Need wiring advice for running power wire....and Big 3

[papito 10+ year member]

So I decided since my new amps can't use my 1/0 Knu wiring, I am going to use the 1/0 to do my Big 3. But I was thinking, since I am not going to use all 17 feet of it, could I apply it to my new setup that way I don't have 2 runs of 4 gauge going through my body panels to get access to the battery. I thought it would be cleaner if I just used ~10 feet of the 1/0, ran it to under the drivers seat, then from there got a distribution block and ran (2) 4 gauge wires out of it to my amp.

The problem is, is that people recommend fusing the wire from alternator + , to battery + , and I really don't want to have to buy another fuse and fuse holder and stuff....

So could I not fuse the 1/0 run half way, and just fuse the 4 gauge runs only?

If that's not possible, do i really NEED a fuse from battery + to alt +?

heres a diagram so you know what I mean..

Click to read more...

 

[papito 10+ year member]

anyone

?

 

[*SlappinAzz*]

So I decided since my new amps can't use my 1/0 Knu wiring, I am going to use the 1/0 to do my Big 3. But I was thinking, since I am not going to use all 17 feet of it, could I apply it to my new setup that way I don't have 2 runs of 4 gauge going through my body panels to get access to the battery. I thought it would be cleaner if I just used ~10 feet of the 1/0, ran it to under the drivers seat, then from there got a distribution block and ran (2) 4 gauge wires out of it to my amp.

The problem is, is that people recommend fusing the wire from alternator + , to battery + , and I really don't want to have to buy another fuse and fuse holder and stuff....

So could I not fuse the 1/0 run half way, and just fuse the 4 gauge runs only?

If that's not possible, do i really NEED a fuse from battery + to alt +?

heres a diagram so you know what I mean..

how so?

 

[YoungBloodM50 10+ year member]

Why can't you use the 1/0 for your amp? Can't you just use the 1/0 sa close to the amps then a distro and 4 ga to your amp? That's what I would do.But hey, I'm a noob, so whatdoiknow?

 

[papito 10+ year member]

I'm using a PDX1000 Alpine, and honestly it looks like even 4 gauge won't fit in it. I am going to use the 1/0 as close to the amps, and under the drivers seat is the closest it's going to get to the trunk after I cut some of it for the big 3.

 

[papito 10+ year member]

anyone?

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

I did put a fuse in the big three on my car(batt+to alt output) but it caused a drop in voltage so I re-ran the wire with no fuse and it holds voltage much better without the high ohm load of a fuse in it's way

 

[papito 10+ year member]

Wow, so i guess I wont be fusing that then....

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

looking at your diagram I would add one fuse on your amps main line up by the batt and that's it(I only say run that because if there was a short it would catch fire on that long run and I have seen several get cut in the past) I would not bother with the two fuses you show in the pic, but the one that say's 0ga not fused fuse it by the battery for sure!

 

[papito 10+ year member]

So your saying to fuse the 1/0, and not fuse the 4 gauge wires coming out of the distribution block?

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Dude, based on the information you're giving, you've created a fire hazard.

Fuse any wire connected to the positive terminal of any battery - as close as possible. Use ANL fuses and decent quality fuse holders and size the fuse for the wire. With KNU 1/0 the fuse size depends if it's CCA or not.

You say routing wire through body panels. You must go through the firewall and use a grommet. Streetwires has nice grommets for cheap.

Running 1/0 back to a distribution is fine - and recommended. However, whenever you change wire size you must fuse for the new wire.

Thanks for asking the question. You need to know this stuff.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

FUSES

read this link and follow it. if you have a fire while driving you could lose control of your car and kill someone. i wouldn't ride in your car.

 

[papito 10+ year member]

OK so I am going to fuse the 1/0 to the dist block, but do i need to fuse the (2) 4 gauge wires going out of the dist block, or should I leave them alone?

 

[papito 10+ year member]

anyone/

?

 

[KyleBechtold 5,000+ posts]

If you only want to use 2 fuses/holders then:

Definitely put a fuse on the 1/0 towards the battery and one near the distro block.. if the 4 ga runs are short enough then there is not a problem just make sure they are secure..