Okay to use different size power and ground wire?

[Mills561 10+ year member]

Installing a set of components and small amp to power them. The amp is about 200 watts total (~50 watts x 4 ch). Currently half way through the set up but need a power wire. I used 4 gauge for the ground wire. Wondering if there would be any adverse effects of using different size wire for the power and ground? For example- 4 awg for ground wire and 8 awg for the power. Money is an issue... I am a broke college student so I try to save money in anyway possible.

Thanks for any replies.

Click to read more...

 

[BrownVanMan 10+ year member]

as long as your not exceding the power limit of the 8g i dont see why not ive done it

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

You could use 8 gauge for the power and ground on that amp. It's depends on current draw vs cable length. Most people use oversized cable assuming they will some day add more power, but also because they have no idea of the actual current draw with music playing. The same goes with fuses on the power cable.

Recommended Power and Ground Cable Sizes & Speaker Wire Size and Length

 

[ummduh 10+ year member]

Sure. The amount of power a wire can handle has a lot to do with the length of the run. Just cuz you need say a 0 gauge power run at 10' long, the 1' long ground wire doesn't NEED to be the same gauge.

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

As long as the ground wire, meets or exceeds the size and quality of the power wire, you'll be fine. And in your situation, you will be fine.