Step 1

→ | Plan the location of your system elements. This installation guide is for FlatWire Speaker Wire, and any of the 3 connectors that are FlatWire Ready® (Banana Plug > Straight, Banana Plug > Angle, and Pin Connectors).

1B | Double-check that you have enough wire for your system. Add 8 inches on the end of each run to account for connector installation and distance from the surface to your component.

Step 2

2A | Decide if you are mudding over FlatWire with a concealing compound, or if you will paint only.

*Read and follow all directions on the spray adhesive, including the cautionary information provided in the instructions*

When mudding, shake the adhesive thoroughly, and spray directly onto the path you've drawn on the surface. Hold the can six to eight inches from the surface and apply with long sweeping motions, coating evenly. For ease of installation, spray in sections of eight feet or less. Wait 60 seconds for tack to develop.

When painting only, shake the adhesive thoroughly, and lay the wire onto a surface that can be discarded, such as spare paper or cardboard. Hold the can six to eight inches from the wire and apply with long sweeping motions, coating evenly. For ease of installation, spray in sections of three feet or less. Wait 60 seconds for tack to develop.

2B | Folding the FlatWire requires the addition of adhesive to the inside of the fold or crease. Create the fold first to ensure a sharp edge to the crease, then spray a small amount of adhesive into the overlaying portion of wire. Allow the adhesive to set for 60 seconds with the fold open, then press the fold closed.

2C | Press the FlatWire to the path with a non-metallic object such as a wallpaper smoother. Be careful not to press so hard that you cut through the plastic film that protects the copper. Repeat steps 2A and 2B as you proceed.

2D | Smooth out any lumps or bumps with the wallpaper smoother. Using your hand to apply the FlatWire can lead to unsightly ridges in the wire, and makes it difficult to conceal properly. The adhesive has a limited time for resetting the wire into place, any mistakes made in regards to placement or ridges should be corrected immediately.

Step 3

3A | Mount the wall box to your surface with the 4 screws provided, aligning the opening on the base with the speaker wire. The wire will either run straight to or under the box, check that the wire will easily fold into the wall box.

3B | The strain relief is the clear plastic piece with markings printed on it. You will crease the strain relief in the center to create a fold.

3C | Peel the protective backing off the strain relief. Do 1 side at a time if you prefer; peel 1 side off, adhere to the wire as in step 3D, then remove the other piece and repeat 3D again.

3D | Stick the strain relief to the speaker FlatWire, checking that the plus sign on the strain relief and wire are on the same side and aligned. The strain relief will wrap around and cover both sides of the speaker wire.

3E | Use scissors to trim the strain relief on the BLACK lines. You will make 9 cuts total. 2-6: DO NOT CUT THE COPPER

3F | The strain relief is stuck to the insulation on the wire. Peel back these layers on both sides of the wire.

DO NOT CUT THE COPPER

3G | Trim the strain relief on the ORANGE lines. This will remove the peeled back layers of strain relief and insulation.

DO NOT CUT THE COPPER

3H | Trim the strain relief on the last line between the ribbons of copper. DO NOT CUT THE COPPER

3I | Rotate connector sleeve to align the sleeve slot with the gold inner slot

3J | Slide wire into connector slot, match Positive to Red & Negative to Black

3K | Rotate connector sleeve towards wire, rolling exposed copper onto gold inner.

3L | Repeat 3I through 3K, match Positive to Red & Negative to Black. Turn the connectors as needed to plug into your speakers.

3N | Disconnect and remove the speakers; cover the wall anchors with painter's tape.

Step 4

4A-4B | If painting only to conceal your FlatWire, paint now and then proceed to 4H. If mudding, apply the mesh tape over the FlatWire. Do not overlap the mesh as this creates unnecessary thickness. Leave about 1/4" gap between pieces of mesh.

4C | Use a wide putty knife to apply thin coats of concealing compound. You want to use as little as possible to conceal the wire, and start with a knife that is about 10 inches wide. Place a thin skim coat on each side of the wire run that starts at the center of the wire. Allow to dry. Wash the knife off between coats, as the compound can damage the blade if allowed to set.

*Keep in mind that concealing compound comes in a variety of drying times. The shorter the drying time, the less time in between steps, but the less flexibility you have while applying the compound.*

4D | Sand off the lumpy or uneven areas, high areas can usually be scraped even with the putty knife.

4E | Apply additional layers of compound as necessary. These coats can be applied with a narrower blade or just a narrower path over the first coat. The desired effect is a tapering of compound, thickest over the wire, and thinner at the edges. Apply only as much as is needed to cover the mesh threads or to create a smooth profile. Allow to dry and repeat as desired, sanding between coats.

4F | Sand the final coat of compound to produce a smooth surface. Change grit as desired, and use a wide, flat compound sander with the metal grid.

Please browse the site for additional tips & tricks as well as FAQs about product installation.

Contact FlatWire regarding the splicing of our products: 1.888.FLATWIRE