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steveo2777787
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2004
12:20:52
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 Subject: what size power wire?
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ok. im runnin a 1000watt rms hifonics amp, and i was wondering what gauge power wire to run. the wire is goin to be about 13 feet long.
i was thinkin this kit, since it has everythin i need...
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13336
or will a 4 guage kit work?
thanks.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
10:10:53
|  RE: what size power wire?
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I don't have the exact answer, but be aware that the guage size required for your power wire will be determined by the number of amps (amperes) needed, not the watts.
Note that the amplifier's watts rating is related to the amps required, but it's not always a direct correlation, it depends on the amplifiers efficiency at turning input power into speaker output power.
Some of the electrical "rules" that I found, as I recall, was the the breakpoint between 8 and 4 guage wire was 60 amps. I didn't research the 4 to 0 guage breakpoint though.
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CJ
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
10:18:42
| RE: what size power wire?
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you might be able to get away with 4 gauge...but what is the harm in going one size bigger? plus if you ever decide to add another amp for your highs at some point you'll already have the right size wire to do it...I always go the extra in the beginning so you don't have to deal with it down the road
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
10:55:41
|  RE: what size power wire?
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http://www.crutchfield.com/installguide/S-RvPU9XlHXjU/cable_gauge.html
Agree with what both people above said :)
Figure out the current draw, then use the chart linked above for what guage wire you'll need... then go one size bigger (smaller gauge #) when possible for future upgrades.
Remember the fuse goes as close to your battery as possible - its there to protect the vehicle NOT the amp!
- John
http://www.blueoceanpress.com/~storage/truck/index.html
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
16:01:45
| RE: what size power wire?
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Good point on planning for future upgrades.
Case in point, I originally ran an 8-guage power feed for a single 4x75Watt amp. When I upgraded, by adding a sub and another amp, I found out that I was borderline on needing a 4 guage power feed, so I ended up replacing the 8-guage feed with a 4-guage feed.
I did reuse the 8-guage as I ran the 4-guage to a distribution block, then split off 2 8-guage feeds to the individual amps.
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92Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2004
00:11:12
| RE: what size power wire?
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There's not really any "breakpoint" between wire gauges.
It all has to do with length.
The most current I'd run through a 15 foot piece of 8 gauge is 60 amperes. If its a short 3 foot wire, it should take 100 amperes easily.
But, I always put more than necessary. The thicker the wire, the less the voltage drop will be. With a loosely regulated amp, there will definitely be a difference.
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92Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2004
00:21:56
| RE: what size power wire?
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Okay, I went back and looked at something I had saved.
Voltage drop = Amperage through wire x resistance per foot
A 10 gauge has a resistance of .001 ohms per foot.
So, 50 amps flowing through 10 feet would cause a voltage drop of 1/2 volt.
You could flow TWICE as much current through 5 feet and have the same voltage drop.
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Eric
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
00:06:23
| RE: what size power wire?
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steveo2777787,
This will tell you everything you need to know about what size wire for what. There is no better source.
http://sl.wus0.com/quclk.go?rd=http://www.bcae1.com/wire.htm&res=54&crid=4cbfbaae6e2ef51d&pos=1&mr=25&qu=power%20wire
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Eric
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
00:08:42
| RE: what size power wire?
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Here's a shorter link for you to copy and paste.
http://www.bcae1.com/wire.htm
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stil2hi
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
21:26:29
| RE: what size power wire?
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o/1 guage wire you should run.
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