Outdoor speakers are the perfect addition to any outdoor space, whether you have a large backyard or just a small patio or deck. Since you can control the volume, you can put an outdoor speaker anywhere without disturbing your neighbors.
This can create the perfect outdoor oasis you have always wanted and is a great addition to any party environment. Once you purchase your outdoor speakers for your home, the next step is installing these speakers in your backyard. Below are some tips for installing outdoor speakers at your home.
Compatibility
Before you take the speakers out of the packaging, and definitely before installing them, check again to ensure they are compatible with your other electronics. The outside of the box should provide you with a listing of all the different products and devices compatible with the speakers, so it should be easy to check.
Some stores will not allow you to return electronic equipment once you have opened the package. Therefore, make it easier on yourself and ensure you do not get stuck with a product you cannot use.
Read the Instructions
Your speakers should come with instructions to help you through the installation process. You must read through the instructions carefully before you begin your project. It is best to read through all the instructions and not just the first step.
This will help you understand the entire process, making installing your outdoor speakers easier. You also want to ensure that all the necessary parts are included in your package and that you know each part. If you are missing any parts, contact the company you purchased the speakers from immediately to ask for replacement parts or a new set of speakers.
Determine a Location for Your Speakers
Before installing outdoor speakers, you need to determine where you want the speakers to be installed. This may depend on the type of speakers you purchase.
Wall or Ceiling Speakers
If you purchased speakers mounted to the wall, you need to find a location on your deck, patio, home, or garage to install your speakers. Your packaging should have included a wall-mounted kit, but if not, you can purchase one at a local home improvement store or online.
It would be best to look for a place that provides the optimum sound but is not too obtrusive. In addition, even though these speakers are weather-resistant, installing them under some added protection, such as under the roof or the eaves of your home, is not a bad idea.
Rock Speakers
Rock speakers are a little easier to install, and you can likely place them anywhere. If you purchased speakers that required electricity, you may want to find a location close to your home or an electrical outlet. This will make installing outdoor speakers easier. You also want to consider what location will provide the greatest sound to your outdoor space.
In-Ground Speakers
You may also have purchased in-ground speakers. These speakers must be installed in a grassy or landscaped area. They cannot be used on a patio or deck. Some speakers must be buried underground, so you need to consider the space needed to install them. If these speakers have cables or electrical wiring, that too will need to be installed underground. This may require a little more work initially, but the speakers will go virtually unnoticed by your guests.
Test the Speakers
Now that you have chosen your location, you want to ensure that you test the speakers before you start installing outdoor speakers. You certainly do not want to go through the entire process of installing your speakers to find out later they do not work. You can just run the cabling or wires out a window of your home to properly test them. If you purchase wireless outdoor speakers, they may only have a certain radius within which they will work. It is crucial that you check to make sure the speakers can read the appropriate signal and that they successfully produce sound before installing it. This step may save you a lot of time and frustration later.
Ready for Installing Outdoor Speakers
You are now ready to begin the process of installing outdoor speakers. While the steps in this process will vary from speaker to speaker, some steps remain consistent no matter what product you purchase. It is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific installation process.
Wireless Speakers
Wireless outdoor speakers are much easier to set up and install than speakers with cabling. These speakers typically come with a transmitter that must be connected to your stereo system, movie projector, or other appropriate devices. This transmitter will send a signal to your speakers that will allow it to play music.
Cabled Speakers
If you purchase cabled speakers, you must run a cable connector from the speakers to your receiver when installing outdoor speakers. This involved running the cable through the walls and ceiling of your home. You must be very careful and plan where and how you want the cable to enter your home. If you already have cable wires in your home, see if you can fit the new wiring through the same hole and follow the same pattern through the walls. This will prevent you from drilling a new hole in your house.
Electrical Power
Depending on the speakers you purchase, you may need to plug them into an electrical unit. Some speakers operate on battery power, which means you do not need to do anything else. On the other hand, if you have a speaker that requires electricity to work, you will need to run an electrical cord to the speaker. Be sure to use a cord designed for outdoor use and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Installation Video
Conclusion
If you are uncomfortable installing outdoor speakers, you can call a professional electrician to do the installation for you. This is usually very affordable and can save you much frustration, especially when working with cabled speakers. If you choose to install the outdoor speakers on your own, read the instructions thoroughly and plan how you will run the cable through the walls before you start.
Great article. Buying outdoor speakers is the first challenge…then installing and setup is a completely different monster.