The same applies to car stereo systems, with 8 and 16-ohm speakers requiring 16 gauge wiring, so long as its length isn’t so far as to make it inefficient. How Long Will Sixteen Gauge Wire Run Before A Voltage Drop? They don’t work as well when they are extended too far, such as several yards or connecting an amplifier to a speaker that is in another room. First of all, you must consider whether the wire is stranded or solid when choosing between 16 AWG and 18 AWG wires for your project. The fact that a wire is 16 AWG does not tell you everything about it. Of course, there is a visual difference between the two sizes, but it isn’t the only difference. According to the NEC Code of allowed ampacities, the 16 gauge wire handles 18 amps at a 90ºC temperature rating. However, it is commonly used in extension cords at a lowered ampacity. Thank you for reading this article. I hope it helps you find the most recent and accurate technical and repair information for your car. Here are some tools that I use as an automotive technician and hope you´ll also find helpful.

16AWG Multipair Cable | Farnell UK

The strength of stranded and solid power cords is also different. Solid cables are weaker than stranded power cords. If you require the thinness of an 18 AWG wire but are concerned that it won’t be strong enough to handle bending or force, a stranded 18 AWG wire will provide you with the same strength as a 16 AWG wire, but with greater flexibility. It all depends on your specific requirements. VibrationAs discussed above, there is far more utilization for 16 gauge wire in a vehicle system rather than for residential and commercial use. It’s not always used in those particular devices, but you will typically find it there in most makes and models. You also have to beware of how much current, normally meant for 14 gauge, is running through 16 gauge and for how long. Legally, the minimum wire size for use with AC (alternating current) is 14AWG or gauge. So connecting a 16 gauge wire to a 14 gauge wire that’s running from a circuit breaker is hazardous at best. You should also consider the number of vibrations that a cable will experience while making your choice. Solid wire is used in most homes, while stranded wiring is used in vehicles, tools, and planes because it can tolerate vibration. Something is more likely to pop with higher vibrations, and the presence of several strands strengthens the overall wire and decreases the need for replacement. Which One Is Better – 16 AWG vs 18 AWG Wire?

16AWG Hook Up Wire | Farnell UK

Sixteen gauge, copper wiring isn’t even listed in the NEC code, articles 310 to 316 with a lone exception. Under the temperature rating of 90ºC, 16 gauge wire is rated as capable of conducting 18 Amps.

If we know that .08V is the amount of voltage drop per ten feet then you can calculate the drop at 300’. 300/100 x 8 = 24V. Read also: How Many Amps Can a 10 Gauge Wire Handle (Best Tips) What Else Can Sixteen Gauge Wire Handle? To determine the best between two several products, it’s mandatory to look for the comparison and differences between them. Therefore, we’re providing you with the comparison and major differences between these two different gauge wires. Now, let’s get into them. Comparison Table Label However, in audio applications—or inside a vehicle—intermixing 14, 16, and 18 gauge wires is acceptable, so long as they are properly insulated. Read also: How Many Amps Can a 12 Gauge Wire Handle (220 Volts) Is Aluminum Used In Sixteen Gauge Wire?

Voltage Drop Calculator - Wire Size Calculator Voltage Drop Calculator - Wire Size Calculator

Sixteen gauge is also popular in stereo systems and while home theater systems plug into an outlet and draw AC, the 16 gauge wire itself is used minimally as a connection between speakers. The 16 AWG wire is 1.291 mm according to metric and 0.0508 inches according to B&S measurement. Conclusion Because of its inherent resistance to current—Aluminum builds up a layer of oxide on its surface as electricity passes through it, serving as an effective resistor—you won’t find 16 gauge wires made of aluminum. Of course, there may be an exception or two out there. Eighteen gauge, like 16 is used most often in automobile and stereo applications, always off of DC (direct current) battery power. It can be intermixed with 16 gauge wire where its practical and efficient to do so. So, how many amps can a 16 gauge wire handle? Sixteen gauge wire can handle 13 Amps. Unlike most residential wiring, in the 12 to 14 gauge range, there’s not much that 16 gauge wire is used for, except for automobiles.The standard maximum length for running a 16 gauge speaker wire is 48 feet before the resulting voltage drop begins to affect the system. If you’re gauging (pun absolutely intended) the price on any particular system, going with a system that functions well with 14 and 16 gauge wiring will save a lot of money. Automobile applications are entirely different. There are a lot of applications for the 16 gauge wire and they carry for more amperage than is typical or what is stated in the NEC.