How do you know what Gauge wire you use for an amp installation kit, does it go by rms and what gauge is good upt o what wattage and things liek that, I know it is a general question but I am just curious to see.
Replies (4)
Ash on 06/8/2006 17:27:09
Actually the bigger the better in terms of flow, as long as it's not overkill.
For instance, I usually use 8 awg in compact vehicles using no more than 450 rms total (sub and mid/high amp). You could go to 4 here but the short length doesn't make it necessary. If you are going for more power then at least 4 awg with some distribution blocks split to 8 awg would be needed.
If a bigger car with a longer length required then the latter would be better as well. Of course, if a competition setup is used, a even heavier wire would be implemented.
Just the basics stated here unless you need more specifics. Oh, and don't forget the use of high quality wire if possible. That's important as well.
swez on 06/8/2006 19:22:57
Right, we are looking at wattage amps use and total length of wire from BAT to amps.
The longer the wire, the more resistance it has at longer lengths. Here, it's better to go up one size for minimal voltage losses to amp(s).
In general terms:
1. Power draw, less than 500 watts (40 amperes) use #8 gage wire below 12 feet (4 meters)
2. Power draw, 500 - 1000 watts (80 amperes) us e #4 gage wire...
3. If wire run is longer than about 12 feet, drop to next larger gage.
Good wires from Streetwires, Stinger and Knukonceptz. Some of the lowest ohms per foot ratings out there. Yet, very affordable.
http://www.cardomain.com/shoplist~b~Streetwires~t~Power+Wires
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?category=Kolossus%20Kable
http://www.cardomain.com/shoplist~b~Stinger~t~Power+Wires
Swez
BgDustin4 on 06/8/2006 22:29:33
dose it matter what brand u ues i ues the ones from wal-mart (don't kill me :) ) i have had not porb with em
swez on 06/8/2006 23:03:11
The main thing is getting low resistance in the length of wire used. If you use wire that nets less than 0.5 volts drop from the BAT to amp(s), good nuff.
1. Battery readings 12.0 volts (engine off)
2. Amp readings 11.5 volts or higher, good to go!
Swez
Replies (4)
Ash on 06/8/2006 17:27:09
Actually the bigger the better in terms of flow, as long as it's not overkill.
For instance, I usually use 8 awg in compact vehicles using no more than 450 rms total (sub and mid/high amp). You could go to 4 here but the short length doesn't make it necessary. If you are going for more power then at least 4 awg with some distribution blocks split to 8 awg would be needed.
If a bigger car with a longer length required then the latter would be better as well. Of course, if a competition setup is used, a even heavier wire would be implemented.
Just the basics stated here unless you need more specifics. Oh, and don't forget the use of high quality wire if possible. That's important as well.
swez on 06/8/2006 19:22:57
Right, we are looking at wattage amps use and total length of wire from BAT to amps.
The longer the wire, the more resistance it has at longer lengths. Here, it's better to go up one size for minimal voltage losses to amp(s).
In general terms:
1. Power draw, less than 500 watts (40 amperes) use #8 gage wire below 12 feet (4 meters)
2. Power draw, 500 - 1000 watts (80 amperes) us e #4 gage wire...
3. If wire run is longer than about 12 feet, drop to next larger gage.
Good wires from Streetwires, Stinger and Knukonceptz. Some of the lowest ohms per foot ratings out there. Yet, very affordable.
http://www.cardomain.com/shoplist~b~Streetwires~t~Power+Wires
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?category=Kolossus%20Kable
http://www.cardomain.com/shoplist~b~Stinger~t~Power+Wires
Swez
BgDustin4 on 06/8/2006 22:29:33
dose it matter what brand u ues i ues the ones from wal-mart (don't kill me :) ) i have had not porb with em
swez on 06/8/2006 23:03:11
The main thing is getting low resistance in the length of wire used. If you use wire that nets less than 0.5 volts drop from the BAT to amp(s), good nuff.
1. Battery readings 12.0 volts (engine off)
2. Amp readings 11.5 volts or higher, good to go!
Swez
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