Size of power wire

RanDJ8487 · 04-21-2008, 07:23 PM

Hey guys, in my old car I had power running to the battery for every amp that I had, I was wondering about being able to run one big power cable from the battery and then using some type of terminal to split it into smaller to possibly be able to power my 2 amps and PC. (I would have a capacitor hooked up with the large wire as well, maybe this could act at the splitter terminal) Anyway if this is possible, how would I go about determining the correct sizes? Thanks for your time

Randy

rgarjr · 04-21-2008, 07:52 PM

Depends on how much power the amps need. I would go with a 0 or 4 gauge. The splitters are called distribution box.

hailrazer · 04-21-2008, 08:03 PM

CarStereoGuy24 · 04-23-2008, 11:41 PM

The charts above are sure to help you! You don't want to use your capacitor as your distribution block. You need to use an actual distribution block so each amp has it's own fused connection. The capacitor shouldn't be placed on the main, thicker power cable, but the thinner power cable inbetween the distribution block to the amplifier powering your subwoofer(s), within a foot or two, atleast. This is because your subwoofers are going to need the extra power when hitting those "peak" bass notes. You shouldn't have to worry about saving energy to a capacitor and dispersing it from a capacitor to an amplifier powering full-range speakers. TRUST, your subwoofers need it more! Plus, most amplifiers rated 300 watts RMS or so (amplifiers powering full-range speakers for example) are not in need of a capacitor anyhow.
Here's another diagram (below) showing you what size power cable (main power cable) you should use for the amount of total watts from your amplifier(s).

Genesisfactor · 04-24-2008, 12:34 AM

i guess i'll just condense this.

1) Add up your MAX intended wattage. In other words, add together your PSU, your two amps, and anything else you may want to run, such as screens and what not

2) take that number, and correlate it to those charts. I can't see you running more than a 4 gauge wiring if you're doing a normal set up, but if you're into SPL, then i can see 2 or 0.

3) Get a distro block. If you're interested in saving money, i know a GREAT ebay seller who has some higher end gear on the extremely cheap. search "trucktunes" under ebay sellers. He's friendly and courteous and very knowledgeable.

4) get wiring. You can do the trip to Home depot like i did or get an amp wiring kit, and just get your 8 gauge and your ring terminals.

5) complete your wiring

CarStereoGuy24 · 04-24-2008, 01:32 AM

ALSO...it kind of sounds like you're an amplifier lover (Who isn't? I mean, amplifiers do provide louder, more powerful music!), if you're planning on upgrading to amplifiers that are more powerful, or thinking about adding more down the road, you should ALWAYS start with a thicker power cable. This will eliminate any headaches of having to uninstall the old power cable and replacing it with a new one.

RanDJ8487 · 04-24-2008, 11:25 AM

I know this us kinda unrelated but lets say i wanted to install some led lights or something to light up with the doors open. After I find the wire that goes live after the doors open what do I do? I know I shouldn't just split it wire up to the leds bc it may be too much for the factory wire. do they have blocks that would just use this wire as a on off switch persay and and put in power another way say from the distribution block coming from the car battery. Thanks for being patient with me lol Im a computer guy not as much a car guy in any aspect but im learning!

Genesisfactor · 04-24-2008, 12:54 PM

this is where electronics come in. wire your leds to your 12V line *hint, its connected to your cigarette lighter* Although you could wire it to the distro....please don't

you could fry they little things