Ohmic Audio

Wire Gauge and Current Capacity

Table A.1: American Wire Gauge (AWG) Specifications

AWG Diameter Cross-Section Resistance Current Capacity Maximum Fuse Typical Use
(mm / in) (mm² / kcmil) (Ω per 100ft) (Chassis Wiring) Rating
18 1.02 / 0.040 0.82 / 1.6 0.639 16A 20A Remote, signal
16 1.29 / 0.051 1.31 / 2.6 0.403 22A 25A Speaker wire
14 1.63 / 0.064 2.08 / 4.1 0.253 32A 40A Speaker wire, small amps
12 2.05 / 0.081 3.31 / 6.5 0.159 41A 50A 300-500W systems
10 2.59 / 0.102 5.26 / 10.4 0.100 55A 60A 500-750W systems
8 3.26 / 0.128 8.37 / 16.5 0.063 73A 80A 750-1000W systems
6 4.11 / 0.162 13.3 / 26.3 0.040 101A 125A 1000-1500W systems
4 5.19 / 0.204 21.2 / 41.7 0.025 135A 150A 1500-2000W systems
2 6.54 / 0.258 33.6 / 66.4 0.016 181A 200A 2000-3000W systems
1 7.35 / 0.289 42.4 / 83.7 0.013 211A 225A 2500-3500W systems
0 (1/0) 8.25 / 0.325 53.5 / 105.6 0.010 245A 250A 3000-4000W systems
00 (2/0) 9.27 / 0.365 67.4 / 133.1 0.008 283A 300A 4000-5000W systems
000 (3/0) 10.40 / 0.410 85.0 / 167.8 0.006 328A 350A 5000-6000W+
0000 (4/0) 11.68 / 0.460 107.2 / 211.6 0.005 380A 400A 6000W+ systems

Notes: - Current capacity based on 60°C ambient temperature, chassis wiring in free air - For power amplifier wiring in enclosed spaces, derate by 20-30% - For runs longer than 20 feet, use next larger gauge - Resistance values for copper wire (CCA has ~40% higher resistance)

Table A.2: Voltage Drop Chart (12V Systems)

Maximum recommended wire lengths (feet) for <3% voltage drop (0.36V)

Current 18 AWG 16 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 0 AWG
5A 56 ft 89 ft 142 ft 226 ft 360 ft 571 ft - - -
10A 28 ft 45 ft 71 ft 113 ft 180 ft 286 ft 457 ft 725 ft -
20A 14 ft 22 ft 36 ft 57 ft 90 ft 143 ft 229 ft 363 ft 571 ft
30A 9 ft 15 ft 24 ft 38 ft 60 ft 95 ft 152 ft 242 ft 381 ft
50A - 9 ft 14 ft 23 ft 36 ft 57 ft 91 ft 145 ft 229 ft
75A - - 9 ft 15 ft 24 ft 38 ft 61 ft 97 ft 152 ft
100A - - - 11 ft 18 ft 29 ft 46 ft 73 ft 114 ft
150A - - - - 12 ft 19 ft 30 ft 48 ft 76 ft
200A - - - - 9 ft 14 ft 23 ft 36 ft 57 ft

Note: Values are round-trip distance (positive + negative wires). For one-way length, divide by 2.

Table A.3: Fuse Rating Selection Guide

Wire Gauge Maximum Fuse Rating Typical System Power Common Fuse Type
18 AWG 20A Accessories Mini Blade
16 AWG 25A 200W Mini Blade
14 AWG 40A 300W Mini Blade / MAXI
12 AWG 50A 500W MAXI
10 AWG 60A 600W MAXI
8 AWG 80A 800W MAXI / ANL
6 AWG 125A 1200W ANL
4 AWG 150A 1500W ANL
2 AWG 200A 2000W ANL
1 AWG 225A 2500W ANL
0 AWG 250A 3000W ANL
00 AWG 300A 4000W ANL
4/0 AWG 400A 5000W+ ANL