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Question:

If i have 16 gauge speaker wire and i double it when wiring speakers will that make it 8 gauge?

I have 16 gauge speaker wire, but i need a lower gauge. instead of spending money and buying a lower gauge can i double this wire up and have that make it a lower gauge? so i would have 2 negative and 2 positive wires going into the terminal.

Answer:

Doubling the wire will not make it 8 gauge. If you're running this wire from the head unit to the speakers, or from an amp to the speakers, 16g will be sufficient. If the wire is from an amp to a sub, a larger wire would be a good idea, but not a requirement. If you're trying to use this wire for the power and ground connections on the amp, you should purchase the proper wiring kit for amp installation.
Nope, gauge is determined by the thickness of the wire. Don't be a cheapskate, buy the proper gauge.
No. 8 ga wire is much thicker than 16, even if you double it. Buy the right wire and eliminate the risk of an electrical fire. The wire is much cheaper than replacing your car.
18 gauge wire is pretty much standard for speakers. The only reason for a bigger gauge cable would be for a subwoofer setup. The connectors are pretty good actually. Have you ever noticed that the more you mess with a wire the more you have to cut it, re-strip it, and re-connect it? The connectors will eliminate that potential problem.

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