4 Ohm Dual Voice Coil Wiring Diagram

Dual voice coils are a common feature in many car speakers today. These speakers have two identical voice coils, each with its own set of terminals. This means that they offer more flexibility when it comes to wiring options. In this article, we will explore how to wire a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker.

What is a Dual Voice Coil Speaker?

A dual voice coil (DVC) speaker is a speaker that has two independent voice coils, each mounted on the same speaker cone. This means that the speaker has two sets of terminals, one for each voice coil. The two voice coils can be wired in series, parallel, or independently to achieve different impedance levels.

Dual voice coil speakers are popular because of their flexibility in wiring options. They allow for more wiring options compared to single voice coil speakers. Dual voice coil speakers also offer more power-handling capabilities, making them ideal for car audio applications.

Wiring a 4 Ohm Dual Voice Coil Speaker

Wiring a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker is relatively easy. There are two primary ways to wire a DVC speaker: in series or in parallel. In either case, the speaker will have an impedance of 4 ohms.

Wiring in Series

Wiring in series involves connecting the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil. This leaves the remaining positive and negative terminals as the speaker’s positive and negative connections, respectively.

The wiring diagram for wiring a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker in series is as follows:

Positive Terminal Negative Terminal
Voice Coil 1 Positive Voice Coil 2 Negative
Voice Coil 1 Negative Voice Coil 2 Positive

When wired in series, the impedance of each voice coil is added together. Since we have two 4 ohm voice coils, the total impedance becomes 8 ohms. However, since we are only using one of the voice coils, the impedance is reduced to 4 ohms.

Wiring in Parallel

Wiring in parallel involves connecting the positive terminal of one voice coil to the positive terminal of the other voice coil. The same is done for the negative terminals. This leaves two sets of positive and negative terminals, one for each voice coil.

The wiring diagram for wiring a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker in parallel is as follows:

Positive Terminal Negative Terminal
Voice Coil 1 Positive Voice Coil 1 Negative
Voice Coil 2 Positive Voice Coil 2 Negative

When wired in parallel, the impedance of each voice coil is divided by two. Since we have two 4 ohm voice coils, the total impedance becomes 2 ohms. However, since we are only using one of the voice coils, the impedance is raised to 4 ohms.

FAQ

What is the difference between a single voice coil and a dual voice coil speaker?

A single voice coil speaker has only one voice coil and one set of terminals, while a dual voice coil speaker has two voice coils and two sets of terminals. Dual voice coil speakers offer more wiring options and higher power-handling capabilities compared to single voice coil speakers.

What is the advantage of using a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker?

A 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker allows for more wiring options compared to a single voice coil speaker. It also offers higher power-handling capabilities, making it ideal for car audio applications.

Can I wire a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker to a 2 ohm amplifier?

Yes, you can wire a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker to a 2 ohm amplifier. When wired in parallel, the impedance of the speaker becomes 2 ohms, which matches the amplifier’s impedance.

Can I wire a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker to an 8 ohm amplifier?

Yes, you can wire a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker to an 8 ohm amplifier. When wired in series, the impedance of the speaker becomes 8 ohms, which matches the amplifier’s impedance.

What happens if I wire a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker incorrectly?

Wiring a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker incorrectly can result in damage to the speaker or the amplifier. It is important to follow the wiring diagram carefully to avoid any issues.

Conclusion

Wiring a 4 ohm dual voice coil speaker is relatively easy. There are two primary ways to wire a DVC speaker: in series or in parallel. In either case, the speaker will have an impedance of 4 ohms. Dual voice coil speakers offer more flexibility in wiring options and higher power-handling capabilities compared to single voice coil speakers. It is important to follow the wiring diagram carefully to avoid any issues.