dual 4 run like 0ga?

[dleccord 5,000+ posts]

because strand count is an indicator of flexibility, not current capacity. you would look at the cross sectional surface area to find the amount of copper in the wire, which would indicate its capabilities.
for instance, the cross sectional surface area of 1/0 is 53.5mm, to get that equivalent, you could use two runs of 3g, four runs of 6g, so on, and so on. all the measurements i used came from here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge . the cross sectional area of the wire tells you the amount of copper in the wire, letting you know its current carrying capabilities. it doesent matter how you get to your desired cross sectional area, you can use as many wire runs as it takes, the current will be devided equally among them.

and to answer this question about the "rule of thumb"...

http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_appfaqk.html#APPFAQK_009

section 17.3 - "Each increase of 3 in the gauge halves the cross sectional area. Each reduction by 3 doubles it. So, 2 AWG 14 wires is like one AWG 11."

Since everyone missed it the first time


Gauge is determined by AREA, not strands or anything else

what if the 4 gauge uses 36gauge strands and the 1/0 gauge uses 36gauge stands also, will strand count come into play in this situation? or surface area is the only way to determine what equals what?

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

Finally someone on my side.

Good try hoss. This is what I do for a living.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

You can go by area, strand count, hell, even amperage. Two 4awg lines will never equal a 1/0awg line.

150a per 4awg line x2 = 300a

350a per 1/0awg line /2 = 175a

 

[skmfkr 5,000+ posts]

Since everyone missed it the first time


Gauge is determined by AREA, not strands or anything else

lmao thats what i was thinking, the question was answered but im still seeing alot of false info

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

You can go by area, strand count, hell, even amperage. Two 4awg lines will never equal a 1/0awg line.
150a per 4awg line x2 = 300a

350a per 1/0awg line /2 = 175a

ahhh, i was looking at his "formula", not his math, and his math error... i thought you were saying that the rule that he posted was wrong, which it wasnt.

but i must admit, i didnt even notice his math error //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[nVRuckus 5,000+ posts]

well I checked it out again and 0ga isnt gonna fit but Im better off running dual 4 than a single 4 right? So I think thats what Im gonna have to do even if its not 0ga . will 2 sets of 4ga fit into a 0ga amp connection?

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

Yea you would be better off running dual 4 guage. And I would imagine since it takes about 3 pieces of 4 guage to equal 1/0, you should be able to get it in there.

 

[skmfkr 5,000+ posts]

what about 2awg?

 

[reneeb7363 10+ year member]

Finally someone on my side.
Good try hoss. This is what I do for a living.

-- lol... wonder how many people on here have an electricians license... who has ever looked at their states code book?

good info guys...

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

this was really a pretty simple question. Kinda sad it took so long to agree on the facts.

FWIW - bcae1.com has several handy calculators that do the math for you.

http://www.bcae1.com/wire.htm

 

[nVRuckus 5,000+ posts]

Yea you would be better off running dual 4 guage. And I would imagine since it takes about 3 pieces of 4 guage to equal 1/0, you should be able to get it in there.

yeah 3 wont fit, but 2 will as long as they are on top of each other and not side by side.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

What about flat 1/0awg?

I know someone sells it, but I forgot which company.

Then there is also the option of that 2awg. Maybe two runs of that.

 

[AJ²06 5,000+ posts]

IMO... [nothing scientific] 3 runs 4gauge =1/0gauge. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif