Hey guys, I recently installed a cheap 4 channel amp for my 4-way Pioneer speakers. The speakers are rated for 60 Watts RMS 260 Watts Max. The amp is 55 X 4 RMS.
I used 8 Gauge power and ground hookups which the amp kit said was good up to 600W. I have the gain set at about 75%.

I have found a better 4 channel amp that i would like to purchase that
is 650 Watts. 100 X 4 RMS, but I would only like to use about 50% gain on this one to keep with the speaker RMS values.

However, this amp uses 4 Gauge Power and Ground.

Do i have to install new 4 gauge wiring even if i do not have the gain turned all the way up on the amp?
I do not want a fire hazard in my truck!
I am not the expert on amps, so i thought i would ask some people
on this site with more experience.

Thanks,
tsvsega

 

I think you should be fine. You are just using it for the door speakers and not overloading the amp. I could be wrong but I would leave it if it was me.

 

100 watts RMS x 4 will pull about 58A max. I would personally use 4 AWG for any load over 50A that ran the length of my truck, but you're probably safe considering you don't plan on using full output.

Having said that, it's always better to err on the side of caution, so puliing 4 AWG when you have a couple of hours shouldn't be too bad. It's not a good feeling knowing that you can't turn your system up all the way because it might be a fire hazard. If you do, don't forget to change the ground to 4 AWG also.

 

Change the cable when you get a chance - the lower resistance will do your amp good.

If you properly fuse the power cable, you won't have a fire hazard...

 

Yes! Fused as close to the battery as possible with the lowest value you can get away with. If you pull the 4 AWG, go with a 60A fuse.