THE CONNECTED LIFE

Installing In-Wall/Ceiling Speakers: Part 2

John Sciacca  |  Feb 9, 2018

Last month’s blog detailed the first part of the process of installing new speakers. Since planning before cutting is a massive part of retrofitting new speakers, I focused on making sure you could actually install speakers where you want. This involved determining the best wiring route to the new speakers and ensuring the route was clear of any obstacles like wall purlins.

So, starting part two, our route is mapped out, holes are drilled through the top plate in the attic (or bottom plate into the crawl space), and we’re ready to pull wire and install the new speakers. You’ll need your cordless drill, drill bits, Creep-Zit, electrical tape, drywall saw, wall box and plate, CL-rated speaker wire, pencil, level, wire strippers, and your new speakers. Let’s get to work!

Step 1: Cut in Wall Box
Now that we know we can get wire to our new speakers, we need to cut in a wall box like the Arlington LV1 shown here at our home run. Measure and match the height of nearby wall boxes, and then get your pencil and level and trace the box, drawing a straight, square mark on the wall for the new box and cutting it out using the drywall saw. Don’t install the box yet.

Step 1A: Did You Find an Obstruction?
If you found an obstruction during your wall investigation, you’ll need to drill it. Staying in line with the box you just cut in, determine the point just above the obstruction and cut in another single-gang wall box. This should reveal the obstacle just below your hole. Drill a hole large enough for the speaker wiring downwards through this, staying in the center as much as possible. After you finish wiring, you can either repair/repaint the drywall or install a wall box and cover it with a blank plate to provide easy access if you ever want to do more retro work.

Step 2: Run the Wire
Go into the attic (or crawlspace) and slide the Creep-Zit rod into the hole you drilled and guide it to the home run wall box. If you had to cut in an additional box at step 1A, you should be able to reach into the wall and guide the rod through the hole you drilled. Retrieve the rod at the home run and secure the speaker wire to it using electrical tape. (Be sure to use CL-rated wire for in-wall installations.) Now go back to the attic (or crawlspace) and pull the rod back along with the wire and guide it to your desired speaker locations. Be sure to keep speaker wiring as far from electrical wiring as possible, crossing at 90 degrees if necessary.

Pro Tip: Electrical wire staples are perfect for securing wiring and keeping it out of the way. Just don’t hammer the staple in too hard as you don’t want it to pinch the cabling or penetrate the jacket.

Step 3: Cut in Speakers

As a general rule, round speakers tend to look better in the ceiling as they blend in with existing, round can lights, whereas rectangular speakers fit in with other squarish items on the wall. Your new speakers will come with a cutout template like the one shown here, which makes installation much easier. If you’re installing in the ceiling, you can tape the template to the ceiling and run a 3/16-inch bell hanger bit through the center, and then check the location of the bit in the attic to confirm you’re clear of everything. Now place the template at your desired speaker location, trace it with your pencil, and cut out the drywall with your saw. After you remove the sheetrock, pull enough wire through the hole so you can set the speaker on top of a ladder to make connections. Strip the wire and connect it to the speaker. Place the speaker into the wall/ceiling and, using a low-clutch setting on your drill, screw it into the wall being sure not to over-tighten the screw, which can damage your wall or the speaker. If installing a rectangular speaker, check that the speaker is level before you tighten it all the way. Attach the grille.

Pro Tip: Put down a blanket or tarp below where you’re cutting and place the empty speaker box beneath the wall or ceiling while cutting. This will catch a lot of the drywall dust and make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Install Wall Boxes and Connect the Wire
After you finish wiring, install the wall box at the home run and pull the speaker wire through a passthrough plate like the DataComm 45-0001-WH. Leave enough wire to comfortably reach your amplifier, strip back, and connect. (Make sure the amp is off when making new connections.) Configure your receiver for the new speakers and enjoy!

COMMENTS
dommyluc's picture
Submitted by dommyluc on February 9, 2018 - 4:52am

I was lending a hand to some friends when they were doing their own house remodel, and I cut all of the round holes for the light canisters in the ceiling and the rectangular holes for speakers in the walls by using a Dremel rotary tool with the cutting guide attachment and the drywall bit. Makes short work of the job, and gives a much cleaner cut than a drywall saw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSJR5dDOo5U

Oh, and I do not in any way work for Dremel, but if they want to throw me a bone - hey, I'm not proud! I could use some extra bucks to get that 65" LG OLED UHD TV!!!

brenro's picture
Submitted by brenro on February 9, 2018 - 8:42am

My house is a one story with a flat roof. It was pre-wired for surround sound so I was able to find the wires and cut out for the surround speakers. I'd like to convert those speakers to Atmos and add another pair but fishing another pair of wires won't be easy.

boulderskies's picture
Submitted by boulderskies on February 13, 2018 - 9:05am

The Creep Zit is new to me. From the limited info I've found so far, it looks interesting but I dont fully understand what the rods are for. Is there a video somewhere? Would these rods make it easier to fish thru insulation (exterior wall)?
And the Dremel tool idea is great. I can never keep all the parts and part numbers straight but I do have the black bracked shown in the YouTube link above.

barfle's picture
Submitted by barfle on March 1, 2018 - 5:33pm

While I haven't used that particular brand (Creep Zit), I have used fiberglass push rods to put wires where I needed them. Basically, they are a fiberglass rod, much like a fishing pole except that they don't taper, and usually have threaded ends on them so you can screw another rod and extend your reach. Some of them are fluorescent, so you can look in a dark cavity and see them (seems like just grooviness at first, but it can be a real timesaver). In the article, they used the rod to see if there were any firebreaks in the wall, which is a reasonable use for the tool if you've got one, although a stud finder can do the same thing. If you're using it to run wire, just use about a foot of electrical tape to hold the wire to the end. Wrap several turns of tape around both the rod and the wires, then fold over about half an inch at the end so you can pull the tape off.
As far as fishing through insulation is concerned, they would probably poke a hole in the paper vapor barrier, so maybe it's not the ideal tool for that job. I've been able to use a fish tape up an insulated wall with some success, but the insulation can add a nasty level of complexity to any install, I'm afraid.

Melendez's picture
Submitted by Melendez on May 13, 2019 - 2:18am

that's a good idea for made your house cinema and if you want to do it i suggest you the tools for the drilling cutting you can use milwaukee tools canada now you can buy from Fastening house atlantic if you want more information click this link : https://www.fasteninghouseatlantic.com/products/product-categories/milwa...

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