Splitting power wire
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=39910
Printed Date: July 12, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Topic: Splitting power wire
Posted By: pimpincavy
Subject: Splitting power wire
Date Posted: September 28, 2004 at 11:39 AM
Is it ok to hook up two amps to one power wire? The amps are, a Memphis 250W, and a power acoustik which im guessing is around 250-300W rms. The power wire is 8g.
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Replies:
Posted By: padawan
Date Posted: September 28, 2004 at 12:03 PM
Use a fused distribution block, it's neat, it's safe and it's the right way to do it, plus it's not that expensive, u can get one at wal mart for about $10....
Posted By: hurtado_roberto
Date Posted: September 28, 2004 at 12:12 PM
8 AWG wire does seam a bit small if you're actually going to be running a total of 500watts RMS. 4AWG seams "more better". You can buy a kit from walmart for two amplifiers that has all the accesories you need for about $30. Look at the left hand columb on this site for "power and ground" recommendations under car audio. ------------- Poly Dollies
Posted By: dxav
Date Posted: September 28, 2004 at 1:34 PM
Yeah, I would start with a 4Ga, and split to 2 8 Ga.
You need a distribution block, with a separate fuse for each amp. NEVER daisy chain amps for power.
DXAV
Posted By: jeffchilcott
Date Posted: September 28, 2004 at 6:11 PM
i always install using 4 gauge just for upgrade purposes...The cost is only about $5 more and then you can upgrade later on without ripping everything back out
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2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place
Posted By: RWillieK
Date Posted: September 28, 2004 at 9:13 PM
You can't really over kill on your power wire size. I run a 200 watt amp on 4 gauge power and ground :) I know there will never be a power delivery issue to my amp, so I can look other places if I ever have a problem.
Posted By: thapimpfromchi
Date Posted: September 29, 2004 at 12:25 AM
yea, actually u can over kill on ur power wire. i cant explain how exactly, im sure DYohn or forbidden can tell u. however, for this fella i'd go 4 ga from the batt, to a distro block, with 2 8 ga. out. same as everyone else.
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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors
Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII
Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp
Posted By: thapimpfromchi
Date Posted: September 29, 2004 at 12:27 AM
let me try, to explain that. if u have too small of wire its like tryin to empty like a bathtub full of water through a straw, but if its too big its only gonna trickle... ok yea, ill let them explain it. i suck at that.
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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors
Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII
Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp
Posted By: hurtado_roberto
Date Posted: September 29, 2004 at 12:49 AM
If the wire is too big it will have more resistance than the optimal size right. If the wire is too small it would be like forcing 1" marbles trough a 1-1/32" hole, thus creating alot of friction which turns into heat. The hotter the copper wire gets, the more resistance it has and this heat keeps building up untill you burn trough the insulation and a short occurs. That's what I think ------------- Poly Dollies
Posted By: thapimpfromchi
Date Posted: September 29, 2004 at 1:30 AM
thats exaclty what i said!!! haha. thanks.
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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors
Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII
Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp
Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: September 29, 2004 at 7:28 AM
Guys, I don't believe those two gentlemen you referenced will agree that using a larger power/ground wire size than needed will be a potential problem. A larger-than-necessary gauge does not create resistance...just the opposite occurs, which is, less resistance. RWillieK was correct in what he said.
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
Posted By: pimpincavy
Date Posted: September 30, 2004 at 12:32 PM
Thanks guys, I will get 4ga from my battery, then step down to 8ga to the amps.
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