sub wire

[NewToTheGrounds 10+ year member]

when running a wire for ur amp to sub(s) is it safe to say just run the same size wire as the tinsel wire on the sub(s) ?

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[Stel 10+ year member]

The wire to the subs usually needs to be of a heavier gauge since resistance of the wire will increase with length. The tinsel wire is short enough that it's smaller gauge is ok. The "Wire Guide" sticky here has some recommended sizes.

 

[indosia 10+ year member]

The thicker the better. I use 8 awg power wire for subs. 12 awg speaker wire for components.

 

[NewToTheGrounds 10+ year member]

i have 8 awg now i went to my local shop last night after work to get sum bc the stuff i have was super old and cut to crap i when i asked for it they said they didnt sell any wire under 12 awg bc no sub would have enough kenetic energy for that size wire..and that they had neve heard of any one using the power wire for a sub lol

 

[wesl56 10+ year member]

and that they had neve heard of any one using the power wire for a sub lol

they obviously have never heard of spl then lol

how long is the run from your amp to your subs? if its short you can get away with smaller wire... or u can always use multiple runs if you cant find anything as big as u want

 

[Stel 10+ year member]

They used the term "kinetic energy" for that? heh. Anyway, how much power is going to your subs at what ohm and about how far is the run? The sizes listed under "Speaker Wire" here will be fine:

http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166038

8 gauge is overkill unless you have some tremendous power at a low ohm load. Power wire can be difficult to work with at those sizes, I would use something with more strands. You can probably find the wire you need online for less than that shop too.

 

[NewToTheGrounds 10+ year member]

thanks ya ive seen the chart was just wondering if u could do the same size as the tinsel but didnt think about how long the tinsel is , 1200rms @ 2 ohms, about 3 feet runs, and ya he said kinetic energy lol

 

[Stel 10+ year member]

With such a short run 12 is probably ok but I would get 10 to be sure, short runs won't cost much, and it can even handle the kinetic energy //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif