12/10 guage or true 10 guage?

[PocketGangsta]

UK person

I can buy 4 core 12 gauge cable in white (which the wife prefers) and connect 2 cores to each plug at the end, effectively creating 10 gauge I believe? Or I can buy transparent 10 gauge for approx the same price

Will the 4 core cable become "real" 10 gauge by combining the cables at the end, or is this incorrect? Think I've watched all of the cable debunk vids on Audioholics and I want to rewire 13 speakers, so need to make the correct decision even if I have to bribe the wife

 

[highfigh]

UK person

I can buy 4 core 12 gauge cable in white (which the wife prefers) and connect 2 cores to each plug at the end, effectively creating 10 gauge I believe? Or I can buy transparent 10 gauge for approx the same price

Will the 4 core cable become "real" 10 gauge by combining the cables at the end, or is this incorrect? Think I've watched all of the cable debunk vids on Audioholics and I want to rewire 13 speakers, so need to make the correct decision even if I have to bribe the wife

Do you mean 'four conductor'?

If the wire has transparent insulation, it can't be used in walls or ceilings. It also shouldn't contain PVC because the bare Copper will react.

I would worry less about the gauge and more about code compliance- if it's not CL2 or CL3 (older designation) or CMR/CL3R (newer designation) it's not rated for in-wall/in-ceiling. If it's rated CMP, it can be run in HVAC plenum spaces.

If the speakers are used for distributed audio, the 12ga is fine unless the distance from the amplifier is more than 60 feet.

 

[Golfx]

I find 10 gauge too stiff to bend and fit into banana plugs or tight spaces. 12 is fine for all your needs.

 

[Speedskater]

a 4 core/conductor 12AWG cable can be combined to make two 9AWG wires.

That CL2/CL3 thing is only an issue if you have hundreds of cables in a wall or a nasty inspector.
Not that it matters, but any cable is safer in the wall than laying on the floor.

 

[-Jim-]

Hey Gents,

Did you miss that @PocketGangsta initially said "UK person". That means US Electrical Code doesn't apply. But I have no idea what code goes in the UK.

The question should be how long are the speaker cable runs, and then size the cables from there.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[PocketGangsta]

Thx for the replies guys

Longest run is 30 ft so no issues there. It's not going in the walls although the white cable is CL2 if ever I needed to. It was more the math I was worried about, but Speedskater has covered my query

Thanks all