What wire size would you use?

I have a question for you guys.

I want to use 16 AWG internal hook up between passive crossover and drive units for my speaker project.

However, shouldn't I use 16 AWG internal hook up between binding posts and input of passive crossover?

Some say thicker is better for that position. Any comments 🙏
 
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Skin depth at 20kHz should be greater than the wire radius to avoid frequency dependent wire resistance.
That's around #20 (or smaller) wire for audio.
Use multistarnd wiring? as one does for communication signals at high frquencies, skin depth will be of much less concern.

Anyone that believes in the superiority of solid core wires for whatever reason, should examine a few examples with signals driven through them on a multi channel oscilloscope, and will find its bogus.
What is detrimental to a 20khz signal, would destroy a 10gb/s network, yet they use multistranded wires, to take an example.


However, shouldn't I use 16 AWG internal hook up between binding posts and input of passive crossover?

Why not?
There is a large difference in power dissipation betwwen a 6000w sub, and a normal Tweeter.
Shoule be dimensioned in accordance with the need for power draw. Was not specified in your post.

PVC jacket is fine, but will start releasing gas at above 70°c, and at 90°c+ the insulation will melt off the wire.
Another reason to use adequate cross sectional dimensions.


Multistrand is flexible, much kinder to the driver terminals. Is not as negatively affected by exceeding bend radiuses, is not sensitive to vibrations in the same way. Easier to work with Etc.

Also use a fastnening method close to the terminals for strain relief.
 
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Tubenstein has said that he is considering using his stock 16 AWG cable between crossover and drivers.

I believe he is asking if the cable between the speaker enclosure binding posts and crossover requires to be thicker.

If that is the case, then the answer is "No".

He is probably thinking along the lines that the cable from the speaker binding posts has to carry the sum of the currents drawn by the individual drivers.
 
Use multistarnd wiring? as one does for communication signals at high frquencies, skin depth will be of much less concern.
Anyone that believes in the superiority of solid core wires for whatever reason, should examine a few examples with signals driven through them on a multi channel oscilloscope, and will find its bogus.
What is detrimental to a 20khz signal, would destroy a 10gb/s network, yet they use multistranded wires, to take an example.

Mass termination, crimping, etc. require stranded wire.
 
I have a question for you guys.

I want to use 16 AWG internal hook up between passive crossover and drive units for my speaker project.

However, shouldn't I use 16 AWG internal hook up between binding posts and input of passive crossover?

Some say thicker is better for that position. Any comments 🙏

I personally use 2.5mm2 for Input, Woofer and Midrange, and 1.5mm2 for Tweeter, that is to say : 14 and 16AWG, according to the conversion table below...

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1719080033244.png


T
 
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@Arez PVC jacketed wire with both 90°C and 105°C ratings are common and widely available. Listed marine cable is usually 105°, tinned copper fine strand with a PVC jscket
75°C rated cable is 100% fine for speaker use tho. Electrical terminals in power distribution gear are usually rated to 75°C and higher ratings for wire only serve to reduce the required wire gauge.
 
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@Arez PVC jacketed wire with both 90°C and 105°C ratings are common and widely available. Listed marine cable is usually 105°, tinned copper fine strand with a PVC jscket
75°C rated cable is 100% fine for speaker use tho. Electrical terminals in power distribution gear are usually rated to 75°C and higher ratings for wire only serve to reduce the required wire gauge.
Because you are in the USA you have more lenient regulations. Over there you still use aluminum wires in house installations even, regardless of the fire hazard🙄
In Europe the rules and regulations are different, and standard PVC wiring is max. 70 Celsius.
There are a few exceptions, with "high heat resistant PVC" from LAPP etc.
Over here we go over to PEX or Silicone insulation at higher temperatures, you might risk getting sued for negligence if something catches fire etc. if not.
Also becoming economically responsible for damages. Simply due to bad installation practices. And you need to go through a shitload of hassle in documenting it, instead of referring to the normal standards that apply.

Yes it should not be a issue in general, but if you try to draw 5 kilowatts for a sub through a 20 AWG wire, well..
There is also a difference between home use /hifi. And high power PA.

Listed marine cable is usually 105°, tinned copper fine strand with a PVC jscket
Again different rules and regulations.
Marine cable needs to have a higher temp rating, due to the 'normal temperature' is set at 45 Celsius. Not 20 or 30 as in Buildings/houses or Industrial.
Solid core for anything at sea is downright dangerous, the constant vibrations and forces acted upon them, will make solid core break from fatigue in XX time. Goes without saying that a boat loosing engine power or steering, due to broken cabling is a bad situation to be in at sea.
Tinned copper can be used, but not a requirement per. Lloyds, DNV etc. And was more common in earlier days or for battery cables, and is usually what is sold for amateur/private persons doing they're boat indeed.


All the stuff in the walls is solid core.
That is not a common practice in most of Europe though, different countries /continents and regulations.
Actually have to look hard to find single conductor solid core wires at all over here, through the normal suppliers for proffesionals.

Mass termination, crimping, etc. require stranded wire.
Actually not, depends on the use equipment. And 'local' regulations. Crimping does not require any kind of multistrand in most cases, but the crimps/toll in question decides.
Mass termination is not something i have ever touched.

But have used just about anything from 9/125 SM fiber optics. Up to 6000 Amp @690V out from high voltage transformers.
Rarely use anything above 400mm2 as it is usually more economic in terms of time used for termination , and handling to just run several parallell cables / conductors.
 
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Again different continents and equipment.
Have worked in the realm for 20+ years, yet never seen or used any of the pictured crimp terminations that are shown in the documents.
Yet NASA does space shuttles and aviation etc. vibration is a constant concern so solid core conductors are not suited anyways, due to risk of fatigue and breakage they are a risk/hazard, in general.
The practices shown are generally good though.

Use very different crimp tools and crimps connectors.
The mfg. datasheets for the specific crimp connectors will specify what they are useable with actually, not NASA 🙄
Referring to NASA will not help when you are liable for damages, referring to the mfg. datasheets and documentation will.
Will also specify what crimp tool is needed.
When dealing with uninsulated crimp connectors, i only ever use hexagonal crimp tools, as they give a better result, regardless of the suitability of other simpler tools for the specified connectors.

There are crimp connectors made for solid core and multi strand whether you agree or not. It is not the standard though indeed.
Just as Aluminium requires different crimps then copper.

Here is one quality example, that is suited for multi strand, fine strand, sectoral conductors and single core. Although it is not technically crimping in traditional sense.
You just will not like the price, and the size are for larger cross sections.

https://www.pfisterer.com/
https://www.pfisterer.com/products/products/sicon/
https://maxeta.no/produkt/sicon-skrukabelsko/
 
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NASA, having accomplished many successful space missions, shall be presumed to know what they are doing.

I have crimped wire as large as 4/0 (copper nearly 1/2' diameter) many times professionally, using manual crimpers about yard long.
Such is not needed around here, and is not part of the discussion.