Solving the Puzzle of a Faulty Speaker Wire: Easy Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting problems with faulty speaker wire can be a troublesome task but is commonly an easy fix once the problem is found. Speaker wires, just like any electrical device, and eventually begin to lose their integrity and cause issues. To further prevent any damage, here are a few steps you can take to help troubleshoot the issues with a faulty speaker wire.
The first thing you should do when investigating faulty speaker wires is to unplug the cramp connections that connect the speakers to the amplifier. This should be done in order to see if the problem is due to a faulty speaker or amplifier before testing the speaker wire itself. You’ll want to check for frayed wiring, loose connections, or a cross in the connections, as this can often be the root of faulty speaker wire issues.
Next, test the speaker wire with a 1.5-volt battery by touching the plus end of the wire to the plus end of the battery. If the indicators of a working speaker are present, such as a small “pop” sound coming from it, then you can be sure the problem is with the amplifier. If, however, no sound is present, then you must switch the wire with that of another speaker and repeat the process. Doing so should give you a better understanding whether it is the wire or speaker itself that is faulty.
Another common issue with faulty speaker wire involves having one set of speakers that work perfectly while the other does not. Before ruling out the speaker wire, make sure that the channels are placed correctly on the amplifier. Crossed wires can lead to short circuiting, so be sure to check the positioning of the wires carefully. If the positioning is correct, then try swapping the wire set with the functioning speaker. If that also fails then the faulty speaker wire is most likely to blame.
In some cases, the stereo may initially appear to be working normally then suddenly begin sounding “choppy” or cutting out for a few seconds. To determine the cause, try moving the wires slightly. If the sound crackles or cuts out when the wires are moved, then the wire is most likely defective. Check for exposed metal near the wires as this can also affect their functionality.
Finally, if you ever experience a burning smell coming from the speakers or wires, then immediately stop the stereo and check the wiring. It is an indication that the wiring is faulty and needs to be fixed.
In conclusion, troubleshooting speaker wire issues can take a bit of effort, but is quite simple once you’ve identified the problem. Always be sure to inspect the makers, check the channels and wire positioning, and test the wire with a battery for any sound. If any of these appear to be the source of the problem, then you can be confident that the speaker wires are faulty and must be replaced.
