PUBLIC ADDRESS/PAGING

SYSTEM/AUDIO-VISUAL SPEAKER
PLACEMENT AND WIRING GUIDELINES
Bob Hertling
Supervising Communications Engineer
RCDD, OSP
RI Telecommunications Systems Contractor License
#4848
PARSONS
1

Overview
WHAT THIS PRESENTATION IS
A general discussion of basic concepts and key
concerns related to system design and
installation.
WHAT THIS PRESENTATION IS NOT
A detailed design guide for actual installations.
2

Topics of Discussion
A. Importance of correct
spacing/location
B. Basic speaker characteristics
C. Acoustic considerations
D. Determining coverage areas
E. Speaker layouts
F. Electrical considerations
3

A. Importance of Correct
Spacing/Location
Most Public Address (PA)/Paging/AudioVisual (A-V) systems can be considered to be
distributed reinforcement sound systems
in that they provide real time amplification
of an audio source (e.g. live or recorded
audio announcements or media audio) to
listeners in a served area using a number of
individual speakers.
4

A. Importance of Correct
Spacing/Location (cont.)
Successful reinforcement systems must be
loud enough (sufficient acoustic gain), possess
clarity (provide a low percentage of
articulation loss of consonants in speech), and
cover the listeners with uniformity, while
avoiding the coverage of areas devoid of
listeners.
(quote from Sound System Engineering, Don
Davis, page 11)
5

A. Importance of Correct
Spacing/Location (cont.)
Speaker spacing and location are a key part
of ensuring that the PA/Paging/A-V system
provides the required degree of coverage.
Poor spacing and/or bad location selection
can result in a PA/Paging/A-V system that
provides, at best, marginal, or at worst, no
useful information to listeners !
6

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

1.

Most voice announcing sound systems use two basic

speaker types coaxial cone and horn.

2.

Speakers are considered to be transducers, in that they

convert electrical energy into mechanical energy that
results in the generation of sound.

3.

Most typical coaxial cone and horn speakers utilize

electromagnetic drivers to transform the electrical energy
input to a mechanical energy output they can be
considered to be a specialized form of linear electric motor.
7

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
Typical coaxial cone speaker components:
1.

Frame provides mechanical rigidity and mounting for all

components.

2.

Voice coil performs the conversion from electrical energy to

magnetic energy.

3.

Pole piece of magnetic material, is attracted and repelled by

magnetic fields generated in the voice coil.

4.

Diaphragm usually of paper or plastic, the mechanical movement

of this item by the pole piece produces sound.

5.

Spider connects the diaphragm to the frame and to the pole piece
for stability while still allowing movement required to produce
sound.
8

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
Typical coaxial cone speaker

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
Typical horn speaker components:
1.

Frame provides mechanical rigidity and mounting for all

components.

2.

Voice coil performs the conversion from electrical energy to

magnetic energy.

3.

Pole piece of magnetic material, is attracted and repelled by

magnetic fields generated in the voice coil.

4.

Diaphragm usually of paper or plastic, the mechanical movement

of this item by the pole piece produces sound.

10

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
Typical horn speaker components (continued):
5.

Spider connects the diaphragm to the frame and the horn and to
the pole piece for stability while still allowing movement required to
produce sound.

6.

Horn usually a double or in some cases a triple folded

arrangement, aims and focuses the sound in an arranged directed
pattern.

11

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
Typical Horn Speaker

12

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
The following acoustical parameters are important
considerations in speaker selection and
spacing/location:
1. Audio frequency response measured in Hertz.
2. Sensitivity measured in decibels (dB) Sound
Pressure Level (SPL).

13

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON SPL:
a. SPL can range from 0 dB (threshold of hearing for a
typical person) to 120 dB (threshold of pain for a
typical person).
b. A subway train entering a station typically can
generate 90 dB SPL measured at 20 feet.
c. An average persons voice at a conversational level
generates 70 dB SPL measured at 1 foot.
14

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON SPL (continued):
d. SPL represents sound energy intensity commonly
referred to as loudness.
e. An increase of 10 dB SPL is perceived by a typical
listener as doubling the volume of the sound.
f.

SPL is an acoustical/mechanical measurement, NOT

an electrical measurement !

15

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
3. Dispersion angle measured in degrees.
For the purposes of this presentation, the
following parameters for a typical ceiling
mounted 8-inch coaxial speaker will be used:

Frequency response 60 Hz 16 kHz.

Sensitivity 97 dB/1 watt/1 meter SPL.
Dispersion angle 50 degrees off axis.

16

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
4. Frequency Response range of audio
frequencies which the speaker can faithfully
reproduce.

For successful reproduction of speech in a PA/Paging system,

the accepted minimum frequency response of all components
within the system is typically 350 Hz 5 kHz.

For A-V systems, the accepted minimum frequency response of

all components within the system can be as broad as 20 Hz 20
kHz.

17

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
5. Sensitivity the on-axis (directly in front of or
below the speaker) loudness produced by the
speaker in dB SPL measured at a specific distance
(usually 1 meter) with an specified electrical
power input (usually 1 watt).

18

B. Basic Speaker Characteristics

(cont.)
6. Dispersion Angle this is the angular value
within which the SPL is not more than 6 dB
below the on-axis level (the Sensitivity) for the
speakers overall frequency response or a specific
frequency specified by the speaker manufacturer.

19

C. Acoustic Considerations
Acoustic considerations for speaker
spacing/location include:
1. Space dimensions and configuration (length,
width, height, circular, rectangular, etc.).
2. Ambient noise (ranges from low as in an office
environment to high in an industrial
environment).
3. Surface characteristics (reflective concrete,
ceramic tile and similar surfaces or absorptive
carpet, fiber ceiling tile and similar surfaces)
20

C. Acoustic Considerations (cont.)

For the purposes of this presentation, the following
parameters will be used:
1. Space dimensions (includes length, width, and
ceiling height) and configuration
(rectangular).
2. Ambient noise (medium to high)
3. Surface characteristics (reflective)
21

D. Determining Coverage Areas

1. Obtain space measurements and prepare plan and
elevation views.
2. Note existing surfaces and finishes.
3. Identify areas not to be covered.
4. Identify special conditions (e.g. open archways to
stairwells or other spaces; abrupt changes in
dimensions, such as ceiling heights).
22

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
5.

Calculate the base coverage area for an individual speaker based on the
manufacturers specifications.
1 watt input
50 degree
dispersion
angle

1 meter

Radius (r) = tan50x1

= 1.1918 meters

SPEAKER

97 dB SPL
ELEVATION VIEW

PLAN VIEW

23

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
6.

7.

Once the speakers base coverage area has been determined, the next
step is to include the following measurements into the calculations to
determine the location specific coverage area:
a.

Distance from speaker to listener ear height.

b.

Desired SPL at listener ear height.

For the purposes of this presentation, the following parameters will be

used:
a.

12-foot ceiling height from the floor and 5-foot listener ear height.

b.

Minimum of 75 dB SPL and maximum of 95 dB SPL at listener ear

height.
NOTE: The level of 95 dB SPL at listener ear height is typically the maximum
allowable to avoid the potential for hearing damage !
24

8.

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
Items to consider:
a.

If the reference distance for the initial SPL calculation is doubled,

the SPL will decrease by 6 dB. (e.g. base coverage area SPL at 1
meter is 97 dB at 1 watt, at 2 meters the SPL will be 91 dB at 1
watt.).

This principle is also known as the Inverse Square Law.

b.

If the reference input electrical power for the initial SPL calculation
is doubled, the SPL will increase by 3 dB. (e.g. base coverage area
SPL at 1 meter is 97 dB at 1 watt, at 1 meter the SPL will be 100 dB
at 2 watts.)

c.

For this example, the measured ambient noise at within the area to
be covered ranges from 55 to 60 dB SPL.

d.

The SPL at listener ear height should be 15-20 dB above the ambient
noise level.
25

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
9.

Calculate the location specific coverage area for an individual speaker

using data from items 1-3.
1 watt input
50 degree
dispersion
angle

2 meters
(6.6 ft)

Radius (r) = tan50x2

= 2.3836 meters
(7.8 ft)

SPEAKER

91 dB SPL
ELEVATION VIEW

PLAN VIEW

26

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
10. Review the calculations:
a. Do the results provide the necessary SPL level at
listener ear height ?
b. If yes, the next step is to determine the speaker
layout within the space.

27

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
c. If no, there are additional steps which must be
taken before proceeding with the layout:
(1) Increase or decrease the height of the
speaker above the floor.
(2) Increase or decrease the input electrical
power to the speaker.

28

D. Determining Coverage Areas

(cont.)
(3) Select a different speaker usually a speaker
with a smaller dispersion angle can provide a
greater SPL output at 1 meter than one with a
wide dispersion angle.
(4) In this case, the calculations must be redone,
before proceeding with the speaker layout !

29

E. Speaker Layouts
Once the final coverage area for an individual
speaker has been determined, the next step is to
evaluate and select a speaker layout methodology.
Two basic patterns exist:
1.

Square

2.

Hexagonal

30

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

1. Square pattern

31

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

2. Hexagonal pattern

32

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

The choice of pattern depends on the best fit

between the space dimensions and the speakers.

Also, the pattern orientation can be rotated as

needed to fit the shape of the space.

33

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

Three basic spacing methodologies exist:
1. Edge-to-edge
2. Minimum overlap
3. Edge-to-center

34

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

1.

SPEAKER

Edge-to-Edge Spacing

SPEAKER

35

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

The spacing distance is equal to 2r (r = radius of the

coverage area).

Requires the least number of speakers to cover a

space.

It will leave some gaps in coverage.

It is not recommended for locations with poor

acoustics or significant background noise.
36

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

2.

SPEAKER

Minimum Overlap Spacing

SPEAKER

37

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

The spacing distance is equal to r times 1.414 for

speakers utilizing a square pattern and r times
1.732 for speakers utilizing a hexagonal pattern.

Requires additional quantity of speakers than

the edge-to-edge spacing methodology.

38

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

It will cover gaps in the coverage area (but
may not be sufficient in many cases).
It may still leave areas where
announcements are not audible or
intelligible in areas with poor acoustics or
significant background noise.

39

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

3.

Edge-to-Center Spacing

SPEAKER

SPEAKER

40

E. Speaker Layouts (cont.)

The spacing distance is equal to r.

Requires additional quantity of speakers than

both the minimum overlap and edge-to edge
spacing methodologies.

It utilizes the highest speaker density commonly

used for PA/Paging systems.

It is the best methodology for areas with poor

acoustics or significant background noise.

41

F. Electrical Considerations
Once the speaker spacing and location issues have
been addressed in the design, the next step is
determining the electrical requirements and
constraints.
1. For systems using a VoIP/Ethernet-based
distribution methodology, these factors can
include:

Horizontal cabling length limits (100 meters/295

feet) per the TIA standards.
Powering availability (Power over Ethernet limits
and/or availability of local 120VAC power).
42

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

2. For systems using a constant voltage
distribution methodology, these factors can
include:

Total audio power requirements.

Audio circuit configuration.

Audio circuit sizing.

Amplifier loading.
43

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

Audio Power Requirement Determination
a. These systems utilize nominal voltage level audio
output circuits from audio power amplifiers
typically this voltage is 25 or 70.7 volts, but in
some instances, this voltage could be 100 volts
or higher.
b. The speakers are wired in parallel to the audio
output circuits via multi-tap matching
transformers at each speaker location.
44

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

c.

The matching transformers are used to match

the impedance of the speaker voice coil (typically
8 ohms) to the high impedance of the constant
voltage audio output circuits of the amplifiers
and allow, through the multi-taps on the primary
of the transformer, selection of the power in
watts to be provided to the speaker.

45

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

d. Matching transformers can be purchased with
taps as low as watt up to values as high as 15
watts and with various levels in between.
e. The selected transformer must always match the
speaker voice coil impedance and must not
allow the power to exceed the speaker
manufacturers maximum, otherwise damage to
the system may result !
46

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

f. Calculating the audio power required first
involves obtaining all of the individual speaker
power requirements based on the matching
transformer tap settings and adding them up
(e.g. 25 speakers each tapped at 1 watt equals 25
watts).

47

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

Audio Circuit Configuration
a. Determine the number of circuits required to
connect the speakers to the amplifiers.
(1)

Zoning requirements, separation of

spaces within the same zone, and
raceway configuration are just three of
the factors to be considered in
determining the number of circuits
required.

48

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

(2)

Assign speakers to each circuit. This is best

done by utilizing one-line and/or riser diagrams
with each speaker uniquely identified to its
location on the plan and elevation drawings.

(3)

Ensure that circuit connections are polarized

(+/-) correctly !

Incorrect polarity can create an out of phase

condition where speaker outputs can interfere with
each other, reducing levels and/or creating distortion.

49

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

Audio Circuit Sizing
a.

Usually, a minimum of #16 AWG wire is specified for

audio output circuits between the amplifier outputs and
the speakers.

b. In a 70.7 volt PA system, #16 AWG wire is limited to a

maximum safe current of 6 amperes, resulting in a
maximum power capacity of 420 watts at a maximum
distance of 90 feet, assuming a 0.5 dB (12.5 %) line loss.
c.

In some cases, wire size may have to be increased to

meet the power and/or distance limitations within a
circuit.
50

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

WIRE
SIZE

OHMS
PER
1000
LOOP
(R)

MAX
SAFE
AMPS
(I)

MAX
SAFE
POWER
(W)

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
10W

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
15W

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
20W

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
30W

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
40W

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
60W

MAX
LENGTH
(FT) AT
100W

# 16

8.0

420

3600

2400

1800

1200

900

600

370

# 14

5.2

15

1000

5600

3800

2800

1900

1400

950

560

# 12

3.2

20

1400

9100

6200

4600

3100

2300

1600

910

# 10

2.0

25

1750

9900

7300

5000

3700

2500

1450

#8

1.28

35

2450

7800

5700

3900

2280

Length of Two-Wire 70.7-volt Line Delivering Various

Values of Power at 0.5 db (12.5 %) Loss
(courtesy Altec Lansing)

51

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

Amplifier Loading
Manufacturer recommendations/best practices:

The connected load should not exceed 80 percent of

the amplifier power rating for a 100 watt rated
amplifier, the total connected load should not exceed
80 watts, including circuit losses.

52

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

CODE AND AHJ CONSIDERATIONS
1. In all cases, system wiring must comply with all
applicable codes and standards !
2.

In the US, NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code

(NEC); Article 640 (Audio Signal Processing,
Amplification, and Reproduction Equipment),
contains the primary governing requirements for
PA/Paging/A-V systems to be enforced by the AHJ.

3.

Article 640 also contains references to Article 725 (Class

1, Class 2 and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling and
Power-Limited Circuits).
53

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

CODE AND AHJ CONSIDERATIONS (CONT.)

Question
Are these NEC Articles relevant to your
system implementation, regardless of
whether it utilizes a VoIP/Ethernet
architecture or a constant voltage
distribution methodology ?
Answer
IT DEPENDS ON THE AHJs INTERPRETATION !!
54

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

CODE AND AHJ CONSIDERATIONS (CONT.)
Reasons

The NEC currently does not differentiate between the two types of
systems.

Article 640 does allow the use of Class 2 or Class 3 power-limited wiring as
defined in Article 725, provided the amplifier assemblies are listed and
marked for use with Class 2 or Class 3 power-limited wiring This is typical
for amplifier assemblies having output power no greater than 100 watts,
in order to meet the supplied power limits defined in Article 725.

Article 725 specifically does NOT allow audio circuits using Class 2 or Class
3 power-limited wiring to occupy the same cable or raceway as other Class
2 or Class 3 power-limited circuits.
55

F. Electrical Considerations (cont.)

CODE AND AHJ CONSIDERATIONS (CONT.)
Reasons (cont.)
Many AHJs also prohibit audio circuits using Class 2 or
Class 3 power-limited wiring from occupying the same
cable or raceway with Communications circuits as defined
in Article 800.

Result
These systems may be required to utilize cabling and
pathways that are partially or totally independent of other
ICT cabling and infrastructure within a premise !
56

Useful References and Organizations

Sound System Engineering by Don and Carolyn Davis, 1984, Howard W.

Sams

Handbook for Sound Engineers The New Audio Cyclopedia by Glen

Ballou, Editor, 1988, Howard W. Sams

Commercial Sound Guidelines, Dukane Communications Systems

Document # 427-19-00006(01)

Speaker Guide, TOA Electronics Document # L-SPRKGUIDE

National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA)

www.nsca.org

InfoComm
www.infocomm.org
57

Questions ?
Contact Information:
Phone:
401 - 439 0335 (cell)
E-Mail:
bhertling@bicsi.org
Robert.Hertling@parsons.com

THANK YOU !
58