the12volt.com has some very good points on big3. But, doesn't mention anything about a fuse between the Alt (+) and Bat (+). Another forum I read doesn't either.
Well, I plan on using one, near the battery side (as recommended). I am useing 4 ga, that's the largest power cable I will be using (right now) on my new amp (MTX-TA7402) whenever it comes. (SMILE) My question is: The fuse for 4 ga is supposed to be 150Amp (right). My alternator only puts out 100 amps. I would feel safer using a 100amp fuse on the Big 3 alt (+) to bat (+). I'm a little confused here. What's the deal folks? Thanks for your advice!!!
marlon
Replies (8)
swez on 09/11/2009 16:34:35
Yes, this debate is very confusing and few tend to agree on the best way to go. When in doubt, move down to the next larger wire gage. (#2 gage)
This amp is not all that powerful even when bridged Mono and run at 2 ohms. (600 Wrms @ 2 ohms bridged) Also, it's a Class A/B amp, so we tend to lose a lot of efficiency for bass applications to internal heat in the amp. (Class A/B amps are about 60% eff. Class D amps are more like 80% eff)
Finally, #4 gage wire for your Big 3 is plenty. Just leave the stock wiring in place and add #4 to the existing cables.
Swez
fmarlon on 09/11/2009 19:56:06
Thank you. What about the fuse and what size and type my friend? ty
marlon
swez on 09/11/2009 23:25:38
If you have #4 gage wire, stick to an 80-100A fuse. If it's an 80 amp system, use the AGU fuse system. However, if you're closer to 100A's go with the ANL style fuse.
Also, many ANL type fuse holders can accomodate 1/0 - #4 gage wiriing depending on the bushings used. If you have even the slightest chance to run over 100 amperes of current later, move down to 1/0 power line and it can be split to dual #4 line for sun and full range amps later.
FYI: The #4 is adequate for the Big 3 wiring upgrade and a short run into the cabin with 1/0 line. From there, one can use a D-Block that splits a 1/0 line into several #4 lines as needed. (1/0 line is rated at 300 amps, but very low resistance too. This is how the big boy players do it.
Swez
fmarlon on 09/12/2009 02:19:37
(SMILE) Thanks, in the future, the short run with the 1/0 line to spliter block to several #4 lines as needed. Say my run from battery to the back of the Tahoe is about 13 feet. Where do you advise the split to be. 1/0 is too $ .
Thanks for your time!
marlon
swez on 09/12/2009 10:11:22
It depends on where the amp(s) is/are located. Some guys put them under the seat for short RCA and power line runs. Others run wire back into the rear storage area and that takes more wire.
Consider Knukonceptz as your power line and other hardware source. They have 1/0 gage cable for $1.75/foot. They also have D blocks, fuse blocks and RCA cables that are high quality and very affordable.
http://www.knukonceptz.com/
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KLMX0R
I've used their products on installs for others and found them easy on the wallet and above average quality. The other option to consider is StreetWires. They are also high quality and priced well if one shops well for what is needed.
Swez
fmarlon on 09/12/2009 13:39:10
Oh, ok so you have all the information I need !!! Thanks No room under the elec seats or down folding rear bench. So, everything is in the back. Lots of room back there. I sure am going to be checking these sites out. (SMILE) Thanks very much !!!
Marlon
ps: excellent advice too.....
swez on 09/12/2009 23:04:12
You are most welcome and a great student with good insights that just need to be guided to get the most bang for your dollar.
Swez Smile
fmarlon on 09/15/2009 10:49:06
Hi, knukonceptz has some very competitive prices thanks for the link.
I completed the alt(+) to bat (+) cable yesterday.
marlon
Well, I plan on using one, near the battery side (as recommended). I am useing 4 ga, that's the largest power cable I will be using (right now) on my new amp (MTX-TA7402) whenever it comes. (SMILE) My question is: The fuse for 4 ga is supposed to be 150Amp (right). My alternator only puts out 100 amps. I would feel safer using a 100amp fuse on the Big 3 alt (+) to bat (+). I'm a little confused here. What's the deal folks? Thanks for your advice!!!
marlon
Replies (8)
swez on 09/11/2009 16:34:35
Yes, this debate is very confusing and few tend to agree on the best way to go. When in doubt, move down to the next larger wire gage. (#2 gage)
This amp is not all that powerful even when bridged Mono and run at 2 ohms. (600 Wrms @ 2 ohms bridged) Also, it's a Class A/B amp, so we tend to lose a lot of efficiency for bass applications to internal heat in the amp. (Class A/B amps are about 60% eff. Class D amps are more like 80% eff)
Finally, #4 gage wire for your Big 3 is plenty. Just leave the stock wiring in place and add #4 to the existing cables.
Swez
fmarlon on 09/11/2009 19:56:06
Thank you. What about the fuse and what size and type my friend? ty
marlon
swez on 09/11/2009 23:25:38
If you have #4 gage wire, stick to an 80-100A fuse. If it's an 80 amp system, use the AGU fuse system. However, if you're closer to 100A's go with the ANL style fuse.
Also, many ANL type fuse holders can accomodate 1/0 - #4 gage wiriing depending on the bushings used. If you have even the slightest chance to run over 100 amperes of current later, move down to 1/0 power line and it can be split to dual #4 line for sun and full range amps later.
FYI: The #4 is adequate for the Big 3 wiring upgrade and a short run into the cabin with 1/0 line. From there, one can use a D-Block that splits a 1/0 line into several #4 lines as needed. (1/0 line is rated at 300 amps, but very low resistance too. This is how the big boy players do it.
Swez
fmarlon on 09/12/2009 02:19:37
(SMILE) Thanks, in the future, the short run with the 1/0 line to spliter block to several #4 lines as needed. Say my run from battery to the back of the Tahoe is about 13 feet. Where do you advise the split to be. 1/0 is too $ .
Thanks for your time!
marlon
swez on 09/12/2009 10:11:22
It depends on where the amp(s) is/are located. Some guys put them under the seat for short RCA and power line runs. Others run wire back into the rear storage area and that takes more wire.
Consider Knukonceptz as your power line and other hardware source. They have 1/0 gage cable for $1.75/foot. They also have D blocks, fuse blocks and RCA cables that are high quality and very affordable.
http://www.knukonceptz.com/
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KLMX0R
I've used their products on installs for others and found them easy on the wallet and above average quality. The other option to consider is StreetWires. They are also high quality and priced well if one shops well for what is needed.
Swez
fmarlon on 09/12/2009 13:39:10
Oh, ok so you have all the information I need !!! Thanks No room under the elec seats or down folding rear bench. So, everything is in the back. Lots of room back there. I sure am going to be checking these sites out. (SMILE) Thanks very much !!!
Marlon
ps: excellent advice too.....
swez on 09/12/2009 23:04:12
You are most welcome and a great student with good insights that just need to be guided to get the most bang for your dollar.
Swez Smile
fmarlon on 09/15/2009 10:49:06
Hi, knukonceptz has some very competitive prices thanks for the link.
I completed the alt(+) to bat (+) cable yesterday.
marlon
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