What Gauge Wire Do I Need for a 600-Watt Amp?
Proper wire gauge for a 600 watt amp doesn't have to be a mystery. By following a few simple guidelines, it's easy to choose the right wire gauge for great sound and safe operation--and save money in the process.
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Wire Type
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Any good quality, unshielded, two-conductor, copper-core wire will handle the necessary voltage for efficient speaker sound. As long as the correct gauge is used, the same wire may be used for amplifiers of any wattage.
Wire Gauge
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Wire is measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) designation. The lower the number, the thicker the wire gauge. Typical wire gauges for quality audio reproduction are between 10 and 16 AWG.
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Wire Length
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Wire gauge must be increased with length, as voltage loss, called damping, occurs with longer wire runs. Recommended wire gauge to length ratios are as follows:
Less than 80 feet: 14 to 16 AWG
80 to 200 feet: 12 to 14 gauge
Over 200 feet: 10 to 12 gaugeYou may safely use a heavier gauge than is recommended, but using a lighter gauge may result in sound loss.
Ohm Rating
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Amplifier wattage is a measure of output power, but it is the amplifier's ohm rating, matched with that of the speakers, that dictates the actual output wattage. Lower ohm ratings translate into more wattage, and will require wire gauges in the lower AWG numbers.
Input Wires
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Input wires must be of shielded, two conductor variety. 14 to 16 gauge input wire is ideal for a 600 watt amplifier.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hens Zimmerman
