RCAs, Bare Wires, & MORE!

Discussion in 'Automotive Electrical' started by 92civicproblems, Nov 27, 2008.

  1. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Somethin I never knew...

    1) I am using thick stereo wire (threaded) for everything including all my grounds and battery wires. I use cheap RCAs for the audio.

    2)If the above setup with the thick threaded wire is bad... what should I change?

    3)Does length affect quality? For example: If the RCA cable is 24ft long instead of 12ft long, does it have any affect on the quality or anything? What about the ground and battery wires? If they are too long is there a loss in power to my amp, hu, and crossover?
     
  2. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    not to sure on the rca cable question.

    power wire though. i've heard if its too long of a run on a thinner cable you could loose some voltage. not much.a few 10ths but some. thats why if it has to be a long run most people use thicker wire. like 2 or 0 gauge.

    im right at my limit with my 4 gauge with length and power. if i added a new bigger amp i would have to upgrade it all.
     
  3. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    So thick threaded stereo wire is okay for running power to my units?
     
  4. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

  5. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    I think I have 8 gauge right now...
     
  6. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Is there a difference between speaker wire and power wire or whatever?
     
  7. jayz85

    jayz85 Full Member

    copper is copper. size is the difference. the bigger the better I guess.
     
  8. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    That would make me feel ghetto.
     
  9. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member


    What would?
     
  10. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    using speaker wire for power wire.
     
  11. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    O well that's why I'm getting some power wire lol... I am ghetto btw... don't hate!
     
  12. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    speaker wire for a power wire is pretty dangerous, that could cause a fire.
     
  13. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    ya thats true, the insulation around speaker wire isnt made to high temperature standards.
     
  14. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Hmm... tru tru.... better upgrade then :)
     
  15. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Hey what guage of power wire should I run to my HU and to my crossover?
     
  16. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    a short piece of some 10-14awg wire
     
  17. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    What's the difference between awg and guage?
     
  18. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    awg means american wireing gauge. same thing just shorter to type and more appropriate.
     
  19. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    where can I get like 5 or 6 feet of 10-14 awg power wire for cheap?
     
  20. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    auto parts store
    couple bucks