AWG wiring issue on M2-ATX...???

**Nazx** · 03-27-2008, 11:14 AM

Greetings!

Tomorrow i'm going to purchase wire in order to connect my M2-ATX plus a DC-DC regulator to car's battery and ignition (owner of seat ibiza '04)...

So as i see M2 package includes wiring of 14AWG (i don't remember right now the insulation temperature limit but certainly isn't low)...

What do u people propose? Should i buy an 14 AWG wiring running through the dash to the engine's battery (this means that wiring will not be in the open air so proper diameter and insulation must be used in order to prevent current temperature increase)?

I have been really confused about this matter so some help will be much appreciated..

PS.
Wiring won't be longer than 13-15 feet (4.5-5 meters) and as i am calculating the maximum amperage may not exceed 15 amps... I'm also concerned about high ambient temperatures in summer period (35-40 Celsius degrees)..

**Nazx** · 03-27-2008, 06:39 PM

Come on guys...

nobody knows? so many people installed a M2-ATX psu and nobody can provide some info about the diameter of the wiring he used??

in a couple of hours i' m going to buy some wire so don't get bored to give some advise here!...

**BlackStealth** · 03-27-2008, 11:08 PM

When it doubt, buy the larger gauge wire. I'm using 8 gauge wire going to my trunk.

**Nazx** · 03-28-2008, 08:01 AM

hello! thanx for ur answer! u got a point on that but more thicker wire means also more space must be available through car's chassis holes..! As I read somewhere:
"For short lengths of wire, such as is used in battery packs you should trade off the resistance and load with size, weight, and flexibility."

anybody else? any opinions about u people who used M2-ATX?

**NotYou** · 03-28-2008, 09:48 PM

The m2-atx is rated for 160watts, so I would recommend running 10 or 12gauge wire. I personally will be using 10 gauge wire, just because it was economical for me to purchase.

12 or 14 gauge wire will work fine as well, especially if your not using the m2-atx to its rated limits. You can either attach a new spade connector to the end of your wire, or use a butt splice to connect your wire to the short wires that are included with the package.

The most important thing to do is look for some wire that has a thicker plastic covering then "normal" wire at the same gauge. This helps to protect the wire better in a car environment, and reduces the chance of a short happening because of rubbing or sharp metal.

PS. Why the DC-DC regulator? The m2-atx has very decent regulation on the output voltages it products.

**galvitron** · 03-28-2008, 09:56 PM

I run 12 gauge from the battery to the M2 with an extra 15amp fuse by the battery. I used some copper speaker cable that had really thick insulation so that it would not get damaged in the engine bay.

Make sure to run the same size wire to your ground point for the M2 (not less).

The M2 has a 15amp fuse built in so another fuse is not necessary but I like to be extra safe. But don't bother if your fuse is above 15amps.

Are you pushing the M2 to it's limit? If not you can go with 12 gauge or smaller depending on the usage but you may want to put a 10amp fuse or something if your system is using 100 watts or less.

**NotYou** · 03-28-2008, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by galvitron

I run 12 gauge from the battery to the M2 with an extra 15amp fuse by the battery.

Ah yes, thank you for putting that in there for the OP -- I forgot to.

Even though the m2-atx has a fuse internal, that will only protect the m2-atx in case of a short. You need to have another fuse within 18 inches (preferably within 12 inches) of the battery. This will protect the battery in case of a short, and at the same time protect other devices from getting overloaded during that short.

**galvitron** · 03-28-2008, 10:03 PM

^^^ Definitely. Ignore my comment about it not being necessary.

**Nazx** · 03-29-2008, 08:43 AM

Hmmm... 10 gauge wire with extra plastic insulation will be fine as I see.. even using a 12 or 14 gauge will be perfect using a smaller fuse protecting from overload...
of course a second fuse on the battery's fuse block is a "must"...

about dc-dc regulator u mentioned before... No, it will not be used in serial with M2 as (u correctly said that) it has perfect regulation! I will use the regulator for future expansion outside the carpc's case, so I hv to "predict" the wattage will be required for that, while now i'm in the wiring phase..!

Thanx for your answers guys...! Much appreciated!

**Nazx** · 03-29-2008, 09:58 AM

Guys one more question....

the WHITE wire (ignition signal) to the M2-ATX how much awg cable must be?
I mean is it only used for ignition signal and automation in M2 or is it used to power up, in a matter, the M2?