How many watts can 16 gauge speaker wire handle?
In a loudspeaker system, it is extremely important to know the correct gauge wire that you must use in order for it to function properly and meet the electrical current requirements of the system. Using the wrong gauge wire may provide insufficient power and result in fire and safety.
In this handy guide, I'll walk you through how many watts 16 gauge speaker wire can handle, and what you need to know about these types of wires in regards to their features and capabilities.
Number of watts that 16 gauge speaker wire can handle
The 16 gauge car audio speaker wire is rated for 75-100 watts. It is commonly used for longer runs of car and home radio speakers, or shorter runs up to 20 feet. In addition, it can handle less than 225 watts, such as medium power subwoofers with short lengths. Therefore, 16 gauge wire is an excellent choice for higher capacity or longer systems.
Selecting the correct wire gauge
These three factors determine the correct speaker wire size:
- The output power of your stereo system or amplifier.
- Nominal impedance or speaker impedance.
- Length of cable required to install speakers.
For a 16 gauge car audio speaker wire, the maximum recommended speaker wire length based on speaker impedance (ohms load) is as follows: (1)
| Wire type 16 gauge | Dynamic 2 Ohm | Dynamic 4 Ohm | Dynamic 6 Ohm | Dynamic 8 Ohm | Dynamic 16 Ohm |
| Speaker copper wire | 12 ft (3.6 m) | 23 ft (7.2 m) | 35 ft (10.7 m) | 47 ft (14.3 m) | 94 ft (28.7 m) |
| Copper Clad Aluminum Wire (CCA) | 9 ft (2.6 m) | 17 ft (5.2 m) | 26 ft (7.8 m) | 34 ft (10.5 m) | 69 ft (20.9 m) |
F.A.Q.
What are the applications for 16 gauge speaker wires?
Generally speaking, you can find 16 gauge wire in extension cords, and it is used in all situations where extension cords are commonly used, including connecting appliances around the house, using blowers, and cutting hedges. Vehicles can sometimes contain a significant amount of these wires located in their headlights, turn signals, starter motor, parking lights, ignition coil, and alternators.
How many amps can 16 gauge wire handle?
16 gauge speaker wire can handle 13 amps. Also, according to the National Electrical Code (NEC), 16 gauge wire can carry 18 amps at 90 degrees Celsius.
Are all applications for 16 gauge copper wire limited to 13 amps?
16 gauge wire can draw 18 amps at 90 degrees Celsius according to NEC. However, in extension cables, it is often used with a lower load. Automotive applications are completely different because they can carry more current than expected or what is stated in the NEC, for example: (2)
– 3 feet is 50 amps
– 5 feet is 30 amps
– 10 feet is 18 to 30 amps
– 20 feet is 8 to 12 amps
– 25 feet is 8 to 10 amps
Is it possible to tie 16 gauge wire to 18 gauge or 14 gauge wire?
By law, wire must be at least 14 gauge for AC use. Therefore, connecting a 16 gauge wire to a 14 gauge wire from a circuit breaker is very dangerous. However, 14 gauge, 16 gauge and 18 gauge wires are allowed to mix in audio applications such as inside a car.. Just make sure they are properly insulated. The most common applications for 18 gauge, like 16 gauge, are in the automotive and stereo industries, where they are always powered by DC (direct current) batteries.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How thick is the 18 gauge wire
- Which wire is from the battery to the starter
- What size speaker wire for the subwoofer
Recommendations
(1) Ohm — https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/ohm
(2) Celsius - https://www.britannica.com/technology/Celsius-temperature-scale
