The Best 18 Gauge Wires
Every electronics job needs quality wiring. And if that job involves stereo speaker systems, light fixtures, and any other low- or medium-amperage circuits, we reach for our trusty 18-gauge wire. Of course, not all wire is made the same, which is why we decided to weed out the winners from the duds and find the best 18-gauge wire on the market. Our search was guided by three main questions: Is the metal high-quality and right for the job? Does the wire come with a jacket that can be stripped easily? Is the price-per-foot fair? Our favorite option was the powerful wire Shonsin, which offered great bang for your buck and a true copper wiring for a slew of different projects. Then, for those that require wire for more sensitive applications, we found an awesome pick from The Cimple Co. It's obviously a bit pricier, but the conductivity of the six color-coded wires is essential for thermostat wiring. There is clearly a lot to discuss, so let's dive in to our in-depth reviews of the best 18-gauge wires.
The Cimple Co Thermostat Wire
Heat without hazards
Setting up vast networks with multiple nodes typically involves various wire gauges with endless feet of cable. While more substantial appliances and power lines will often be fine with single thick leads, juncture points like temperature control boxes can benefit from the more precise touch of The Cimple Co’s solid copper wire. The exterior jacket can handle the abuse of being pulled through wooden or metal openings, and each of the six interior conductors features vibrant color coatings. The pure copper body is highly conductive and makes sense for low-power installs in automotive and structural applications alike.
Pros:
- If you’re looking to upgrade to one of the new “smart” thermostats, this wire is essential and can make the job far simpler. It’s also useful for doorbells and security systems.
- We were impressed by the heavy-duty jacket, which is still easy to strip away but feels thick and durable.
Cons:
- It does not include wire cutters or pre-cut ends.
Shonsin Stranded Hook-Up Wire
Insulation that inspires
If you need to build electronic connections across a property with less-than-ideal environmental conditions, special considerations need to be taken. As far as wiring goes, sharp edges, interference, and extreme temperatures pose the biggest threats to a cable installation’s longevity and effectiveness. Thankfully, Shonsin’s stranded hookup wire adds more insulation than competitors for an enduring signal in most conditions. Available in either red or black, this silicone-based jacket is far ahead of the pack in terms of flexibility. Best of all, insulation of this type won’t shrink back when applying heat from soldering irons or heat guns.
Pros:
- This pure oxygen-free copper is the real deal, so it’s exceptionally resistant to temperature extremes. It can conduct up to 200°F continuously without frying.
- This is the ideal option for applications that rely on clean transmissions, like radio signals and small speakers.
- The high flexibility of the wire makes it easy to feed it through zig-zagging routes.
Cons:
- The individual strands of copper are thin, which is good for conductivity. However, it means you must be careful not to bend the wire to extreme angles since the small strands can break.
GearIT Pro Series 18 Gauge Speaker Wire
Custom cable clarity
Investing in custom audio systems can make all the difference if you prefer a premium sound that enhances delicate notes and produces thundering volume. If you’re building a speaker setup for your home or vehicle, GearIT can help you through this rewarding experience with high strand counts and low interference. Unlike standard cable, the Pro Series features two jackets: one for the entire pair and two sub-coatings for quickly identifying polarity. While the CCA material may not fly with particularly picky listeners, we believe that the difference in tone is negligible compared to the savings in weight and dollars.
Pros:
- This is our go-to option for custom stereo systems in cars since the wire is easy to feed through side paneling.
- Unlike most wires, this premium option has sequential markings (in feet) to help you plan out your path.
- The strong PVC jacket protects the wire from the weather, so this is an appropriate wire for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Cons:
- The heavy insulation reduces interference, but it also makes it harder to strip off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OFC and CCA wiring?
You’ll often notice the two acronyms OFC and CCA when dealing with wiring. These stand for “oxygen-free copper” and “copper-clad aluminum,” respectively. OFC wiring only contains trace amounts of oxygen and is as close to pure copper as you can get. CCA consists of a primarily aluminum strand with an outside coating of copper. This wire type is inexpensive relative to OFC and can still produce the required voltage for most smaller undertakings. While overall performance doesn’t vary too much at low power, if you have concerns about excess heat or corrosion, OFC’s upfront expense can pay big dividends in the long run.
Are there different types of wire coating?
While copper wires can transfer vast amounts of data, it wouldn’t be possible without the proper thermal protection. Unless the electronics in question only draw an insignificant amount of power, unshielded copper wiring can give off a dangerous amount of heat when in use. Exposed wiring can also cause electrical leakage that interferes with other nearby devices. To counter this, electricians use a variety of organic and synthetic materials to trap current in place. Most wires use PVC for their durability and cost-effectiveness. However, premium coating like silicone and fiberglass can also be used when flexibility issues or extreme heat enters the picture.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.