Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

[Jeff Dunne]

I'm in need of a longer speaker cable, and don't feel like going out and buying one, but I remembered reading this on the board a while back.

I have an extra 25" extension cord (standard orange 3 prong cable) around, and plenty of Neutrik plugs. I'm thinking that since these cables are made to handle 120v, it should handle the 120w from my 5150 fine.

Anyone have experience with this? **** up your tone at all?

 

[theodie]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

It wont be shielded and "might" be prone to noise????

Sounds like something Macgyver would do if he played guitar! LOL!!!!!

I am not really to sure bro.

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

Speaker cables don't have to be shielded - even if they do catch a couple mexican radio stations along the way, there's nothing there to amplify them.


That said, just wired it up now, and it's working great!

 

[aleclee]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

Extension cords make great speaker cables. Shielding isn't an issue when dealing with the sort of power a speaker cable needs to handle.

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

i've seen people use extension cords to make speaker cables for 1200 watt PA systems when they were in a bind. i've also used one on my dual rec that i made as a spare. they get the job done well.

if you think about it, how much juice do you think you're sucking out of a surge protector with all outlets being used? if you run a TV, stereo/home theater system, VCR, DVD player, maybe a computer, ect. you'll easily be pulling 10-15 amps, which multiplies out to 1200-1800 watts, all running through that single cord into the surge protector.

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

True, true! Thanks for re-assuring my decision, guys!

I didn't feel like spending 50 bucks on a good speaker cable - now I can tweak my amp while the cabinets in my (actually very soundproof) closet.

 

[Grandor]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

Still won't a long cable length suffer signal degredation?

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

A guitar cable, yes, but a speaker cable...

In multi-room and permanent installation venues, there can be 200m runs between the amp and speakers.

I'm only running about 25 - the distance most guitars can push a cable without signal degradation.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

I've used lamp cord...

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

To tell you the truth, the extension cord will probably actually be a better cable than the speaker cable because it's rated for higher amperage. You might want to check that, but I doubt your amp will be putting out anything close to what the cable's rated for.

For the most part, guitar, speaker, etc. cables are pieces of ****, it's just the sad truth.

 

[theodie]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

Speaker cables don't have to be shielded - even if they do catch a couple mexican radio stations along the way, there's nothing there to amplify them.


That said, just wired it up now, and it's working great!

I had an old amp that used to pick up mexican radio like crazy! It wasa funny as hell actually!!!!

An orange extension cord would look cool going to a guitar though!

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

:chairfall

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

I have an extra 25" extension cord (standard orange 3 prong cable) around,

You only need 25 inches?


:laugh2:

I agree with the others. It should be just fine if not better. I don't think speakers are too picky about it, and you'll probably fry your amp before you hurt the cable.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

I had an old amp that used to pick up mexican radio like crazy! It wasa funny as hell actually!!!!

I feel the hot wind
on my shoulder...

 

[iekobrid]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

Speaking of speakers, is there anything special about internal cabinet wire? Like, if I bought an empty secondhand cab for testing different speakers could I wire them up using that car/home stereo wire they sell off spools in Best Buy, or would I need to get a particular guage at Radio Shack or Home Depot, or would just about anything that'll take solder work?

 

[greco]

Re: Extension Cord + 1/4" plugs = Safe Speaker Cable?

iekobrid..I would suggest 18 gauge solid/single core wire (i.e., not stranded) and it should be two separate wires that are twisted around each other.

Hopefully, somone with more amp building experience will support my suggestion or advise you otherwise.

Enjoy the cab & speakers !

Dave