What cable size do I need for my amplifier?
The required cable cross-sectional area mainly depends on the amplifier’s current consumption and the power cable length.
Higher current consumption and longer cables require a greater cross-sectional area to limit voltage drop and heat generation.
What affects cable size selection?
The main factors are:
Amplifier current consumption: More powerful amplifiers usually need thicker cables.
Cable length: Longer cables often need a greater cross-sectional area.
Cable material: Copper conducts better than copper-clad aluminium (CCA), for example.
Fuse: The cable must be suitably rated for the fuse protecting the installation.
Which cable sizes are common?
Car audio uses cable sizes including:
Cross-sectional area |
Common use |
|---|---|
10 mm² |
Small amplifiers with limited current consumption |
20–25 mm² |
Many medium-sized amplifiers |
35 mm² |
More powerful amplifiers |
50 mm² |
Larger, more current-demanding installations |
70 mm² or larger |
Very powerful audio systems |
This table is general guidance only. It does not state how much current each cable size can safely handle in a particular installation.
Final sizing must account for cable length, material, routing and actual current consumption.
Does cable material matter?
Yes. We primarily recommend 100% copper (OFC) cables.
CCA cables have higher electrical resistance than equivalent copper cables and may need a greater cross-sectional area for comparable performance.
Do I need a fuse?
Yes. Protect the power cable with a correctly rated fuse as close to the battery’s positive terminal as practical.
The fuse mainly protects the cable and car in situations such as a short circuit.
Never use a larger fuse than the cable and installation are rated for.
Should the ground cable be the same size as the power cable?
As a starting point, the ground cable should have the same cross-sectional area as the amplifier’s positive power cable, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Need help sizing the wiring? Contact our customer service team with your amplifier model and approximate cable routing length.