pos/neg. (Or whatever you call it)

What's funny is that they work either way. My speakers & receiver have the red/black doohickees, but it doesn't matter which way I put 'em they work either way.


Should I not even worry about it?? Would they sound better if they were in the proper direct slot?? And if so........(back to the original question).........how to test which wire is which way back at the wall & way up front by the receiver.

TIA! (Hope that all made sense)

 

[keeleysam]

Put a 9V battery at each end.

When they get REALLY hot, you know which leads to which.

 

[EightySix Four]

No, generally it doesn't matter, works either way...

 

[Ronstang]

Hook the wires to the speaker and then go to the other end and use a 12V battery to test the polarity of the speaker. When you have the wires hooked up to the battery with the correct polarity the speaker will push out. Have someone watch the speakers for you if they are a long distance away.

 

[redgtxdi]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
Put a 9V battery at each end.

When they get REALLY hot, you know which leads to which.

Come again??

 

[AlienCraft]

9 volt battery and Volt meter
Attach the leads and check the voltage, if the leads of the meter are correctly attached you will have a positive deflection / reading.
If the leads are incorrectly attached you will have a negative voltage reading. Then attach the speakers according to that "code" i.e. the negative battery lead will be the black volt meter lead. mark that with a sharpie or a piece of tape.

Alternatively, if the cable is "zip" cord type, there will be a rib molded into the insulation. You may need a magnifier to see it.