2/0 vs 2 1/0

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I plan on purchasing another Merlin D2 in january to go with either my MT18s or SX18s (haven't decided yet). 1 amp per sub.

So I will be looking at two 1500 watt amps. Each amp uses 1/0 ga power wire. I have an upgraded alternator and a yellow top currently. Is it better:

1) to install the yellow top in the back and having 2/0 ga wire running from the alternator to it and the leave stock wire going to the stock battery

2) leave the yellow top up front and using a terminal thing to have two strands of 1/0 running to the back to each amp. The yellow top is dual posts.

If I do this route, what should I do to hookup my diamond audio amp? It is 8 ga power wire.

I plan to compete in the spring once setup is finalized.

Thanks!

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[saywhat? 5,000+ posts]

id run the battery out back, and jump off it to the amps.

 

[knukonceptz 10+ year member]

Yes, put a second battery in the rear connected with your current 1/0. That will support charging the second battery and you can run 1/0 directly off the rear battery to the amps

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

So no need to upgrade to 00 or run new wire? Save both time and money...great!

 

[XtrmAudioCncpts 10+ year member]

id run the battery out back, and jump off it to the amps.

i was going to post that but it wasnt one of the options

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

Yes battery in the back with 1/0 to the battery.

 

[MegaHurtz 10+ year member]

Use 2 runs of 0ga, current capacity of 0ga is I believe 300-350a, 00 isn't much more than that, so 2 runs will give you the ability to pill 6-700 amps of current

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

Just to be clear...rear battery to front battery or rear battery to alternator?

What are the effects of each?

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

1500 watts will barely tickle an MT FYI

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

The fuses on the US AMPS say 160, I assume that is max current draw without modification (which I have no intention on doing). It is actually 40 x 3

 

[UndercoverPunk 5,000+ posts]

Just to be clear...rear battery to front battery or rear battery to alternator?What are the effects of each?

Rear batt to front battery, make sure they're wired in parallel.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

Rear batt to front battery, make sure they're wired in parallel.

I am not sure what that is when wiring batteries, I'll search the web for pics. Thanks

Is this correct??

http://pix.crutchfield.com/kb/dualbattery.bmp

 

[knukonceptz 10+ year member]

-(1/0 ground) - Front battery + -> 1/0 -> + Rear Battery - (1/0 ground)-

Rear Battery -> -> (x2) 1/0 -> -> amp / amp (you can do this for + and - )

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

-(1/0 ground) - Front battery + -> 1/0 -> + Rear Battery - (1/0 ground)-

Rear Battery -> -> (x2) 1/0 -> -> amp / amp (you can do this for + and - )

Crutchfield quotes:

An alternative in adding multiple batteries is wiring the batteries in parallel. Parallel wiring does not require an isolator, but the first thing to consider in parallel addition of batteries is that it is absolutely essential that both batteries be the exact same type, model, and should be as close to the same age as possible.

(If you add a second battery, then you also must replace the present battery in the vehicle). Adding batteries in parallel will present a single load to the alternator, so both batteries charge and discharge simultaneously.

One is a old battery and one is a new yellowtop...arggghhh why can't I be like most new people and say fok the electrical system.