What size primary wire???

[middlemaniac 10+ year member]

Hey, what size primary wire should I connect to my battery if I am needing it to support 2 amps for a total of 1600w max(or 760 RMS). Right now I have a 4 gauge wire connected..... do I need to get bigger wire???

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[k_schutte 10+ year member]

4awg should be fine for that if it is good wire and not some Wal-Mart crap... however, when in doubt, just go bigger...

 

[middlemaniac 10+ year member]

OK thanks....I think it is decent wire

 

[1hawaii50 10+ year member]

It all depends on how long the wire runs are. What type/brand of wire are you using?

 

[Lonnie 10+ year member]

I am using 4 gauge for 1500...4 gauge is supposedly good up to 2000ish total power. Not 100% sure but it might be a bit more than that...I remember it was for sure in the 2000s.

 

[1hawaii50 10+ year member]

I am using 4 gauge for 1500...4 gauge is supposedly good up to 2000ish total power. Not 100% sure but it might be a bit more than that...I remember it was for sure in the 2000s.

Again, It all depends on the length of the run. 4g is fine for short runs, as you lengthen the run, you'll need a bigger wire. 4g should be good out to about a 12ft. run, but you're pretty much at the limit. See these links:

http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp

http://www.crutchfield.com/Learn/learningcenter/car/cable_gauge_chart.html

As you can see, 4g will support 1400w rms...but only at a 4ft run. As you lengthen the run, the wire size needs to be bigger.