How Weatherproof Speakers Work

If you've read How Speakers Work, then you know that speakers are relatively simple devices. In general, a speaker's three core elements are the drivers, crossovers and the cabinet.

Let's get something cleared up: Although the two terms are frequently confused, weatherproof and waterproof mean two different things. Weatherproof speakers are made specifically to stand up to outside elements, but are considered water resistant, not waterproof. If weatherproof speakers are exposed to humidity, steam, rain or sprinklers they should be fine. Keeping them sheltered will help them last longer, though.

Due to the need to withstand exposure to water, rain, sun, snow and other extreme conditions, weatherproof speakers are manufactured with special parts and materials. They're also subjected to rigorous testing that replicates Mother Nature.

But weatherproof speakers aren't meant to be submerged in water. If you need to install speakers in your pool or hot tub, you should invest in waterproof speakers instead.

Weatherproof speakers aren't much different from indoor speakers. The main difference is the type of material used for the inner and outer components:

Once manufacturers have assembled their products, they typically undergo a battery of tests designed to make sure they'll hold up to the rigors of outdoor use. The speakers go through ultraviolet light tests, salt-spray tests and extreme temperature tests. Many companies evaluate eachcomponent of a speaker to ensure that it meets or exceeds expectations.

As you probably know, changes in temperature cause materials to expand and contract. Manufacturers of waterproof speakers check their products' dimensional stability to make sure that temperature and humidity changes don't cause damage. How do they do it? Testers measure the speaker components to see if exposure to heat and cold causes warping and damage. They'll also look for signs of weakness or gaps in the gasket -- a ring around the outside of a speaker that surrounds its frame.

Accelerated life tests stress a product to replicate the effects of aging and extreme temperature changes. They help manufacturers improve product reliability. And acoustic stress tests attempt to duplicate what a speaker might sound like after 10 years of use.

Traditionally, weatherproof speakers have been installed using wired connections. These speakers are often mounted under rooftop lines, in patio corners and under the deck. Speakers wired underground can have an omnidirectional design, so listeners don't have to be sitting in a particular sweet spot to enjoy the music.

Wiring and installing weatherproof speakers isn't extremely complex, but some people find the prospect of drilling into the exterior of the house and running cables through floors and ceilings to be a bit intimidating, so they contact local custom installers. Speaker cables can run through walls, attics, crawlspaces or the yard before finally being hooked up to the weatherproof speakers outside. For outdoor and underground wiring, installers use specialized, outdoor-rated cable designed to withstand the elements.

Most people who have a weatherproof speaker system use an indoor home theater or audio sound system to power the setup. By adding an additional zone to their existing setup, homeowners can hook up speakers to an independent volume and source control. If you're building a new house and have been thinking of adding an outdoor sound system, now's the time. An electronic systems contractor (ESC) will work with you and the builder to design a plan for outdoor speaker placement and cabling.

Lastly, you'll need to think about how to arrange your speakers so they'll sound most pleasant to you when you're outside. As with any new home project, you'll need to plan to get the effect you want. Make sure you:

Once your outdoor soundscape is complete, invite your friends and neighbors over for a party in your backyard, and show off your new weatherproof sound system!