Determining Power Cable Size For Your PA System

Equipment RecommendationsBest Practices
Written By Nick Mason

The importance of understanding how the gauge of your power cables relates to your systems efficiency is key to the success of your program! Follow these simple steps to ensure you’re using the right size for the job.

1. Power Draw of Your System (Wattage)

  • Find the total power (in watts) your system draws. This information is typically available in the user manual of your equipment or listed on the back of the device near the power input.

2. Voltage

  • Standard voltage varies by country (e.g., 120V in the U.S.). Check the voltage rating of your PA system.

3. Length of the Cable Run

  • The longer the cable, the more resistance it introduces, which can reduce the power getting to your system. Longer cable runs need a thicker (lower gauge) wire to prevent power loss or overheating.

4. Current Draw (Amps)

  • Use the formula to determine the current (amps) your system draws: 

  • Amps (Current) =Power (Watts)/Voltage (Volts)

Once you have the current, you can choose the appropriate wire gauge.

5. Recommended Wire Gauge (AWG)

  • As a general rule:

    • Up to 25 feet: Use 16 AWG for loads under 10A, 14 AWG for loads up to 15A, and 12 AWG for loads up to 20A.

    • Up to 50 feet: Use 14 AWG for loads under 10A, 12 AWG for loads up to 15A, and 10 AWG for loads up to 20A.

    • Beyond 50 feet: Consider 10 AWG or even 8 AWG for higher current loads.

6. Current and Gauge Reference Table (for typical 120V systems):

  • 20 AWG: Up to 5A

  • 18 AWG: Up to 7A

  • 16 AWG: Up to 10A

  • 14 AWG: Up to 15A

  • 12 AWG: Up to 20A

  • 10 AWG: Up to 30A

Example Calculation

If your PA system draws 1200 watts and you're in the U.S. with 120V power:

  • Amps = 1200/120 = 10A

For a 50-foot cable, you would need at least 12 AWG to handle this load safely.

Important Considerations:

  • Cable Quality: Ensure the power cables are designed for high-power audio systems to prevent interference.

  • Safety Ratings: Always use cables rated for higher current than your system draws to avoid overheating or fire risks.

Looking to upgrade your sound system? Contact Us to get started!

Nick Mason

Nick Mason is a native of Nashville, Tennessee and has been involved extensively with Audio Production and the Pageantry Arts for over a decade.

Nick’s pageantry background includes 6 seasons of WGI and 2 seasons of DCI. He spent three years at Chattanooga Independent Percussion Ensemble (Cleveland, TN) on snare drum from 2014-2016. His next three years were at 8 time WGI World Champions, Music City Mystique (Nashville, TN) from 2017-2019 on snare drum where he won the PIW Gold Medal in 2017 and the PIW Bronze Medal in 2019. Additionally, Nick has marched 2 years of Drum Corps at 7 time DCI World Champion, The Cavaliers (Rosemont, IL) from 2018-2019 on snare drum. Nick has also been a member of the MTSU Band of Blue Drumline (Murfreesboro, TN) from 2017-2018, where he served as the percussion section leader for the 2018 season.

Since graduating college, Nick has worked on numerous projects including The Cavaliers 2020 and 2023 PASIC Clinics, Virtual Arts’ Drum and Bugle Corps and Marching Band productions, California Orchestra Directors Association’s Virtual Performance, California All State Virtual Performances, and many post-production projects for individual artists. He has also worked with numerous clients where he’s provided pageantry, live sound, and broadcasting audio services, including Timber Creek HS (FL), Ravenwood HS, (TN), Audio Theater (TN), Music City Drum Corps (TN), FloMarching (TX), The Nashville Public Library (TN) and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (IL). Along with developing and building MAS, Nick also works as the Audio Specialist at Synced Up Audio and Synced Up Designs.

Currently, Nick holds a B.S. in Audio Production and Music Industry from Middle Tennessee State University and resides in Nashville, TN. He actively serves as the owner of Mason Audio Solutions, the Percussion Ensemble Director at Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, TN), Lead Audio Engineer at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps where they won the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award in 2023, the Audio Department Manager at Synced Up Audio, the Audio Coordinator at Music City Drum Corps, and offers audio solutions and services to the greater Nashville area and other parts of the country. Nick is also a proud Innovative Percussion, Inc. artist.

You can contact Nick at nickmason@syncedupdesigns.com

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