Wiring Kits (what gauge?)
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=15457
Printed Date: October 31, 2024 at 6:06 PM
Topic: Wiring Kits (what gauge?)
Posted By: Lebult
Subject: Wiring Kits (what gauge?)
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 8:01 PM
Hey, I'm not sure what Gauge of wire to use for my power and ground cables, for my Amp install. I looked the chart here on The12Volt, and it says I should use 8 Gauge. But what if I use 4 Gauge wire??
Will it be too much, or will it be fine?? Thanks in advance,
Replies:
Posted By: xetmes
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 8:10 PM
using large gauge wire will not harm it in any way, just cost more. It will actually offer less resistance. I would reccommend using 4 gauge incase you want more power later.
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 8:14 PM
How many watts is your setup?
Posted By: ViperFreak_01
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 7:30 AM
Best bet is to go 4 guage, but 8 guage is usually suffiecient dependant on the wattage of your system...
Posted By: MrStangMan
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 8:27 AM
Does anyone use 2 gauge? According to the chart on the12volt, the suggests using 2 gauge for the distance and RMS i plan on pushing to my system. I dont hear many people talking about 2 gauge, and 2 gauge wiring kits dont seem to be too popular. I see a lot of people using 4 gauge. I plan on running 2 subs that are 400W RMS (1600 Peak), plus another amp to push my speakers. So i think im loooking between 800-1000W RMS. I have a mustang convert, im not quite sure how long of cable it will take to run to the trunk though. Any input is appriciated.
Posted By: Cowboyclaude
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 8:51 AM
Most people jump up to 1/0 wire after 4 guage. Once you get into the 1000w area, it's a good idea because you're going to be drawing a lot of current to feed those amps. Also, make sure your alternator can provide that amount of current. What amps are you going to use?
Posted By: MrStangMan
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 6:50 PM
Why do they skip 2 gauge? Any particular reason? I was thinking running 2g cause i dont think ill need 1/0g, but i guess too much isnt a problem, i might go with the 1/0, incase i ever decide to add anything else, it wont be a problem. I think my alternator is 75A (03 mustang), is that enough to push around 1000W RMS? I havnt decided on amps yet.. but probably something like jbl 1200.1, or a rockford fosgate that pushes around 800RMS for the subs, and something small to power the speakers. So since 4 gauge is probably not enough for my system, you suggest 1/0 instead? Thanks
Posted By: ezridr
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 7:00 PM
There isn't a whole lot of diffenece between the 2g and 1/o, only that there is more connectors and distribution blocks and such for the 1/0. I think the only company that offers 2g in a kit is Rockford Fosgate. Just make sure also that you upgrade the wires from your alternator to your battery and make sure you have sufficient capacitience for your amps. With a stock alternator and 1 1000 watt amp I would reccomend at least 3 farads worth of capacitience.
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My mechanic told me, "I couldn't fix your brakes, so I made your horn louder"
Posted By: xetmes
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 7:26 PM
drawing 1000 W RMS is around 80 Amps, at 100% effeciency, so you are looking at over 100 amps on a 75 amp alternator, you might want to upgrade that.
Posted By: MrStangMan
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 7:56 PM
I was thinking thatd be the response. I wasnt exactly counting on having to install a new alternator. Ive heard so many people talking about their high power systems, but havnt heard much about people upgrading their alternator. Is it common and i just didnt realize it? Would i still need to upgrade my alternator if i put 3 farads worth of capacitience in it? I wont be blaring the system at full volume all the time, itll be loud, but not pushing all it can. I guess ill have to wait till i make my final decision on what amps and stuff im going to use, and see if itll be necessary. Thanks for the help guys!
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: June 26, 2003 at 8:20 PM
Check back with them in a few years after they've been maxing out their stock alternators constantly for a couple years and find themselves with a dying alternator. ------------- Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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