Things You'll Need:
- Tape measure
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Step 1
Determine how long each run of speaker wire will be from the power source (amp) to the speaker. This step is especially important for home audio applications because the speaker wire runs are typically 10 to 20 feet or more. Longer runs of wire require thicker gauge wire for best performance and for less strain on the amplifier or receiver.
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Step 2
Decide which gauge wire you should use for your particular situation. As a general guide, you should use 12-gauge wire on up to 30-foot runs; 14-gauge wire on runs up to 18-foot runs; and 16-gauge wire on up to 10-foot runs. Keep in mind that these figures are based on a 4-Ohm resistance load, which is typical for the average car audio set up. Many home theater systems, on the other hand, often use 8 Ohm or higher loads, meaning you can safely run the wires on even longer runs than the above figures without loss of sound quality.
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Step 3
Once you've decided which gauge of wire will work best for your speakers, determine what quality of wire will work best for your system. If you're using high-quality components (amplifier, speakers, head unit), opt for high-quality speaker wires as well. Higher quality speaker wire will cost more than your "average" speaker wire, but it will also deliver the best sound quality, last longer and be more resistant to interference from other audio/video cables in your system. You get what you pay for when it comes to speaker wire.
