Pro Co DB-16-2 Speaker Wire User Manual

Product Overview

The Pro Co DB-16-2 Speaker Wire is a robust, 2-conductor, 16 AWG cable designed for a wide range of audio applications, including indoor, outdoor, and direct burial installations. Its construction features a durable Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) jacket with clear Polyamide (nylon) insulation, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.

This wire is engineered to be flame-retardant, lead-free, and sunlight-resistant, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions, including both dry and wet locations. It meets UL Type TC-ER standards for 90°C and 600 Volt applications.

Image: A spool of black Pro Co DB-16-2 speaker wire with a section unspooled, showing the red, black, and white insulated conductors with exposed copper ends.

Important Safety Information

• Always ensure power is disconnected from all audio equipment before making or breaking connections.
• Consult local electrical codes and regulations for proper installation, especially for direct burial or in-wall applications.
• Avoid kinking or sharply bending the wire, as this can damage the conductors and insulation.
• While the wire is sunlight-resistant, prolonged exposure to extreme UV or harsh chemicals may degrade the jacket over time.
• This product is bulk cable only. Ensure proper connectors are used and installed correctly by qualified personnel.

Setup and Installation Guidelines

The Pro Co DB-16-2 speaker wire is versatile for various installation environments. Follow these guidelines for optimal performance and safety:

1. Planning the Run: Measure the required length of wire, accounting for any turns, obstacles, and slack needed for connections. Avoid running speaker wire parallel to power cables to minimize interference.
2. Cutting the Wire: Use a sharp wire cutter to make clean, straight cuts.
3. Stripping Insulation: Carefully strip approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.2 to 1.9 cm) of the outer PVC jacket to expose the inner conductors. Then, strip about 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.2 cm) from the ends of the individual conductor insulations (red, black, white) to expose the copper strands. Ensure no stray copper strands touch each other or other terminals.
4. Direct Burial: For direct burial applications, ensure the trench is deep enough to protect the cable from physical damage and temperature fluctuations. While the wire is rated for direct burial, consider using conduit for added protection in areas prone to digging or rodent activity.
5. Raceways/Conduit: When installing in raceways or conduit, ensure the conduit is appropriately sized to prevent excessive bending or strain on the cable.
6. Outdoor Use: The wire's sunlight-resistant and flame-retardant properties make it suitable for outdoor use. Secure the cable to prevent tripping hazards or damage from wind/weather.

Usage and Connection Guidelines

Proper connection of speaker wire is crucial for optimal audio quality and system safety. The DB-16-2 features two conductors, typically used for positive and negative connections in a stereo or mono setup.

• Polarity: Maintain consistent polarity throughout your audio system. Typically, the red conductor is used for the positive (+) terminal, and the black conductor for the negative (-) terminal. The white conductor can be used for grounding or left unused depending on the specific application and connector type.
• Connections:
  • Bare Wire: Twist the exposed copper strands tightly before inserting them into spring clips or binding posts. Ensure no stray strands short circuit.
  • Banana Plugs/Spade Connectors: For a more secure and convenient connection, consider terminating the wire with banana plugs or spade connectors. Follow the connector manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
• Testing: After all connections are made, perform a low-volume test to ensure proper sound output and channel separation before increasing volume.

Care and Maintenance

The Pro Co DB-16-2 speaker wire is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance.

• Cleaning: If the cable jacket becomes dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect exposed sections of the cable for any signs of physical damage, such as cuts, abrasions, or cracking of the jacket, especially in outdoor installations.
• Storage: When not in use, store the wire in a cool, dry place, ideally coiled neatly to prevent kinks.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your audio system after installing the speaker wire, consider the following:

• No Sound or Intermittent Sound:
  • Check all connections at both the amplifier/receiver and speaker ends. Ensure they are secure and that no bare wires are touching each other or the equipment chassis.
  • Verify correct polarity (+ to + and - to -) at both ends. Incorrect polarity can lead to phase issues and poor sound quality.
  • Inspect the wire for any visible damage along its length.
• Poor Sound Quality (Distortion, Weak Bass):
  • Ensure the wire gauge (16 AWG) is appropriate for the length of the run and the power requirements of your speakers. Longer runs or higher power systems may benefit from thicker wire.
  • Check for any loose strands or poor contact at the connection points.
• Humming or Buzzing Noise:
  • Ensure speaker wires are not running too close to power cables or other sources of electromagnetic interference.
  • Verify that all audio components are properly grounded.

Technical Specifications

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the Pro Co DB-16-2 Speaker Wire is not provided in this manual. For details regarding warranty coverage, returns, or technical support, please refer to the retailer where the product was purchased or contact Pro Co directly through their official website.

Always retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.