16 gauge wires for sub?
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:28 pmIs it okay to run 16 gauge wires for the sub from the trunk to the driver seat? The subwoofer runs at 180 watts rms. Thanks.
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Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:28 pmPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:12 pmi'd be thinking 12 ga. 14ga at the least.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:56 amwhats the amp rated at?
ideally the thicker the better but i would go 14 minimum.
i have 12ga for 1000w into a single sub.
ideally the thicker the better but i would go 14 minimum.
i have 12ga for 1000w into a single sub.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:59 am16 gauge is way too small... My buddy ran a cheap walmart sub, using 16 awg wire and his car got burned up because of it. (mitsu. lancer)
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:47 pmSmall.
I'm assuming the wires are SPEAKER TERMINAL connection wires, and NOT the POWER LEAD to the amp... but still small.
At least 14ga. in my opinion... but 12ga. is more suited for this purpose.
IF you are meaning AMP power lead... then you better get at least 8ga. I, too, have seen a car AND a van go up in flame due to SPEAKER WIRES (likely about 14, 16, or possibly 18ga.) be used on an AMP POWER lead! THAT will surely be a quick ticket to no wheels, or at least FRIED wheels.
(Personally, I've not heard of speaker wires that were a little small CAUSING or resulting in a fire myself... since they are LOW current compared to the power source.)
-crisp
I'm assuming the wires are SPEAKER TERMINAL connection wires, and NOT the POWER LEAD to the amp... but still small.
At least 14ga. in my opinion... but 12ga. is more suited for this purpose.
IF you are meaning AMP power lead... then you better get at least 8ga. I, too, have seen a car AND a van go up in flame due to SPEAKER WIRES (likely about 14, 16, or possibly 18ga.) be used on an AMP POWER lead! THAT will surely be a quick ticket to no wheels, or at least FRIED wheels.
(Personally, I've not heard of speaker wires that were a little small CAUSING or resulting in a fire myself... since they are LOW current compared to the power source.)
-crisp
Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 10:59 pmWhat about subwoofer cables (rca from receiver to amp)? Any reason to get some name brand cables like Monster? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:27 amsomeazn wrote:What about subwoofer cables (rca from receiver to amp)? Any reason to get some name brand cables like Monster? Any recommendations? Thanks.
You don't HAVE to get "brand name" cables, but sometimes the higher dollar one's may be SHIELDED better, and have more durable casing and better terminals. I like the gold plated type for better connectivity and less prone to oxidize, considering the temperature swings that cars endure.
Make sure the connections are snug. I always "tweak" my RCA terminals to make the tabs "tighter" and then slightly TWIST them both ways as I install to "scuff" them as I connect to the H/U or amp terminals.
BTW, it is HIGHLY recommended to run the RCA lines APART from POWER leads to your amps. This should keep noise out of them.
G/L!
-crisp
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:24 pmwhat Crisp said..
and.. buy what you can afford! they dont make a difference.
might try a circuit city local to you ? if they are still around.
they were clearing out all car audio for -50% two weeks ago.
and.. buy what you can afford! they dont make a difference.
might try a circuit city local to you ? if they are still around.
they were clearing out all car audio for -50% two weeks ago.
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 6:26 pmi have 12 gauge from amp to subs and 4 gauge wiring from battery to amp and 4 gauge for ground!
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:11 pmNightRider wrote:i have 12 gauge from amp to subs and 4 gauge wiring from battery to amp and 4 gauge for ground!
Ditto.
-crisp