Big 3 in 3/0 pointless?

[Magnus 10+ year member]

Got a new whip and going to be doing the whole electrical here shortly. Looking to run about 4000 watts RMS for the sub stage and 1000 watts rms for the mids and highs. I'm going to be getting a 300 amp alternator and a couple of super buffy batts for the back as well as a nice one for the front. Should I do the Big 3 in 3/0 since I am going to be drawing about 500 amps total? Or would it be a waste because my alternator can only push out 300 amps?

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[Buck 5,000+ posts]

3/0 isn't going to hurt. I'd do it if I had the wire.

 

[MONSONwarrior Premium Member]

moar wire = less resistance.

 

[Magnus 10+ year member]

3/0 isn't going to hurt. I'd do it if I had the wire.

I know it won't hurt but I'd hate to over spend. 1/0 welding cable is rated for 350 amps, 2/0 450 amps, and 3/0 for 550 amps.

 

[sobe3yourself. 10+ year member]

if you have the wire, do it.

if not just go with 2/0 unless you dont mind spending.

its better to go with 3/0 just in case you ever want to upgrade in the future and want another alt

 

[Magnus 10+ year member]

if you have the wire, do it.
if not just go with 2/0 unless you dont mind spending.

its better to go with 3/0 just in case you ever want to upgrade in the future and want another alt

If I run dual alternators wouldn't I have to do two big 3 runs?

 

[sobe3yourself. 10+ year member]

dual 3/0 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

something to brag about

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

I mean the run to the alternator is very short, so screw it go with 4/0.

 

[power-fanatic07 5,000+ posts]

Not needed

 

[Magnus 10+ year member]

I mean the run to the alternator is very short, so screw it go with 4/0.

If I run two 300 amp alternators can't I just use 4/0 for both alternators? 1 engine block ground, 1 battery ground, and 1 alternator to alternator to battery positive? 4/0 is rated at 600 amps within 50 feet.

 

[Magnus 10+ year member]

Not needed

What would you suggest if I am running dual 300 amp alternators?

 

[power-fanatic07 5,000+ posts]

A single run of 1/0 for each alt. When you have a piece that short the wire is able to handle more current.

 

[Magnus 10+ year member]

A single run of 1/0 for each alt. When you have a piece that short the wire is able to handle more current.

Sounds logical. I've always heard that good 1/0 can handle 300+ amps. The welding cable chart states that 1/0 is rated at 350 amps at 50'.

 

[smoka 10+ year member]

Just because your alt is rated at 300a, you won't see a consistent 300a out of it.

If you need more than 1/0, then double up. It gets hard to work with larger wire.

 

[bunkerking09 10+ year member]

I think you should just have magical gnomes that are rated for 8 million amps and have them all connected for your big 3