Description
Add clear paging, voice announcements and light background music to a commercial space with an 8-inch ceiling speaker featuring a clean, square white grille.
The Speco Technologies SPE86TS is an 8-inch full-range commercial ceiling speaker designed for 70V and 25V distributed audio systems. Its built-in transformer, five selectable wattage taps and square ceiling finish make it a practical choice for offices, retail stores, restaurants, schools, hotels, clinics, corridors and other commercial facilities across Canada.
Square-Grille Commercial Ceiling Speaker
The SPE86TS is designed with a 12.48-inch square white grille rather than a conventional round ceiling-speaker face.
The square format can align neatly with ceiling tiles, lights and other rectangular architectural elements, providing a clean commercial appearance in offices, classrooms, stores and public spaces.
Speaker size: 8 inches
Speaker type: Full-range paper-cone ceiling speaker
Grille format: Square white ceiling grille
System compatibility: 70V and 25V distributed audio
Primary use: Paging, announcements and light background music
Clear Voice and Everyday Background Music
The 8-inch full-range paper cone is designed to reproduce speech, paging tones and general music from one commercial ceiling assembly.
Its published 85Hz–20kHz frequency response supports understandable announcements and comfortable background music in business spaces where dependable coverage is more important than deep bass or high-volume foreground music.
The SPE86TS is best suited to paging and general commercial audio. For bass-heavy music or high-output entertainment systems, consider a higher-performance two-way speaker or a system with a subwoofer.
Recommended Commercial Applications
| Business Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Office Building | Reception, work areas, corridors and staff announcements |
| Retail Store | Customer paging and light sales-floor music |
| Restaurant or Café | General background music and staff communication |
| School or Training Facility | Classroom paging, announcements and program audio |
| Hotel or Hospitality Property | Lobby, corridor, service-area and common-space sound |
| Medical Clinic | Waiting-room music and general voice announcements |
| Public or Institutional Building | Paging, recorded messages and general information |
70V and 25V Commercial Audio Compatibility
The built-in dual-voltage transformer allows the SPE86TS to operate with compatible 70V and 25V commercial amplifiers.
A 70V system is commonly used for larger distributed-audio projects and longer cable runs. A 25V system may be used in smaller localized systems or existing commercial installations. Always match the speaker transformer connection to the amplifier’s actual output voltage.
Five Selectable Transformer Taps
Five power settings allow the installer to adjust the speaker’s approximate output and amplifier load for different rooms.
| Transformer Tap | General Application |
|---|---|
| 0.25W | Very quiet rooms and low-level paging |
| 0.5W | Small offices, waiting rooms and quiet corridors |
| 1W | General office, classroom and retail coverage |
| 2.5W | Restaurants, larger rooms and moderate background noise |
| 5W | Higher output for larger or noisier indoor areas |
These examples are general starting points. Final tap selection depends on ceiling height, speaker spacing, room acoustics, background noise and the required listening level.
Transformer Tap and Speaker Power Are Different Ratings
The loudspeaker is published with 10W RMS and 15W maximum power handling.
The built-in distributed-audio transformer is rated for a maximum 5W tap. Use 5W as the highest 70V or 25V amplifier-load value for this speaker.
Calculate the Total Speaker Load
Add the selected transformer tap of every speaker connected to the commercial amplifier.
Example: Eight SPE86TS speakers set to 2.5W create a 20W load.
8 speakers × 2.5W = 20W total speaker load
SPE86TS Load Examples
| Speaker Configuration | Total Load | Practical Amplifier Selection |
|---|---|---|
| 4 speakers at 2.5W | 10W | 20W or larger commercial amplifier |
| 4 speakers at 5W | 20W | 30W or larger commercial amplifier |
| 6 speakers at 5W | 30W | 60W or larger commercial amplifier |
| 8 speakers at 2.5W | 20W | 30W or larger commercial amplifier |
| 8 speakers at 5W | 40W | 60W or larger commercial amplifier |
| 12 speakers at 5W | 60W | 120W or larger commercial amplifier |
Maintain 20% Amplifier Headroom
For dependable commercial operation, keep the total selected speaker-tap load at or below approximately 80% of the amplifier’s rated output.
| Amplifier Rating | Recommended Maximum Tap Load |
|---|---|
| 30W | Approximately 24W |
| 60W | Approximately 48W |
| 120W | Approximately 96W |
| 240W | Approximately 192W |
Different Taps for Different Rooms
Speakers connected to the same constant-voltage line can use different transformer taps.
A quiet office may use a 0.5W or 1W tap, while a reception area or restaurant section uses 2.5W or 5W. Add every selected tap separately when calculating the complete system load.
Parallel Speaker Wiring
Distributed-audio speakers are normally connected electrically in parallel. The speaker cable may run from the amplifier to the first speaker and continue to the remaining speakers in a daisy-chain layout.
- Connect every speaker to the same 70V or 25V speaker line.
- Connect the amplifier common terminal to the speaker’s common lead.
- Connect the positive amplifier terminal to the selected tap lead.
- Use only one wattage tap on each speaker.
- Insulate every unused transformer lead separately.
- Keep positive and common wiring consistent throughout the system.
Transformer lead colours can vary by production version. Follow the labels on the current speaker and transformer rather than relying only on a general colour chart.
Important 70V and 25V Connection Warning
Use only the transformer connection intended for the amplifier’s actual speaker-line voltage.
Do not connect a 25V tap to a 70V amplifier output.
Do not mix 25V and 70V outputs on the same speaker line.
The published SPE86TS specifications do not list a conventional low-impedance bypass setting. Do not connect it directly to a 4-ohm or 8-ohm output unless the current production speaker is explicitly marked for that connection.
Switch off and disconnect the amplifier before installing the speaker or changing any transformer connection.
Optional SES8 Square Back Mounting Box
The SPE86TS may be paired with the Speco SES8 square back mounting box when the project requires a compatible flush-mount rear enclosure.
| Accessory Model | Speco SES8 |
| Accessory Type | Square flush-mount back box |
| Back Box Dimensions | 11.75 × 11.75 × 4 in / 29.8 × 29.8 × 10.2 cm |
The SES8 back box is an optional accessory and is not included with the standard SPE86TS speaker. Confirm the current speaker, ceiling construction and project requirements before installation.
Important Cutout and Installation Notice
The published 12.48 × 12.48-inch measurement describes the speaker’s outside square dimensions.
It is not a confirmed ceiling-cutout measurement. Verify the required opening from the current speaker, enclosure and installation hardware before cutting the ceiling.
Plan the Ceiling Layout Before Installation
- Distribute speakers evenly throughout occupied areas.
- Coordinate the square grilles with ceiling tiles and lighting.
- Allow for walls, shelving and fixtures that may block sound.
- Check above the ceiling for electrical wiring and framing.
- Avoid plumbing, ductwork and sprinkler lines.
- Confirm the ceiling structure can safely support the assembly.
SPE86TS Compared with SPE86T
| Feature | SPE86TS | SPE86T |
|---|---|---|
| Visible Grille Shape | Square | Round |
| Outside Dimensions | 12.48 × 12.48 in | Approximately 12.9 in diameter |
| Optional Back Box | SES8 square box | SER8 round box |
| Transformer Taps | 5W / 2.5W / 1W / 0.5W / 0.25W | 5W / 2.5W / 1W / 0.5W / 0.25W |
| Best Choice | Projects preferring square ceiling geometry | Projects preferring a traditional round grille |
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Speco Technologies |
| Model / SKU | SPE86TS |
| Product Type | Square commercial ceiling speaker with transformer |
| Speaker Driver | 8-inch full-range paper cone |
| Transformer | Built-in dual 70V/25V transformer |
| Selectable Power Taps | 5W / 2.5W / 1W / 0.5W / 0.25W |
| RMS Power Handling | 10W |
| Maximum Power | 15W |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz–20kHz |
| Outside Dimensions | 12.48 × 12.48 in / 31.7 × 31.7 cm |
| Grille Shape | Square |
| Colour | White |
| Mounting Type | In-ceiling |
| Optional Back Box | Speco SES8 square flush-mount enclosure |
| UPC | 030519028103 |
| Recommended Use | Commercial paging, announcements and light background music |
What’s Included
- 1 × Speco Technologies SPE86TS 8-inch ceiling speaker
- 1 × Mounted square white ceiling grille
- 1 × Built-in dual 70V/25V transformer
Warranty
Speco Technologies states that its indoor speakers are covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Warranty eligibility, exclusions and Canadian service are subject to the current manufacturer and authorized-reseller terms. Proof of purchase may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SPE86TS and SPE86T?
The main visible difference is the grille shape. The SPE86TS has a square 12.48-inch grille, while the SPE86T uses a round grille.
Can the SPE86TS operate from a 70V amplifier?
Yes. Use the transformer connection identified for 70V operation and select the required wattage tap.
Can it connect to a 25V amplifier?
Yes. The built-in transformer also supports compatible 25V distributed audio systems. Use only the connections identified for 25V operation.
Can several SPE86TS speakers connect to one amplifier?
Yes. Multiple speakers can connect electrically in parallel when they use the correct system voltage and the combined tap wattage remains within the amplifier’s safe capacity.
What amplifier is needed for eight speakers at 5W?
Eight speakers at 5W create a 40W load. A 60W commercial amplifier provides practical operating headroom.
Does the speaker include the SES8 back box?
No. The SES8 square back mounting box is an optional accessory.
Is 12.48 inches the ceiling cutout?
No. The published 12.48 × 12.48-inch measurement is the outside square dimension. Confirm the actual opening from the current speaker and installation components before cutting.
Is the SPE86TS suitable for music?
It is suitable for light commercial background music, paging and voice announcements. It is not intended for deep-bass or high-output foreground-music systems.
Need Help Planning the System?
Send AVTECK the room dimensions, ceiling height, speaker quantity, amplifier model, system voltage and required paging or music level. We can help calculate the speaker-tap load and recommend a practical commercial audio configuration.
