Ceiling speakers for Commercial Audio & Business Music come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the correct size, power and spacing will provide an even coverage for comfort and intelligibility. To do this, you need to consider the room dimensions and height as well as the overall purpose for your audio system. It can be tricky to get right, so we'd love to help you choose the right ceiling loudspeakers from some of the worlds leading audio manufacturers. No job is too small, and for large projects we can use ‘EASE’ mapping software to design a suitable plan.
You’ll notice in the product descriptions that ceiling loudspeakers are described as being suitable for ‘100 Volt Line’ or ‘Low impedance’ loudspeaker circuits and some are compatible with both. 100 Volt Line speakers usually have different tappings on the trasformer - this enables the volume to be matched to neighbouring speakers of different styles or to restrict the overall demand on the amplifier when adding additional speakers to an existing circuit.
If you’re unsure about this terminology, please contact us or head over to our Tech Hub for an explanation, as it's important to match up the speakers with the amplifier you're using.
There's a huge choice of ceiling speakers - you will have seen these in commercial business properties like Supermarkets, Airports, Offices & Shopping Centres where they provide discreet background music and in-store radio broadcasts as well as paging and announcements.
Although a few can be surface mounted, most ceiling speakers flush mount into a false or suspended ceiling to provide unobtrusive background music and paging. Fitting of in-ceiling loudspeakers is usually pretty simple. Once the correct size hole has been cut in the ceiling tile or plasterboard, the speaker is connected to the wiring in the ceiling void and pushed up into place. Most ceiling speakers have spring loaded clips which pull the speaker up and hold it securely. Other models are screwed into place from underneath via screwholes through the chassis, before attaching the grille.
We've written a short guide about how to compare the different ceiling speakers available - you can click here to read it in our blog in the Tech Hub.
If you need assistance, we'll be pleased to hear from you!
They provide discreet background music, radio, paging and public address announcements in shops, offices, airports, hotels and similar spaces. Most models flush-mount into a false or suspended ceiling so the grille sits almost flush with the tile.
Use 100V line when you need many speakers, long cable runs or several zones — each speaker has transformer tappings so you set how much power it draws (and therefore its power output / volume). Use 8 ohm for a small number of speakers in one room where higher fidelity matters. Many models in this range (for example, by Cloud Electronics, Soundtube and Yamaha) offer both 100V tappings and an 8 ohm option.
Coverage depends on room size, ceiling height, speaker power and how even you need the sound to be. As a rough starting point, plan one speaker per about 20–25 m² for background music, then tighten spacing under low ceilings or in noisy areas. Commercial Audio Solutions can help specify a layout and, for larger jobs, use EASE mapping.
Cut a hole to the model’s cut-out size in a ceiling tile or plasterboard, connect the speaker cable in the void, then secure the chassis with spring clips (“dog ears”) or screws. Surface-mount options (such as the TOA PC-2668) sit on the ceiling face if you cannot cut in. Advice on fitting is available on request.
EN54-24 speakers are certified for voice alarm and evacuation (PAVA). Models such as CES Audio CLM-6061VAF and AMC EVAC5 / EVAC 50X include a fire dome (whilst others are available as optional extras) so the ceiling void stays protected if the speaker is exposed to fire. Specify these where building regulations or a fire strategy require a certified evacuation system.
Yes. Look for an IP rating. The Audac AWP06 is IP65 (waterproof) and the CES Audio SCP-6121 is IP55 (splashproof). Standard indoor flush-mount speakers are not rated for wet or dusty locations. Click here to see our Tech Hub Guide to IP Ratings.
This range runs from miniature 2.5" units (spotlight sized) up to 6", 6.5" and 8” diameter. Larger drivers generally give more bass and higher output; smaller drivers suit tight voids and discreet installs. Two-way models add a separate tweeter for clearer speech and music.
Add up the wattage tap you will set on every speaker on that circuit, then allow about 20% headroom and choose a commercial amplifier with a matching 100V (or 8 ohm) output. Do not mix 100V and 8 ohm loads on the same amplifier channel. Click here to read our Tech Hub article explaining 100V line terminology if you need a refresher.
Most are white to blend in with standard ceiling tiles though there are some black options such as the Audac CENA306/B and CENA506/B. Many magnetic or clip-on grilles can be painted to match décor — check the individual product page and / or user manual before painting. Bespoke colours are sometimes available from the manufacturer but may be subject to a (large) minimum quantity order requirement.
Yes! We can advise on speaker count, tapping, amplifier size or EASE coverage maps and support trade installers with product selection, system design and rack-building.
