12 AWG · 4-Conductor · CL3 OFC

12/4 Direct Burial Speaker Wire

The most popular spec for distributed outdoor audio. One cable run handles two speakers — less trenching, cleaner install.

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  • ★ Lifetime warranty
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  • ★ ETL listed · UL standards

Overview

Why contractors choose 12/4 for outdoor installs

12/4 is the most-specified outdoor audio cable for residential distributed systems. Four conductors at 12 AWG handles two speaker pairs per run at distances up to 150 ft — covering most residential lots with a single cable per zone.

The economics are compelling: one trench, one pull, one cable. Versus running two separate 2-conductor cables to the same endpoint, 12/4 saves installation time and reduces the number of exterior wall penetrations. On a typical install with patio speakers, garden speakers, and pool speakers, 12/4 cuts the trenching work by 40–50%.

The CL3 jacket handles direct burial without conduit and UV exposure on surface runs. OFC conductors maintain consistent resistance over the life of the install — important because outdoor audio cables are rarely accessible for replacement once landscaping is complete.

GEARit 12/4 is available in both black and brown jackets. Black for standard installs; brown for mulch-bed and garden installations where the cable surfaces before going underground.

Two-step picker

Two questions decide the right speaker wire.

How long is the run and how much power the amp pushes. Use the picker, then choose the conductor that fits the budget and the room.

1 Pick the gauge 2 Pick the conductor
1 Step 1 · Pick the gauge

Thicker wire = lower resistance = cleaner power.

Every foot of speaker wire adds a tiny amount of resistance between the amp and the driver. The longer the run and the higher the wattage, the thicker the conductor needs to be to keep voltage drop under 5%.

  • Short runs (<50 ft): 16 AWG is plenty.
  • Most home theaters: 14 AWG sweet spot.
  • Long / high-power runs: step up to 12 or 10 AWG.
Interactive · gauge picker

Tell us the run. We'll size the wire.

5 ft
5 ft50100150200+ ft
Amplifier power per channel
Recommended
14 AWG OFC OFC speaker wire

Short home-theater run — 14 AWG OFC is the sweet spot for 5.1 / 7.1.

Shop 14 AWG OFC
2 Step 2 · Pick the conductor

OFC vs CCA — the single biggest sound-quality decision.

Copper-clad aluminum looks like copper but is mostly aluminum, with roughly 60% more resistance. Over a 50 ft run pushing real wattage, you can measure (and hear) the difference.

Interactive · conductor picker

What are you wiring up?

Pick the scenario that fits and we'll tell you which conductor wins.

Recommended · OFC
OFC — the home-theater standard.

5.1 / 7.1 receivers and longer runs to surrounds reward pure copper. Lower resistance means cleaner dialogue, tighter bass, and full headroom on dynamic scenes.

Shop OFC speaker wire
SPEC
OFC PICK
Oxygen-Free Copper
CCA PICK BUDGET
Copper-Clad Aluminum
Conductor
99.9% pure copper
Aluminum core, copper skin
Resistance vs OFC
Baseline (lowest)
≈ 60% higher
Best run length
Up to 200+ ft
Under 50 ft
Power handling
Any amp, any speaker
Low to mid power
In-wall code
CL2 / CL3 available
Indoor short runs
Recommended for
Home theater · pro · outdoor
Budget DIY · cars

Top picks

12/4 Direct Burial Speaker Wire CL3 OFC Copper — top picks.

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FAQ

Questions buyers actually ask.

Why is 12/4 the most popular spec for distributed outdoor audio?
12/4 hits the practical sweet spot for most residential outdoor installs. 12 AWG handles runs up to 150 feet at standard amplifier power levels, and the 4-conductor format means one cable run serves two speaker pairs. That combination covers the majority of patio and yard audio setups without requiring heavy 10 AWG cable.
Can I use 12/4 to run three or four speakers from one cable?
No. A 4-conductor cable has two pairs, so it can connect two stereo speaker pairs. For three or four separate speaker locations from one cable pull, you would need a 6 or 8 conductor cable, or run separate cables to each location.
What is the maximum run length for 12/4 before I should step up to 10/4?
For runs up to 150 feet with standard 8-ohm outdoor speakers at amplifier power levels up to 150 watts per channel, 12 AWG performs well. Beyond 150 feet or for high-power amplifiers above 150 watts, consider 10/4 to keep resistance in check.
Is 12/4 direct burial available in both black and brown?
Yes. We carry 12/4 in black for standard outdoor installations and brown for runs through mulch beds and garden areas where the cable may surface before going underground. Both use the same CL3-rated UV-stable jacket and OFC conductors.
How do I protect the termination point at the speaker end from moisture?
Use a weatherproof outdoor speaker junction box or a marine-grade terminal strip with a waterproof cover. Apply self-fusing silicone tape over any exposed connections. For rock speakers or in-ground speakers, most include a weatherproof wiring compartment. Email support@gearit.com if you need guidance for a specific speaker model.