When you’re throwing an outdoor party, the last thing you want is for the music to stop playing because of speaker wiring issues. That’s why it’s important to either find the best outdoor wireless speakers or plan on having a good set of wired outdoor speakers connected to your music source using the best outdoor speaker wire money can buy!
Not all outdoor speaker wire is created equal, though. So which one should you choose? In this blog post, I will discuss with you in detail the different types of outdoor speaker wires and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Types of outdoor speaker wire
When shopping for outdoor speaker wires, it’s important to understand the different types of wiring available. Here are the three most common types:
Stranded outdoor speaker wire.
This type of outdoor speaker wire consists of several small wires stranded together. It’s more flexible than solid outdoor speaker wire, making it easier to install, but it’s also more prone to tangles and knots.
Solid outdoor speaker wire.
As the name implies, this type of outdoor speaker wire is made of a single solid conductor. It’s not as flexible as stranded outdoor speaker wire, but it’s less likely to get tangled or knotted.
Oxygen-free copper outdoor speaker wire.
This type of outdoor speaker wire is made of oxygen-free copper, which means it has a higher resistance to corrosion. It’s also more expensive than the other two types of outdoor speaker wire.
Now that you know the different types of outdoor speaker wire available, let’s move on to discussing the different gauges (thicknesses) of outdoor speaker wire.
Outdoor speaker wire gauges
The thickness of the outdoor speaker wire is measured in gauges. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. For example, 12-gauge outdoor speaker wire is thicker than 16-gauge outdoor speaker wire.
Thicker outdoor speaker wires can carry more power and are less likely to overheat than thinner outdoor speaker wires. However, they’re also more difficult to work with and install.
If you’re not sure which outdoor speaker wire gauge to choose, consider the following:
For shorter runs (up to 50 feet): 16-gauge outdoor speaker wire should be sufficient.
For longer runs (up to 100 feet): 14-gauge outdoor speaker wire will work better.
For runs longer than 100 feet: 12-gauge outdoor speaker wire is your best bet.
Now that you know the different types and gauges of outdoor speaker wire available, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs.
How to choose the right outdoor speaker wire for your needs
Choosing the right outdoor speaker wire for your needs is a matter of considering the following factors:
The type of outdoor speaker wire.
As discussed earlier, there are three types of outdoor speaker wire available: stranded, solid, and oxygen-free copper.
If you’re not sure which type to choose, keep in mind that stranded outdoor speaker wire is more flexible and easier to work with, but it’s also more prone to tangles and knots. Solid outdoor speaker wire is less flexible, but it’s less likely to get tangled or knotted.
Oxygen-free copper outdoor speaker wire is more resistant to corrosion, but it’s also more expensive than the other two types of outdoor speaker wire.
The gauge (thickness) of outdoor speaker wire.
The gauge of outdoor speaker wire is measured in gauges, with the lower the gauge number indicating a thicker wire.
Thicker outdoor speaker wires can carry more power and are less likely to overheat than thinner outdoor speaker wires. However, they’re also more difficult to work with and install.
Why is choosing the right outdoor speaker wire is vital?
Choosing the right outdoor speaker wire is important for getting great quality sound. In order to ensure that you get the best possible sound from your outdoor speakers, it’s important to select the right outdoor speaker wire.
Take Amazon Basics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire Cable, for example, it’s a great choice for shorter runs (up to 50 feet). This outdoor speaker wire is made of stranded copper wire and is CL-rated for in-wall use.
If you need an outdoor speaker wire for a longer run, consider Monoprice Select 14-Gauge AWG Speaker Wire Cable. This outdoor speaker wire is made of solid copper wire and is CL-rated for in-wall use.
For runs longer than 100 feet, 12-gauge outdoor speaker wire is your best bet. This outdoor speaker wire is made of stranded oxygen-free copper wire and is also CL-rated for in-wall use.
Whichever outdoor speaker wire you choose, make sure it’s the right type and gauge for your needs. This will ensure that you get great quality sound from your outdoor speakers.
Stranded outdoor speaker wire is more flexible, making it the obvious choice for anyone looking for an easier installation, but it is more likely to tangle.
Things to consider when buying your best choice of outdoor speaker wire.
When choosing your outdoor speaker wire, be sure to consider the length of the run. If you’re running a shorter distance, 16-gauge wire should be sufficient. For longer distances, consider a 14-gauge wire. If you’re running an especially long distance, 12-gauge wire is your best bet.
Speaker Wire Insulation
As an outdoor speaker wire, insulation and how weatherproof it is should also be considered.
For most applications, PVC-jacketed outdoor speaker wire will do the trick. However, if you’re running your outdoor speaker wire through an area that is prone to moisture or sunlight, consider using a UV-resistant outdoor speaker wire.
Finally, think about what type of connectors you’ll need to connect your outdoor speaker wire to your speakers.
For most applications, banana plugs or spade terminals will work just fine. But if you’re running your outdoor speaker wire through a wall or other difficult-to-reach area, consider using bare wire or zip cord.
Now that you know the different types and gauges of outdoor speaker wire available, as well as what to consider when choosing your outdoor speaker wire, you’re ready to start shopping for the best outdoor speaker wire for your needs.
Happy shopping! And don’t forget to enjoy the party once you’ve got your outdoor speakers all set up. Thanks for reading!
