I'm not going to single people out here, but there is a lot of misinformation in this thread.
22 AWG wire can transmit around 15 watts, or around 1a, safely. This isn't a problem for the stock head unit, or aftermarket head units marketed as 50x4 or 60x4, since all of them usually put out an RMS rating of 25x4 or less. Even then you're pushing it, but since you aren't constantly pushing 25x4, you'd be fine with that stock 22 AWG wire.
By using 22 AWG wire for anything more than 15-25 watts RMS, you're not only creating a bottle neck and robbing your speakers of power, but you're creating a fire hazard since that tiny 22 AWG wire will heat up greatly when you try to push more power through it.
Those of you using the stock wiring with an aftermarket amp that is pushing more wattage (RMS, NOT MAX) than this, you should really upgrade your wiring. Aside from the benefits of pushing more power to your speakers, you're cutting down the risk of damaging your speakers, amp and/or car.
For reference, here is an AWG guide. Take the "Maximum amps for
power transmission" and multiply it by 14 for the maximum 'safe' power transmission for that given gauge of wire. The list is conservative, and you can squeeze slightly more power through each gauge of wire, but it's best to stick to the numbers on the list to be safe.
I have 16 AWG pure copper wire run to my components in the doors. I ran my wires through the fender/door jam area and into the edge of the boot, but wrapped the wire in insulated tape to protect it from the elements.
-mak
PS: Also take note that the above guide is for copper wire. If the CB7 has CCA (copper clad aluminum, a mix of copper and aluminum strands) than it can carry even less power than an equal sized copper wire.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I buy my 16 AWG pure copper wiring in 100ft spools from Radio Shack for $21.99 per roll. It comes in brown and white and is approved for in-wall and outdoor use, so it's safe for in-vehicle applications. Here is a link if you'd like to check it out on their website.
22 AWG wire can transmit around 15 watts, or around 1a, safely. This isn't a problem for the stock head unit, or aftermarket head units marketed as 50x4 or 60x4, since all of them usually put out an RMS rating of 25x4 or less. Even then you're pushing it, but since you aren't constantly pushing 25x4, you'd be fine with that stock 22 AWG wire.
By using 22 AWG wire for anything more than 15-25 watts RMS, you're not only creating a bottle neck and robbing your speakers of power, but you're creating a fire hazard since that tiny 22 AWG wire will heat up greatly when you try to push more power through it.
Those of you using the stock wiring with an aftermarket amp that is pushing more wattage (RMS, NOT MAX) than this, you should really upgrade your wiring. Aside from the benefits of pushing more power to your speakers, you're cutting down the risk of damaging your speakers, amp and/or car.
For reference, here is an AWG guide. Take the "Maximum amps for
power transmission" and multiply it by 14 for the maximum 'safe' power transmission for that given gauge of wire. The list is conservative, and you can squeeze slightly more power through each gauge of wire, but it's best to stick to the numbers on the list to be safe.
I have 16 AWG pure copper wire run to my components in the doors. I ran my wires through the fender/door jam area and into the edge of the boot, but wrapped the wire in insulated tape to protect it from the elements.
-mak
PS: Also take note that the above guide is for copper wire. If the CB7 has CCA (copper clad aluminum, a mix of copper and aluminum strands) than it can carry even less power than an equal sized copper wire.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I buy my 16 AWG pure copper wiring in 100ft spools from Radio Shack for $21.99 per roll. It comes in brown and white and is approved for in-wall and outdoor use, so it's safe for in-vehicle applications. Here is a link if you'd like to check it out on their website.
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