Speaker Wire Size

[S. Heisley]

When I first set up my wiring, I will not have a stereo. But, once the roof/ceiling is built and closed up, it will be very difficult to add more wires. Therefore, I am going to run dedicated speaker wires front to back in the roof/ceiling for the possibility of a stereo set-up in the future.

I have purchased #18 stranded speaker wire for this. Is that a good, all-around size/type to use for most speakers that might be used in a TTT or TD? Will that also work if I decide to use computer speakers instead?

Thanks for your advice.

[ajricher]

Unless you plan on installing a thumper bass running 500 watts or so...you're fine.

Most car stereos run 50-100 watts peak a channel at most - the short runs in a tear or a TTT won't cause a significant loss of power at those levels.

Alan

[Shadow Catcher]

This is actually a question I am asking my self as I plan on having wires in anticipation of future needs/desires and once it is sealed up it is real hard to add. My plan is to anticipate a 5 channel surround sound system, and it may never happen. This table will not preserve formatting so compensate.

Speaker Impedance 8 Ohm Load 4 Ohm Load
Wire Gauge Distance (ft) Distance (ft)
18 AWG 10 5
16 AWG 20 10
14 AWG 35 18
12 AWG 60 30

From what I understand most car speakers are 4Ohm. These recommendations are for some one who is going for optimal results. For our home system I used 10AWG for the front speakers and 14 for the satellite/rear.

[caseydog]

18 gauge will do fine for what you are doing. If you build a sound system that needs big cables, you will annoy every camper around you.

CD

[S. Heisley]

Thanks, Alan, Shadow Catcher and CD.
Great! For my needs, it looks like I'll be okay with the #18 wire.

I feel better now.

[mikeschn]

Does surround sound mean placing these all around the teardrop?



Mike...

[S. Heisley]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

If I put speakers in the back, it will probably be so that I can have the music on low and still hear it when I'm reclining or reading in the sack.

(Loud base woofers actually make my ears hurt....bad. )