stereo fusing, wire gauge, etc

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=136705
Printed Date: May 10, 2025 at 7:16 AM

Topic: stereo fusing, wire gauge, etc

Posted By: ankur104
Subject: stereo fusing, wire gauge, etc
Date Posted: May 27, 2014 at 1:02 PM

Hi Guys,
So i have a friend with a 2004 Infinti G35 who wants full stereo done. Im just trying to buy everything before i install and am missing something.
Amplifier Info
1. Pioneer GM-d8604 400 watts RMS - 4ohm (60 Amps)
2. Alpine PDX-M6 600 watts RMS - 4 ohm (80 Amps)
3. 1/0 Knu Konceptz Flex Big 3 upgrade if needed will be done.

1. The questions i have is can i use 4 gauge for the big 3 because its more like a 2 gauge compared to the cheap crap that is out there?
2. Can i run 4 gauge off battery to 150 fuse for main, then 4 gauge to both amps with a distribution block that has a 80 amp and 60 amp fuse?
3. Or is he going to need a alternator upgrade off the start?
Thanks guys..

Replies:

Posted By: racerjames76
Date Posted: May 27, 2014 at 1:09 PM

Run one run of 0 gauge for the amps, or two runs of 4 gauge. You are at the upper limit of most 4 gauge wires for one run. 1000w. That is assuming a 17ft run of wire. Might be able to get away with it considering neither of those amps are super efficient so their ratings and way too high. Short run...maybe? I personally go as big as possible just to have that knowledge of safety and room to upgrade later if desired. Wire once and be done.

posted_image

-------------
To master and control electricity is perfection. *evil laugh*

Posted By: ankur104
Date Posted: May 27, 2014 at 1:24 PM

racerjames76 wrote:

Run one run of 0 gauge for the amps, or two runs of 4 gauge. You are at the upper limit of most 4 gauge wires for one run. 1000w. That is assuming a 17ft run of wire. Might be able to get away with it considering neither of those amps are super efficient so their ratings and way too high. Short run...maybe? I personally go as big as possible just to have that knowledge of safety and room to upgrade later if desired. Wire once and be done.

okay if i run the 0 gauge instead for main power, are my fuse ratings correct? Also the stock alternator is 110amps so if do the big 3 upgrade will 4 gauge be sufficient enough or i HAVE to use 0 gauge?
Thanks for reply...

Posted By: futurelead
Date Posted: May 27, 2014 at 2:47 PM

i'd do a single "minimum" 2awg to a dist. block, a stiffening cap to help with the lack of surge current available. and very important, upgrade the grounds from the battery to the body, and from the battery to the engine block ( Alternator ). for the fuses I add the fuse total on the amps up and use that total as a guide for the battery end fuse, and put the same size fusing as each amp at each branch of the dist. block.