To ensure the safe use of Audio cable (Cables), you need to start from the aspects of selection, installation, use, maintenance and environmental safety. Here is the detailed guide:
I. Selection Stage: Ensure quality and compatibility
Choose regular brands and certified products
Give priority to purchasing audio cables from well-known brands or those that have passed international certifications (such as CE and RoHS), and avoid using inferior and no-name products (which may pose risks of short circuits and leakage).
Check whether the wire has any visible defects such as damage, oxidation or looseness at the interface.
Match the type of wire according to the equipment requirements
3.5mm audio cable: It is used for consumer devices such as mobile phones and computers. Pay attention to distinguishing between TRS (stereo) and TRRS (with microphone) interfaces.
RCA cable (Lotus Cable) : Connects audio equipment, televisions and other devices. It is necessary to distinguish between left and right channels (red for right, white/black for left).
XLR cable (Canon cable) : Professional microphone or stage equipment, with anti-interference capability, and needs to be matched with a balanced interface.
HDMI ARC/eARC cable: Transmits audio signals to the soundboard or power amplifier. It is necessary to confirm the bandwidth supported by the cable (such as HDMI 2.1).
Pay attention to the specifications and lengths of the wires
Short lines (< 5 meters) are suitable for daily household use. For long lines (> 10 meters), products with thicker shielding layers (such as metal braided nets) should be chosen to reduce signal attenuation and electromagnetic interference.
For high-fidelity scenarios (such as Hi-Fi audio systems), it is recommended to choose oxygen-free copper (OFC) or single crystal copper cables, which have lower resistance and more stable signal transmission.
Ii. Installation and Connection: Avoid physical damage and incorrect operation
Power-off operation
When connecting or unplugging audio cables, be sure to turn off the power of the equipment first (especially high-power devices such as power amplifiers and mixing consoles) to avoid damage to components or electric shock caused by current impact.
Plug and unplug the interface correctly
When inserting: Gently push in in the direction of the interface. Release your hand only after hearing a “click” or confirming that the interface fits perfectly (such as an XLR interface).
When pulling out: Hold the plug instead of pulling the wire forcefully to prevent the wire from breaking at the connection with the interface (commonly seen in 3.5mm plugs).
Warning: Strong pulling and dragging may cause the internal wires of the wire to break, and even expose the metal contacts to cause a short circuit.
Organize and fix the wires
To avoid tangling and knotting of the wires, you can use wire straighteners, cable ties or wire troughs to organize them, reducing stepping on or squeezing (especially in high-frequency activity areas such as stages and living rooms).
Long wires should be fixed at the corner of the wall or on the ground (using tape or clips) to prevent pedestrians from tripping or the insulation layer from being worn out due to friction.
Iii. Usage and Maintenance: Prevent malfunctions and Potential safety hazards
Control the volume and power
Avoid using it for a long time at maximum power or distorted volume. Excessive current may cause the cable to heat up, the insulation to age, and even lead to a fire (especially for speaker cables).
The cables of the power amplifier and the speaker need to match the power. If the cross-sectional area of the cable is too small (such as thin copper wire), it may overheat and smoke at high volume.
Regular inspection and cleaning
Visual inspection: Check the wires monthly for any damage, cracks, oxidation at the interfaces (such as patina), or solder joint detachment. Replace any issues found promptly.
Interface cleaning: Use anhydrous alcohol cotton balls to wipe metal interfaces such as RCA and 3.5mm to remove oxides and ensure good contact (oxidation may cause noise or no sound).
Moisture-proof, anti-corrosion and sun-proof
Avoid exposing the wires to damp environments (such as bathrooms and kitchens), as moisture may seep into the interior and cause short circuits. If it needs to be used outdoors, choose a waterproof audio cable (such as one with a rubber sheath).
Keep away from oil stains and chemicals (such as solvents and cleaning agents) to prevent corrosion of the insulation layer. Avoid direct sunlight. Long-term exposure to the sun will accelerate the aging and cracking of the wire.
Iv. Environmental Safety: Avoiding electrical and mechanical risks
Stay away from heat sources and sharp objects
The wire should be kept at least 30 centimeters away from heat sources such as radiators and hair dryers. High temperatures will accelerate the melting of the insulation layer.
Avoid contact of the wire with sharp objects (such as the corners of tables and chairs, metal brackets) to prevent the outer skin from being scratched and the wire from being exposed.
Electrical Safety Code
Audio cables should be routed separately from strong current lines (such as power cords and sockets), maintaining a distance of at least 10 centimeters to avoid electromagnetic interference or leakage risks (especially for unshielded cables).
If the wire needs to pass through the wall or be buried, it must be protected by PVC cable trays. It is strictly prohibited to directly bury it in the wall or floor (which violates the electrical installation code).
Child and pet protection
Fix the wire in a place that children and pets cannot reach (such as behind the TV or above the desktop), to avoid biting or pulling (pets biting through the wire may cause electric shock).
Choose anti-bite material wires (such as armored steel wire sheaths), or put on spiral protective sleeves to enhance protection.
V. Emergency Response: Respond promptly to abnormal situations
Cut off the power immediately upon discovering any abnormality
If you smell burnt, see smoke or the wire gets abnormally hot during use, immediately unplug the power supply of the device, stop using it and check whether the wire is damaged or short-circuited.
Non-professionals are not allowed to repair it by themselves
The internal structure of audio cables is complex (such as the shielding layer of balance cables and multi-core conductors). Self-welding or splicing may lead to impedance mismatch, signal distortion, and even cause secondary faults. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer or professional maintenance personnel to replace the entire wire.
Post time: May-01-2025
