need to upgrade electrical?

[Chow 10+ year member]

Do I need to upgrade my electrical and get a capacitor or other items. I will be installing a 15 l7 using a hifonics bxi1206d amp running 0ga kicker pkd1 kit.

If I just do the Big 3 will I be safe? I don't want to kill a battery or alternator. I will be installing everything this weekend.

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[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

depends on wat car u have, but Big3 should be good enough. NO capacitor plz

 

[Chow 10+ year member]

dont know if it helps but its an 03 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ

 

[wesl56 10+ year member]

that amp doesnt use that much powah... just do the big 3 NO capatater plzkthx

 

[Chow 10+ year member]

that amp doesnt use that much powah... just do the big 3 NO capatater plzkthx

so 1200w at 1ohm really is not that much? I thought that 0ga pulls a lot more than just a 4ga.

So I shouldn't have any issues if I hook everything up as long as I have the Big3. My friend said that he has been stranded a few times but then got a power block or something to distribute the flow of power to the system and the battery.

 

[BobbyDD 10+ year member]

Just don't play your radio with the car off and you'll be fine.

 

[Chow 10+ year member]

So is the big 3 necessary for me to complete before i hook everything up, or can I wait a few days later because I think I need to get more 0ga wire. and a fuse

 

[bk12321 10+ year member]

So is the big 3 necessary for me to complete before i hook everything up, or can I wait a few days later because I think I need to get more 0ga wire. and a fuse

Well you will be getting voltage drops during thosse few days, I wouldn't do it but as long as it isn't prolonged I don't know that it would hurt it that much if at all. Get the big 3 in ASAP.

 

[Chow 10+ year member]

should I use the same size fuse that came with my kicker kit (300A) for the big3?

 

[wesl56 10+ year member]

so 1200w at 1ohm really is not that much? I thought that 0ga pulls a lot more than just a 4ga.
So I shouldn't have any issues if I hook everything up as long as I have the Big3. My friend said that he has been stranded a few times but then got a power block or something to distribute the flow of power to the system and the battery.

the wire size has nothing to do with how much powah its using... and i have no idea what yo friend is talking about

So is the big 3 necessary for me to complete before i hook everything up, or can I wait a few days later because I think I need to get more 0ga wire. and a fuse

no, its not immediately necessary... it will be fine if you do it a few days later

should I use the same size fuse that came with my kicker kit (300A) for the big3?

i assume you're talking about a fuse between the alternator and the batttery? ALWAYS fuse according to the wire rating i.e. in case of an overload, you want your fuse to burn up before your wire does

 

[Chow 10+ year member]

i assume you're talking about a fuse between the alternator and the batttery? ALWAYS fuse according to the wire rating i.e. in case of an overload, you want your fuse to burn up before your wire does

so would a 150 or 200 work if I don't have a 300a fuse?

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[wesl56 10+ year member]

200

 

[Chow 10+ year member]

OK will I be ok with a 150a for a day or 2, the 300a are in the mail.

 

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

so 1200w at 1ohm really is not that much? I thought that 0ga pulls a lot more than just a 4ga.
So I shouldn't have any issues if I hook everything up as long as I have the Big3. My friend said that he has been stranded a few times but then got a power block or something to distribute the flow of power to the system and the battery.

Wire does not pull power. The amps pull power. The wire allows the power to be pulled. What you said is like saying that having a bigger wallet makes you more rich. Or like saying that putting on bigger clothes makes you fatter. Get it?

The reason you use bigger wire is to allow more current to be drawn by the amps. If your wire was too small, it would burn (or your fuse would fry if you used the correct size)

so would a 150 or 200 work if I don't have a 300a fuse?

For now, yes. It is perfectly safe, there is just a higher chance of you blowing it if you crank it.

And you don't need a capacitor. Very few people know how to properly implement a cap, and for the majority of applications it's a waste of money.

How many amps is your alternator? If you experience dimming, you may need a new one.