Wire Size Dropping.

**SKiTLz** · 03-15-2007, 01:31 AM

Ok so im planning on running one large wire from the battery to the distro block like suggested by most.. Heres my issue..

Ive never found a distro block with 16/18GA outputs. The opus wires are 18GA. So if i run 8GA out of the distro block (the smallest i can find) should i then fuse it when the wire size drops?

Cheers guys

**2k1Toaster** · 03-15-2007, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by SKiTLz

Ok so im planning on running one large wire from the battery to the distro block like suggested by most.. Heres my issue..

Ive never found a distro block with 16/18GA outputs. The opus wires are 18GA. So if i run 8GA out of the distro block (the smallest i can find) should i then fuse it when the wire size drops?

Cheers guys

Well you don't have to, but if you get a distro block with no individual fuses, then the guage change presents the perfect opportunity to individually fuse all your stuff. Of course a main fuse by the battery is still required too.

**SKiTLz** · 03-15-2007, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Well you don't have to, but if you get a distro block with no individual fuses, then the guage change presents the perfect opportunity to individually fuse all your stuff. Of course a main fuse by the battery is still required too.

Ok.. The distro block is fused so that should be fine then.. Great. Thanks mate..

I want a clean install so i've been reading like a mad man on electrical connections and doing things right.

**Quattro** · 03-15-2007, 02:20 AM

Technically a wire should be fused whenever there is a drop in size.

I'm pretty sure you can still connect your 16/18 AWG wire to the disrto. The distro will hold a max of 4 AWG, but will work with smaller wires as well.

**Thefdog** · 03-17-2007, 03:21 PM

Everytime you change wire size, you change the maximum amount of current the circuit can carry. Too much current and you risk melting the insulator on the wire and starting a fire. Imagine if those wires under your seat and carpet shorted out and the fuse does not blow. You will have problems.

The fuse at the battery is to protect all circuits from the fuse. The fuse when you change wire sizes protects the circuit where the wire size gets smaller and can carry less current

The recommended maximum fuse for a 16-gauge wire is 7.5A. See this site:

http://www.bcae1.com/wire.htm

Good luck

**john05srt4** · 03-18-2007, 12:34 PM

Yes my distro is 3 x 8g outputs but you could use some 14g out of it. Just might look small to the hole but splice back enough wire and shove it in and tighten it down. It will be fine.

YES always use fuses when you can

**SKiTLz** · 03-18-2007, 10:31 PM

Great guys.. Appreciate all the input...

Will post some pics of how it all goes..

**Alanh** · 03-19-2007, 03:12 PM

Blue Sea Systems makes some very nice distribution blocks with fuses. They have studs so you need crimp terminals. Makes for a neat installation if you have several circuits.

**RedGTiVR6** · 03-19-2007, 09:29 PM

terminal strips are a good solution too:

http://www.mj-garage.com/cpg/display...lbum=68&pos=43

**SKiTLz** · 03-20-2007, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

terminal strips are a good solution too:

http://www.mj-garage.com/cpg/display...lbum=68&pos=43

I just went through your page. SUPER Clean install. Something id be proud to have in my car.

Unfortunately i dont think my skills are up there for something of that cailber. I still dont full understand the concept of a terminal block. And i think im going to wear google out with all my searching.