Racks and cables: the unsung heroes

[Balog]

The third conductor is there because it's AC cable, which usually uses 3 conductors. To save $ and weight look for 2 conductor Type SJ; most big boxes don't carry it, electrical supply stores do.

Ok, I can't get 12/2 SJ. I can however get UF-B, TC-ER and NM-B in that size. Would any of them work well in this application?

 

[billfitzmaurice]

Ok, I can't get 12/2 SJ. I can however get UF-B, TC-ER and NM-B in that size. Would any of them work well in this application?

You don't need underground or specialty cables. If you can't find raw SJ buy a standard extension cord, with 2 prong connectors, cut the connectors off. Even zip cord is fine, if you can find the gauge you need.

 

[Balog]

Perfect, thanks Bill.

 

[aborgman]

Wire capacity is based on current, not power. At 120 volts 1800 watts is 15 amperes. That same 1800 watts into a 2 ohm speaker load is 60 volts, and that's a 30 ampere load. For that you need 10 ga. wire.

Yeah - if you're running 50 feet.

If you're running 5 feet, enjoy your 14 gauge.

True, few of us will run 1800w into 2 ohms, but those who do need to be aware that it's all about volts, current and resistive insertion loss, not watts.

As Einstein said - it's all relative.

One also needs to consider the differences between optimal (minimal resistive loss) and safe (resistive losses low enough to aboid cable overheating).

 

[zombywoof5050]

You're making this way too complicated.
Go to this link, and print out the page:
http://www.markertek.com/Connectors...peakon-Connectors/Neutrik-USA-Inc/NL4FC.xhtml
Then take the printed ad into Guitar Center, and tell them that you want them to match the price ($3.79) for the model NL4FX connectors. Then tell them how many feet of 12ga speaker wire you want, and he'll go into the back and cut you that many feet of nice 2-conductor LiveWire cable. I did this a couple of months ago and got a great deal.

 

[JoeVictim]

Quick Question. I have a 1/4" to 1/4" speaker cable now. New power amp coming only does Speakon. I bought a speakon end plug. Can I just cut off one side of my speaker cable and attach the speakon +1,-1?

-Or-

Should I just go back to guitar denter and drop $20 on the 1/4" to speakon adapter?

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Quick Question. I have a 1/4" to 1/4" speaker cable now. New power amp coming only does Speakon. I bought a speakon end plug. Can I just cut off one side of my speaker cable and attach the speakon +1,-1?

-Or-

Should I just go back to guitar denter and drop $20 on the 1/4" to speakon adapter?

Making your own is fine.

Just make sure you connect the wire that "was" the tip, to the +1, sleeve to the -1

 

[JoeVictim]

Making your own is fine.

Just make sure you connect the wire that "was" the tip, to the +1, sleeve to the -1

Thanks.

 

[JoeVictim]

Everything is operational.

 

[Balog]

Awesome, glad it worked out for you.