4 ga and 8 ga current flow

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=89191
Printed Date: September 13, 2025 at 4:34 PM

Topic: 4 ga and 8 ga current flow

Posted By: snhtown
Subject: 4 ga and 8 ga current flow
Date Posted: January 18, 2007 at 10:32 PM

hey, i have a weird question maybe. i have a distabution block that takes one 4 ga in and splits two 8 ga out. i am going to wire one 4 ga in, and instead of doing both 8 ga out, i am going to run one 8 ga out and one 4 ga out....so im thinking that so much power/current is flowing though/from this 4 ga wire, now when i use a dist. block and split this flow in half (two 8 ga wires) everything is fine. but what happens to the current flow if i use one 8 ga wire and one 4 ga wire instead? is there any drop in voltage or current or anything. would the two amps both see the same amount of power? did i explain this right? im known to be bad at placing thoughts into words

Replies:

Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: January 19, 2007 at 6:08 AM

There will be no appreciable voltage drop as long as the power wire you use is the right size for your application, and your charging system is up to the task. Also, remember to fuse accordingly.

-------------
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: January 19, 2007 at 8:18 AM

Wire size has nothing to do with how much current an amp will draw, only in how much current is safe for the wire to carry. Use any wire capable of carrying a larger amount of current than the amp (or whatever your load is) will need.

-------------
Support the12volt.com