Speaker terminal
Encyclopedia
A speaker terminal is a type of electrical connector
often used for connecting audio equipment to speaker
s or amplifiers.
The terminals are used in pairs with each of the speaker cable
's two wires being connected to one terminal in the pair. Since speaker cables are polarized
, the terminals are most often color coded so that the positive wire connects to red and the negative to the black terminal.
The terminal consists of a spring-loaded metallic pincher which opens when the level is pressed, and when released will tightly grip the conductor which has been inserted into it. This type of terminal is popular because it is does not require any special connector to be applied to the end of the wire; instead the wire is simply stripped of insulation on its end and inserted into the terminal. This terminal may be used with a variety of wire gauge
s as well as with either solid core or stranded wires.
Electrical connector
An electrical connector is an electro-mechanical device for joining electrical circuits as an interface using a mechanical assembly. The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent electrical joint between two wires or...
often used for connecting audio equipment to speaker
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker is an electroacoustic transducer that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. Non-electrical loudspeakers were developed as accessories to telephone systems, but electronic amplification by vacuum tube made loudspeakers more generally useful...
s or amplifiers.
The terminals are used in pairs with each of the speaker cable
Speaker wire
Speaker wire is used to make the electrical connection between loudspeakers and audio amplifiers. Modern speaker wire consists of two or more electrical conductors individually insulated by plastic such as PVC, PE or Teflon. The two wires are electrically identical, but are marked Speaker wire is...
's two wires being connected to one terminal in the pair. Since speaker cables are polarized
Electrical polarity
Electrical polarity is present in every electrical circuit. Electrons flow from the negative pole to the positive pole. In a direct current circuit, one pole is always negative, the other pole is always positive and the electrons flow in one direction only...
, the terminals are most often color coded so that the positive wire connects to red and the negative to the black terminal.
The terminal consists of a spring-loaded metallic pincher which opens when the level is pressed, and when released will tightly grip the conductor which has been inserted into it. This type of terminal is popular because it is does not require any special connector to be applied to the end of the wire; instead the wire is simply stripped of insulation on its end and inserted into the terminal. This terminal may be used with a variety of wire gauge
Wire gauge
Wire gauge is a measurement of how large a wire is, either in diameter or cross sectional area. This determines the amount of electric current a wire can safely carry, as well as its electrical resistance and weight per unit of length...
s as well as with either solid core or stranded wires.
See also
- Speaker wireSpeaker wireSpeaker wire is used to make the electrical connection between loudspeakers and audio amplifiers. Modern speaker wire consists of two or more electrical conductors individually insulated by plastic such as PVC, PE or Teflon. The two wires are electrically identical, but are marked Speaker wire is...
- Banana connectorBanana connectorA banana connector is a single-wire electrical connector used for joining wires to equipment. The term 4 mm connector is also used, especially in Europe, although not all banana connectors will mate with 4mm parts...
- Binding postBinding postA binding post is a connector commonly used on electronic test equipment to terminate a single wire or test lead. They are also found on loudspeakers and audio amplifiers as well as other electrical equipment....