Bulk Speaker Wire and Speaker Cable

Gauge, length and speaker impedance

Gauge is the first decision, and a lower AWG number is a thicker wire. For 8-ohm speakers, 16 AWG is common for runs up to about 50 ft, 14 AWG for longer runs, and 12 AWG beyond that; 4-ohm speakers call for the next thicker size. Conductor material matters too. Pure copper, including oxygen-free copper, has the lowest resistance, while copper-clad aluminum resists current more at the same gauge, so step up a size to compensate. Count the conductors as well: two for a standard speaker, four for bi-wired runs.

In-wall ratings, jackets and ways to terminate

Wire that runs inside a wall usually needs a fire-rating marking such as CL2 or CL3 under building codes, and spaces used for air handling call for plenum-rated cable; the jacket marking tells you which. The jacket usually carries a stripe or rib to keep polarity right at both ends. Finish the ends with bare wire, banana plugs, spade lugs or Speakon connectors, which suit professional gear. Microphone XLR plugs are for low-level signals and should not carry speaker power.

Questions about Bulk Speaker Wire and Speaker Cable

What gauge speaker wire do I need?

It depends on length and speaker impedance. As a rule, 16 AWG suits short runs to 8-ohm speakers, 14 AWG suits longer runs, and 12 AWG suits very long runs or 4-ohm speakers.

Is copper-clad aluminum as good as pure copper?

It conducts less current at the same gauge, so you need a thicker wire to match pure copper. It is also more brittle at terminals, so pure copper is the safer choice for long or demanding runs.

What does CL2 mean on speaker wire?

CL2 is a fire-safety rating for low-voltage wiring that is allowed to run inside walls under many building codes. Wire without the marking is intended for open runs, and plenum spaces need a separate plenum rating.