amp wiring

I have three 1000W amps, I have a 4AWG wire from the battery to a distribution block and three 8AWG wires from the distribution block to the three amps (one to each amp). I haven't installed it all yet as I am unsure if my wires are thick enough. Can someone please help me?

Your application isnt for welding with that type of continuous high current draw.

Even IF your amps were anywhere near their rating, you wouldnt be able to pull that contunuously, not even close and not for a few milliseconds.

I've used that guage wire on home audio with a Class-A amp rated at a true 1000w peak, and it would make the lights in my house dim if I R E A L L Y cranked it.

(was also hot enough to roast a mashmellow)

So in my semi-expert humble opinion I think those guages are just fine as long as you have plenty of clean contact areas.

If they are cheap 1000 watt peak amps and overrated on power, 4 gauge may work. If that is RMS rating, 4 gauge is nowhere near close to being big enough wire for 3 of them. What exactly are the amps and there fuse ratings? If their combined fuse rating for all three amps is 150A or less you will be ok. If they are over then you need new wire. 4 gauge can only carry 150A.

Right^^^ Anyway... I hope I'm not going to intrude but I think this is a relevant question. So, j.reed how strictly should you follow the max amps running through 4AWG? I just realized I have 2 amps (Eclipse XA4200, XA1200)with a combined fuse ratting of 160A and kicker 4AWG from my battery with 150A fuse at the battery going to a distribution block going down to 8AWG to the amps. Will this set up trip the 150A fuse at my battery?

Eclipse XA4200 4-Channel Class D Car Amplifier

RMS Power Rating:

• 4 ohms: 100 watts x 4 chan.
• 2 ohms: 200 watts x 4 chan.
• Bridged, 4 ohms: 400 watts x 2 chan.

Max power output: 1000 watts

MOSFET power supply

4-gauge power and ground wiring is required for installation.

Number of Channels	4
RMS Power (4 ohms)	100 watts x 4 channels
RMS Power (2 ohms)	200 watts x 4 channels
RMS Power (1 ohm)	N/A
Bridged RMS Power	400 watts x 2 channels
Total RMS Power Output	800 watts
Peak Power Output	250 watts x 4 channels
Total Peak Power Output	1000 watts

================================================================

Eclipse XA1200 Class D Monoblock Car Amplifier with ICE Technology

RMS Power Rating:

• 4 ohms: 350 watts x 1 chan.
• 2 ohms: 500 watts x 1 chan.

Max power output: 600 watts

MOSFET switching power supply

4-gauge power and ground wiring is required for installation.

Amplifier Class	D
Number of Channels	1 - Mono
RMS Power (4 ohms)	350 watts x 1 channel
RMS Power (2 ohms)	500 watts x 1 channel
RMS Power (1 ohm)	N/A
Bridged RMS Power	N/A
Total RMS Power Output	500 watts
Peak Power Output	600 watts x 1 channel
Total Peak Power Output	600 watts

These ratings are the max that the MOSFETS can do, not what you'll be able to do with the amps cranked up in your vehicle.

https://www.the12volt.com/ohm/page2.asp

WATTS \ VOLTS = AMPS

So even if you could obtain that insanely theoretical maximum without getting shot by a neighbor, you wouldnt blow the 150A fuse at the battery, based on only the parts listed.

.

Good to know I figured it would be ok because of what you said...it would have to all be maxing out to blow... which I don't plan on achieving Thanks      

Big 3...? What's the wire from alt to battery look like(size?)... How about from the negative terminal to chassis...While doing the install...At least upgrade the negative terminal to chassis(i'm sure you can use some extra wire from the 4g)...Maybe even have enough extra wire to upgrade that alt. to battery connection...?!  Also it is recommended to use a fused dist block...M.E.C.P & First-Class

Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!

z03mz03m wrote: Good to know I figured it would be ok because of what you said...it would have to all be maxing out to blow... which I don't plan on achieving Thanks

Yeah you only have 1300rms total. You will be more than fine. You wont see over 150A draw unless something was wrong. As for the original poster. Still don't know what the amps really are. If they are true 1000rms amps, 4 gauge and 150A is not going to cut it.

j.reed wrote: As for the original poster. Still don't know what the amps really are. If they are true 1000rms amps, 4 gauge and 150A is not going to cut it.

Agreed that sounds lean depending on his amps and what they could be pushing.

OP, what are the exact models of those amps, and do you have any pwr cable left from the install?

Thanks both of you! Concerning the original post; as an example I used to be using a Legacy 2000W amp hooked up to my infinity 12 and it got pretty loud for one 12 but the amp's brochure said it was only 150W RMS x2 @ 4ohm. Now that I have my xa4200 rear 2ch powering that same sub(temporary) giving it 200W RMS I don't think the legacy was even pushing a real 300W not to mention the difference in cleanness. Can you say UPGRADE?