Understanding Wire Sizes for Car Audio: How Some Brands Mislead You with "GA" Instead of True AWG
Choosing the right power and ground wire size is crucial for a car audio system’s performance. Undersized or misleadingly labeled wires can cause voltage drops, overheating, and poor amplifier performance. Some brands take advantage of this by advertising their wires as a certain gauge (GA) without following the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard, leading to less actual conductor and more insulation.
This guide will help you understand wire sizing, the AWG standard, and how to avoid misleading brands when buying amplifier wiring kits.
What is American Wire Gauge (AWG)?
AWG (American Wire Gauge) is the industry standard for measuring electrical wire thickness. The lower the number, the thicker the wire and the more current it can carry. For example:
- 0 AWG – Extremely thick, used for high-power systems.
- 4 AWG – Common for mid-range audio systems.
- 8 AWG – Suitable for lower-power applications.
- 12 AWG & Higher – Typically used for speaker wire rather than amplifier power cables.
AWG is a regulated standard, ensuring that a wire labeled as 4 AWG actually has the appropriate conductor thickness.
The Problem with "GA" vs. True AWG
Some manufacturers, particularly budget brands, advertise their wire as 4 GA or 8 GA instead of 4 AWG or 8 AWG. This is a red flag, as "GA" is not a standardized measurement. Many of these wires use less actual conductor and more insulation, making them look thicker while delivering far less current.
Signs of Misleading Wire Labels:
- "GA" Instead of AWG – If a wire kit says "4 GA" instead of "4 AWG," it's likely undersized.
- Excessive Insulation – Some brands increase the outer diameter using thick plastic or rubber to make the wire appear larger.
- Lighter Weight – A true copper 4 AWG wire is noticeably heavier than a CCA or undersized wire.
- No Compliance with Standards – Reputable wires follow ASTM or UL certifications to ensure correct sizing.
How Much Conductor Are You Actually Getting?
A properly made 4 AWG wire should have around 21.1 mm² of conductor area if made from pure copper. However, some budget brands may provide only 60-70% of that, causing performance issues.
Copper vs. CCA: Another Common Trick
Many brands selling fake 4 AWG or 8 AWG wiring also substitute pure copper (OFC) with Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA), which has higher resistance and needs to be thicker to carry the same current. If you're buying CCA, you should increase the wire size (e.g., use 2 AWG CCA instead of 4 AWG OFC).
Comparing Conductivity of Copper vs. CCA:
- Pure Copper (OFC) – 100% conductivity
- CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) – 60-70% of copper’s conductivity
If a brand is already misleading about wire size, they are more likely to use cheap CCA instead of pure copper.
Choosing the Right Wire Size for Your System
Recommended Wire Sizes Based on Power:
| Amplifier Power (RMS) | Copper Wire Size (AWG) | CCA Wire Size (AWG) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 500W | 8 AWG | 4 AWG |
| 500 - 1000W | 4 AWG | 2 AWG |
| 1000 - 2000W | 2 AWG | 1/0 AWG |
| 2000W+ | 1/0 AWG | 2x 1/0 AWG |
Note: CCA requires one size larger than copper to carry the same current.
How to Avoid Scammy Wire Brands
- Look for "AWG" Not "GA" – Only buy brands that clearly state AWG and follow standardized sizing.
- Check the Weight – True 4 AWG OFC wire is heavy. If it feels too light, it's likely undersized or CCA.
- Cut Open the Wire – If you can, cut a section of the wire and check if the copper strands are thick or if there’s excessive insulation.
- Buy from Reputable Brands – Avoid generic or no-name amplifier kits. Stick with reliable brands that provide real AWG-certified wire.
- Verify Customer Reviews – Look for buyers posting real pictures of the wire’s thickness compared to a known AWG wire.
Final Thoughts
Not all wiring kits are created equal. Some brands mislead buyers by using "GA" instead of AWG and packing wires with excessive insulation instead of real conductor material. This can lead to voltage drops, overheating, and reduced amplifier performance.
If you want maximum power transfer, better durability, and reliable performance, always choose true AWG-certified wire and avoid misleading marketing tactics.
Sources
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Wire Size Standards – https://www.nfpa.org/nec
- ASTM Copper vs. CCA Conductivity Ratings – https://www.astm.org
- Sound Solutions Audio: Misleading Wire Gauge in Car Audio – https://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/forum/topic/45500-wire-gauge-scam-exposed