Splittin' a 4g into 4g or....?

sdashiki · 01-09-2007, 02:34 PM

Ive currently have a 4g power wire running my car's length to the 5 channel amp in the back.

When I swap it out for 2 amps, each needing 4g power connections....

is splitting my current 4g wire into two 4gs

like this

a good idea?

or would it be better to go 2g or 1/0 and split that into 4g?

I guess the question would be is splitting a wire into two wires of the same gauge as the original wire, a good idea?

scott_fx · 01-09-2007, 02:48 PM

what are the fuse ratings on the amps?

sdashiki · 01-09-2007, 02:53 PM

JL 300/4 - 40A

JL 250/1 - 30A

recommended Fuse type

for my own info, why is this important and what does this mean for my engine compartment fuse, its rating?

XC-C30 · 01-09-2007, 03:08 PM

shouldn't be any problem to split it to even 2x 8gauge, if you're not planning on running kilometers/miles of wire.

scott_fx · 01-09-2007, 03:27 PM

for your engine compartment fuse you just want to add up the fuses in your system. so for your system you need an 70 amp fuse (if you're going to run a m1-atx psu off that distro block, you'll need an 80 amp fuse) at the battery.

the amperage and length of wire determines what gauge you'll need.

XC-C30 · 01-09-2007, 03:29 PM

but scott, since he's alread running a 4gauge all the way through it won't really matter, as long as he keeps the added wires as short as possible.

sdashiki · 01-09-2007, 03:43 PM

You can understand NOT wanting to purchase 1/0 and re-run it (the **** is like as thick as a quarter is in diameter).

Id be taking the current 4g wire, cutting it back by about 3 feet, splitting it into two 4gs and using the 3 feet or so to connect to the 2 amps.

no carputer yet, this is my gut the car, RAAMAT it, re-arrange the wires and amps.

no loot for the carpute, sound is first in my book.

Side question:

what do you prefer, a split ground block or single wires to same grounding point (bolt)?

durwood · 01-09-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by sdashiki

what do you prefer, a split ground block or single wires to same grounding point (bolt)?

Whatever is easier or looks cleaner. Stay away from seat belt bolts because they are coated in grease. You could bolt it somewhere else using your own bolt through a section of sheet metal with the paint off.

You should be fine with the 4 gauge. You can split it into two 4G or 8g if you keep it short like IC said.

scott_fx · 01-09-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by IC-C30

but scott, since he's alread running a 4gauge all the way through it won't really matter, as long as he keeps the added wires as short as possible.

yup i agree, i was just trying to enlighten him on why i wanted to know what fuses were on the amps.

here is another useful page for anyone doing a search in the future:
http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp

sdashiki · 01-09-2007, 03:58 PM

Thanks, ill be buying the stinger 4g to two 4g splitter and running two seperate grounds to the same point.

the ground point is already done and in use with my current amp.

would the battery fuse be better off going higher than equal?

Like if i need 70A would getting 90 or 100A be a bad idea?

XC-C30 · 01-09-2007, 04:17 PM

won't really matter. It's better to put in a fuse that's a little overrated, than to put in one that is underrated. EXCEPT for the ones you put in front of your amps. There you might considder the opposite.

john05srt4 · 01-09-2007, 04:43 PM

Why are you going 4g into the amps..?
Just run the 4g to fused dist block the 8g to amps.. that should be plenty if its less than 8-10 feet.
I have 4g from battery to trunk then fused block and 8g x 2 to my 2 amps that can pull 40amps max.

Mine is like this but its a 4x 8g out

sdashiki · 01-10-2007, 02:49 PM

a fused block? waste of money. the amps internal and the battery fuse should suffice.

i used to have 4 amps on a fused block, never popped one, it was pointless.

though you make a good point about going 4g to dual 8g, as both the amps can accept 8g power.

but is not keeping it 4g at least beneficial?

XC-C30 · 01-10-2007, 02:58 PM

a fused block for ground is a waste of money, but why should it be for power? I've read enough about people blowing their amps when the fuse whas still in one piece..... having a fuse in front of your equipment didn't harm anybody.... (be sure to take fuse that's rated lower than the internal fuse(s))

sdashiki · 01-10-2007, 03:01 PM

i just think having a fuse 18" from the battery, and then 12-36" away from the amps, another fuse is a bit overkill.

what am i really protecting?

if an amp blew and the fuse didnt, something went wrong in their math.

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