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Apply HereSpeaker Wire
What is speaker wire?
Speaker wire is a type of parallel bonded electrical wire used to create electrical connections between audio equipment and loudspeakers. Built with two conductors, each individually insulated by PVC, this cable is made for easy installation and durability. Speaker wire can be used in everything from digital audio, stereo speakers, jukeboxes, home theaters, and more. Pacer speaker wire is constructed from finely stranded bare copper wire. One or both of the conductors is then given a durable tin coating depending on the wire gauge. This coating also serves to help distinguish polarity. This is done in order to make the installation process even easier for you. Once the conductors are ready, they are then insulated with a premium clear or white PVC jacket. The jacket is made to be durable to a range of environmental factors and highly resistant.
"Built with two conductors, each individually insulated by PVC, this cable is made for easy installation and durability."
Where are these products implemented?
Pacer speaker wire is implemented in not only marine vessels but automotive and in-home setups as well. Oftentimes we sell our speaker wire to OEMs who are building new products but we also sell our speaker wire to individuals we want to redo their car stereo in home theater systems. How do you know if you need to replace your speaker wire? The most obvious sign is damage to the insulation or conductors. Is your speaker wire faded? Is your speaker wire cracking? Whatever the issue may be, it is best to replace your speaker wire when needed. All you will need are the proper cutting tools, the proper striping tools, and the correct connectors. Let us take a look at where you might use speaker wire.
Where can I use speaker wire?
As stated above, speaker wire is ideal for digital audio, jukeboxes, home theater systems, and stereo speakers as well as automotive sound equipment and marine audio equipment. It is manufactured to be used in a multitude of possible locations and applications. Pacer speaker wire was designed with flexibility and durability in mind making it ideal for situations where space is limited. Wiring can occur in tight spaces where using a rigid, stiff wire will make installation a much more complex process. This is why you always want to be sure to choose the correct wire for the task at hand. Why fight with a rigid, stiff wire when you can use a wire that was built for flexibility.
Audio Equipment
Marine Audio
Digital Audio
Stereo Speakers
Home Theaters
Where should I avoid using speaker wire?
Pacer speaker wire is very versatile and useful in a range of applications. There are, however, certain situations where you would not want to use speaker wire regardless of how safe it may seem. This type of speaker wire is not designed for in wall use. Although it is ideal for marine and home usage, using it in walls is a problematic situation that is best avoided. It is best to use wires in concordance with their properties and design. Improper usage of wires that are carrying electrical current can lead to a host of problems that can have disastrous results.
Why is the insulation transparent?
Many wire manufacturers use opaque insulation as it is a cheaper option for them. Nearly all of Pacer's speaker wire carries translucent PVC insulation and this is done for several reasons. First off, translucent PVC insulation allows the user to visually inspect the conductors for signs of damage or corrosion. This fact alone makes the translucent insulation extremely beneficial. Being able to inspect wires that will be exposed to environmental hazards makes the maintenance process much simpler. Secondly, using clear insulation allows for the simple identification of wire polarity. In cases where individuals use wire with opaque insulation, determining the polarity can be a problematic task. By visually identifying which wire is tinned and which is not, you can quickly and easily determine the polarity. Pacer works to make each product as efficient and streamlined as possible. It is simple steps we took like this to make the installation and maintenance processes much easier
What sizes are available?
Pacer manufactures and carries speaker wires in a range of sizes. Currently, we offer speaker wire in 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG in order to meet the widest range of potential uses. Rather than offering multiple gauge sizes that almost no one uses, we decided to focus on the most useful sizes and refine those to make them even better for our customers. In this way, the selection process has been simplified making the buying decision even easier.
14 AWG
16 AWG
18 AWG
Which speaker wire should I choose?
The type of speaker wire that you should choose is based on a few different factors. You will need to consider how much power you need as different pieces of equipment require different amounts of power to operate properly. Additionally, you will need to factor in exactly how long you will need your wire run to be. The longer a wire is, the more power you will need to get your current where it needs to go. This can mean that you may need a larger wire gauge to carry the current. Always remember to add a few extra feet to your run as it gives you a margin for error and you can always trim it off at the end. For more on voltage drop and how to calculate it, click here.
How long of a run of speaker wire is right for my project?
As we said above, the longer the distance the larger the wire size you will need. In order to know which size of wire you will need; we have to consider the length of the run. Knowing the distance allows you to figure out the gauge needed by the power required. Consider the following scenario. Let’s say you are running the wire along a short length to an 8-ohm speaker, then a 16-gauge speaker wire will do the trick. If you need to run more than 50 feet, then you would want to use 12-gauge or 14-gauge speaker wire. Remember, as we said before, it’s a good idea to add a few extra feet to provide slack and to allow for error. Trust us when we tell you, the last thing you want is to cut 80 feet of speaker wire only to discover that you actually need 82 feet.
What compliances does this wire meet?
Pacer speaker wire is designed to meet the RoHS Compliant Directive 2002/95/EC meaning that it carries as little hazardous material as possible. RoHS, which means, restriction of hazardous materials is a sign of safety when it comes to handling certain products. This quality makes it even safer to work with than other, non-compliant wires. Using material like this decreases long term risk associated with usage. RoHS compliance is not just given to any product. It is reserved for those products that conform to the standards set forth and, as stated above, ensures the safety of those who use the product as well as those who may just come into contact with it. When you see the RoHS logo on a product, it not only means that the product is not comprised of hazardous materials, it also means that the manufacturer and retailer have taken the time to offer you the safest products possible.
*This page was updated on 2/07/2023*