Is it OK to substitute 16 gauge (16/2) lamp cord for wiring speakers?

Depending on the power of the amp, it should be fine. On the lamp cord, note that there is a ribbed and a non-ribbed side. This is used to keep the polarity of the speakers correct.

The "ribbed side" should be connected to the BLACK speaker terminal.

16AWG should easily be good for 100W.

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Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Depending on the power of the amp, it should be fine. On the lamp cord, note that there is a ribbed and a non-ribbed side. This is used to keep the polarity of the speakers correct.

The "ribbed side" should be connected to the BLACK speaker terminal.

16AWG should easily be good for 100W.

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Thanks for the info. Just one question. Any particular reason why ribbed side goes with black?

It's the standard that's all. Just like black, white and green for house wiring and usually red and black for Electronics test leads where red is usually positive.

When dealing with thermocouples, red is negative.

You have to put yourself in the correct world and use their standard.

When wiring lamps the ribbed conductor should go to neutral, the wide prong or the threaded part of a light bulb fixture.