In-wall Installation

sound. When the sound is deeper and more hollow sounding, you are between studs. When the sound is sharper and more flat sounding, you are close or over a stud.

•Identify studs by the position of electrical outlets or switches. There may be a stud directly to the left or right of these electrical fixture. This gives you a point of measurement since studs are either 24 or 16 inches on center in newer houses, 12 inches in older homes.

Step 2. When you are sure of where the wall’s studs are (and are completely sure there isn’t an electrical cable, water pipe or heating duct in that vicinity of the wall), use a level and position the cardboard mounting template, and draw around the outer perimeter with a pencil.

Step 3. Drill a 1-inch hole in the center of the pencil outline which you have just drawn, just deep enough to fully penetrate the drywall.

Step 4. Obtain a length of stiff wire such as a straightened wire cost hanger. Bend it so that the last 6 or 8 inches is at a right angle to the rest.

Step 5. Insert the bent part into the 1-inch hole you just drilled and probe to the left and the right to confirm that a stud is not too close on either side. Move the wire around in a circular motion to check clearances above and below the hole as well.

Step 6. If there are no obstructions, carefully score the penciled outline of the template with a sharp utility knife to avoid chipping paint or

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foot ceilings and above) apart but no closer than 2 feet to any adjacent wall. Avoid placing speakers in air return cavities. Some type of protection will be required for the back of the speaker if blown insulation is used. The following is a partial list of ways to protect the speaker:

•Use an RE-16 speaker cover

•Use a piece of wood that will cover at least 3 feet on either side of the speaker opening. The ends may be partially closed to keep the blown insulation from reaching the speaker, however, a minimum gap of 2 inches at each end is better than a sealed box

•Use a piece of bat insulation at least 3 inches thick over the back of the speaker. This insulation should not have a backing or if it does, the backing must be installed facing away from the speaker.

•Use a fine mesh to cover the back of the speaker to protect against bulk type insulation materials. This will not work with insulation containing fine powders.

Do not install speakers in joist cavities containing 120/240V appliances, within 18 inches of dimmer light fixtures, security wiring and other control wiring.

Careful consideration must be given to the speaker location to realize the full frequency range. In-wall speakers should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart but no closer than 2 feet to any adjacent wall or ceiling. Typical height from the floor would be in the 4 to 6 foot range. Avoid placing speakers in air return wall cavities, outside walls or walls containing plumbing. To reduce vibration into a room on the back side

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