What happens when...

[mod]

I'm installing a separate audio zone and just connected a volume control. It's an On-Q model. This is my first one so I'm not familiar with what types of connectors other controls have. This one has small holes you insert the ends of the speaker wires into and then you tighten down small screws to hold the wire in place. So far, the connections seem lousy. It's really difficult to get a tight fit to keep the wires in. I also need to shorten the stripped length so none of the bare wires are exposed outside of the connection. That brings me to my question. What happens when bare speaker wires touch each other? Like pos/neg on same speaker or neg/neg on two different speakers. The connections on this control are really close together.

 

[jamie2112]

Its called the "tin whisker". You will usually blow your receiver channel if the positive and negative touch while the amp is on. Banana connectors may be a good option for you. You can find them at www.monoprice.com.

 

[Adam]

Jamie has good advice - you don't want to cross the wires with your amp on.

If the holes are too small for banana plugs, I'd suggest pin style connectors like this example (there are plenty of places to buy them, that's just a site that popped up on a search). They are pretty slim and should fit in a small hole, and can have a screw tightened down on them.

I've never heard "tin whiskers" used like that, btw. You sure that term applies to this? Just a question.

 

[Rickster71]

I've never heard "tin whiskers" used like that, btw. You sure that term applies to this? Just a question.

I think Jamie meant the whisker from copper stranded wire.
Here is a link to tin whiskers:
http://nepp.nasa.gov/WHISKER/background/index.htm

 

[mod]

Thanks. I think I should try the pin style connectors.

 

[Midcow2]

Yes, banana plugs

Its called the "tin whisker". You will usually blow your receiver channel if the positive and negative touch while the amp is on. Banana connectors may be a good option for you. You can find them at www.monoprice.com.

Good advice Jamie!

Sometimes Monprice web site is hard to navigate through. Here are some good Monprice banana plugs that easily secure the wire ; then you don't have to shave close, to goet rid of whiskers JOKE

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040115&p_id=2801&seq=1&format=2

 

[Haoleb]

if your talking about In-Wall volume controls, Those are a real PITA. Theyre definetly right up there at the top with things that frustrated me when I was doing installs. You really just need to take your time and strip the wires down the perfect amount and if need be, cut some of the strands off so its not too big to fit into the little connector.

pin style connectors used on an inwall control wont be any better really. You kind of just have to stuff them back in there and hope everything works when your done. If they do touch chances are your amplifier has short circuit protection as many of them do, In which case you just turn it off, fix the problem and it should work fine again.

 

[mod]

Yes, it's an in-wall volume control. It's one of those things where you wonder if the guy who designed it ever tried to use it. I'll trim the wires and also try to put some insulated blocking between the individual wires just in case.

 

[Rickster71]

Yes, it's an in-wall volume control. It's one of those things where you wonder if the guy who designed it ever tried to use it. I'll trim the wires and also try to put some insulated blocking between the individual wires just in case.

The vol control doesn't have to be in a box.
"If" it is, take it out and replace it with a low voltage trim ring.
That will give you more room to work with.

 

[mod]

I used a trim ring.