0 AWG vs 4 AWG

[syntekz 10+ year member]

If I'm going to be running two JL Amps, probably two 300/2s, do I need to use 0 AWG power wire or would I be ok just using 4 AWG?

If 0AWG is needed I would be running power wire thru firewall and into a Distro block behind the dash board of my car. The block would then go to two 4 AWG wires that would run back to the amplifiers.

I would prefer to just use 4 AWG power wire all the way thru because it is smaller, less expensive, and easier to work with. I also wouldn't need two seperate fuse breakers, unless I'm mistaken with that statement.

Going to order power gear today, any input appreciated.

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[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

4awg should be fine for that amount of power.

 

[Raven 10+ year member]

4 guage is usually good for up to the current draw of roughly 1000 watts RMS. That said, 4 will suit you fine, 0 will be room to grow.

 

[bhsswrstlr 10+ year member]

go 000 gauge, thats room to grow

good luck drilling a hole in the fire wall though

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

3/0 isn't that bad...I've handled 4/0 before, that's really starting to get out there.

Tough finding connectors for it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[bhsswrstlr 10+ year member]

you almost have to start making them yourself, yeah ive run the 3/0 in a couple of cars at my internship, its not the most fun but its doable

 

[syntekz 10+ year member]

I think I have decided to go with the 4 AWG power wire.

By the time my system is done I will be running an amplifier for my mids/highs and an amplifier for a single 12" subwoofer.

The amplifiers will probably be two JL Audio 300/2s or something very similar to that. From what I've read, 4 AWG power should be enough.

I do have a question about Fuses and Fuse sizes though. I plan on using an Inline Fuse Holder from KnuKonceptz under the hood. What size Fuse should I use here? And also, is there any other place where I would need an additional Fuse? Should I be using a Fused distribution block or is the one under the hood good enough?

Thanks,

Gary

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

I do have a question about Fuses and Fuse sizes though. I plan on using an Inline Fuse Holder from KnuKonceptz under the hood. What size Fuse should I use here?

100A to 125A should be good.

And also, is there any other place where I would need an additional Fuse?

Nope

Should I be using a Fused distribution block or is the one under the hood good enough?

Only need a fused distrobution block if you are stepping down wire sizes at the distro block. If you are running 4ga in and 4ga out, then you don't need a fused distro block.

 

[TrlcKed_OuT 10+ year member]

what is the next step in wire after 1/0 or is therE???

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

what is the next step in wire after 1/0 or is therE???

Next step up or down? If you are going down in size, 4awg or 8ga would work (appropriately fused, ofcourse). If you want to know what sizes are bigger than 1/0, then there is 2/0, 3/0, 4/0

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

Go with the 4

 

[syntekz 10+ year member]

double post error

 

[syntekz 10+ year member]

I am going with 4AWG. I've been trying to order supplies all week but don't have much time at work and keep changing my mind anyway.

This question is somewhat related, but I don't want to start a new thread.

Can I go without an Inline Fuse holder and just buy a Distribution block with fuses that will be housed about 1.5 feet away from the battery behind my Glove Compartment inside my car. I will be using a 4-AWG power wire that goes into a 4-AWG block and outputs to two(2) 4-AWG power wires. So no wiring size changes here.

EDIT: Seems like all the Fused Blocks I found are made specifically for a wire size change. So will most likely stick with Inline Fuse Holder. Just not sure which type to buy. LOL

 

[SPL140.2 5,000+ posts]

Personally id go with 1/0 guage wire, made that mistake like 6 years ago when i was running 2 small amps. With 1/0 you can upgrade those amps with bigger ones in the future and dont have to worry or spend cash upgrading the wires. 1/0 guage gives you more options.

 

[Randy Savage 5,000+ posts]

I've got some 4/0 here //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif