8gauge vs 4gauge in this situation
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=108074
Printed Date: May 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Topic: 8gauge vs 4gauge in this situation
Posted By: daburrrninator
Subject: 8gauge vs 4gauge in this situation
Date Posted: October 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I'm debating whether to go with 8 or 4 gauge cable for my 2 small amps (50rms x 4 and 200rms). I was thinking of going with 4 gauge into a distribution block and using 8 to the 2 amps, but 4 gauge seems like a bit of overkill. I was hoping to not to have to drill any holes in the firewall and if I use 8 gauge I wont have to, for 4 I most likely will. Charts online are pointing me one way and another chart points me the other way. What would you use? Keep in mind I dont plan on upgrading to anything more powerful.
Replies:
Posted By: haemphyst
Date Posted: October 10, 2008 at 5:11 PM
"Overkill? This isn't a game of 'kick the ouphe'". (You Magic - The Gathering players will hopefully recognize that flavor text!)
There is no such thing as overkill when power transfer is involved. All the #4 will do is allow an upgrade path, (You'll get bit, and want to upgrade... whether you want to or not, PRESENTLY) as well as even less voltage drop to the back. What's the difference in total cost? Maybe 20 dollars? Spend it, you and your amps will be happier!
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It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."
Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: October 10, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Yeah I've never said to myself "man I wish I hadn't ran that larger cable a year ago when I first installed this stuff".
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Kevin Pierson
Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: October 10, 2008 at 9:37 PM
The spiz has spoken......
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Posted By: memfus_boi
Date Posted: October 10, 2008 at 9:52 PM
yea it is overkill but i would say go with 4 guage just in case u decide 2 upgrade in the future, u wont have to worry about gettin new wires
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If I'm to loud, then you're too old!!!
Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: October 10, 2008 at 11:58 PM
daburrrninator wrote:
Keep in mind I dont plan on upgrading to anything more powerful.
8 ga. will handle the current just fine. My crystal ball is broke and I can't see your future, so I don't know about the upgrade that you haven't planned yet. ------------- Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
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