A phono plug is designed to connect the speaker wire pairs from two speakers for connection to a stereo receiver or amp. There are three terminals for wire connections, one being the ground or neutral wires for both the stereo speakers. Although these plugs accommodate paired connections, they can be used for a single speaker. A phono plug is also commonly used for connecting stereo headphones with multiple wire audio cable. Here's how to use a phono plug for connecting one or two speakers.
Step
Unscrew the bottom sleeve from the phono plug. Slip the wire or wires to be connected up through the hole in the sleeve.
Step
Separate the speaker wire pair, or pairs to be connected. Pull the wires 2 inches apart down the center seam. Use wire cutter blades to strip off enough insulation to expose 1/2 inch of bare wire on each end.
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Connect the signal or positive wire from the left channel to the tip terminal if wiring a speaker pair. The left channel positive wire has a white insulator shield. The tip terminal is in the center closest to the steel plug. Use a solder gun to melt a drop of solder over the connection to secure and cover the bare wire.
Step
Connect the positive or signal wire from the right channel to the ring. The hot wire on the right channel of a stereo speaker will have a red insulator shield. The ring terminal on the phono plug is on the shortest extended leaf. Set the connection with solder.
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Connect both neutral or ground wires to the sleeve terminal. The neutral wires are typically black. Twist the two together before laying them on the sleeve terminal which is on the longest leaf extending from the plug. Solder the connection.
Step
Press the fin or wings on the end of the sleeve over the insulator shields to secure the audio cable to the plug. Slip the bottom plug sleeve up over the connections and screw it onto the plug.
