What size do I really need?

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Hello Guys,

I have a total of 4,200 RMS in amplifiers and I would like to know what size/gauge of OFC or Welding Wire, and what amount of wire runs do I really need to get the maximum performance?

Thank you.

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[csu87 10+ year member]

2 runs of 1/0 to the back batteries should be fine.

may be able to get away with 1 run. I had 1 run in my car for the longest time on up to 5-6kw

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

2 runs of 1/0 to the back batteries should be fine.
may be able to get away with 1 run. I had 1 run in my car for the longest time on up to 5-6kw

that's what I currently have 1 1/0 run to positive and 1 1/0 run to negative , but I think from what I've read that's not enough, that's why I'm curious.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

i wonder the same thing, some only have 1 run some have 8 runs like WTF! I'm only in the 3K range and ima run 2 runs just to be sure

 

[MrFoca]

My old set up I had 1 run of 2/0 welding cable going to the back bank of batteries. daily I was seeing about 3500 out of the amps.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

is there any website or some information that states specifically what wire I need?

 

[MrFoca]

is there any website or some information that states specifically what wire I need?

Found this real quick. How to determine the best wire gauge - Cable Gauge Chart

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The guys using 8+ do it because it stores current for them. It's minimal but they are chasing 1/10s. You don't need anymore than you have power to go through it. Unless you have 350 plus amps in alternator power 1 run is good. I did 2 each because I was chasing numbers.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Found this real quick. How to determine the best wire gauge - Cable Gauge Chart

thanks, but wow, that formula given is giving me this retarted number of amps drawn: 608.695 amps

The guys using 8+ do it because it stores current for them. It's minimal but they are chasing 1/10s. You don't need anymore than you have power to go through it. Unless you have 350 plus amps in alternator power 1 run is good. I did 2 each because I was chasing numbers.

thanks

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

i meant 2 power runs. i dont count the ground runs. if your grounds are good and to the frame in the engine bay, and good and to the frame in the back, you shouldnt need a run from front to back.

thing is, you really only need as much as your alternator can supply. if you only have a 200amp alt, having 1000+ current carrying capacity in wire runs wont do you much good.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

i meant 2 power runs. i dont count the ground runs. if your grounds are good and to the frame in the engine bay, and good and to the frame in the back, you shouldnt need a run from front to back.
thing is, you really only need as much as your alternator can supply. if you only have a 200amp alt, having 1000+ current carrying capacity in wire runs wont do you much good.

Ok, i understand what you said about the alternator, but i want to focus on my amplifier powers only, so i can be ready and have the wiring for any future install in a different vehicle.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Anyone else?