Hey. I am getting ready to install a new 550watt amp to my 450watt amp. I am getting a non fused distribution block. the 450w has a 8g and the new amp will have a 4g power wire. What gauge should i run to the distro block? 2G 1G or 0G?

 

The bigger the better. Nothing wrong with running 0 awg. You probably do not need that big but, it will be there if you need the extra juice later.

 

Go with O awg. There is no such thing as overkill in car audio, especially in power. Even though you probably wont need it, who is to say that you wont upgrade to something that requires it someday.

Go for it,

Devildog101

 

Ok. First off i you want to do it right, then how long are the runs going to be? What amps are you using? What size are your fuses on the amps and what impediance are you running?
Ryan (1st class installer)

 

good questions

your amp draw and how long the run will be will determine the minimum ga possible

 

You would be pushing a 4 gauge main wire. Not many companies make a 2 gauge kit, you dont see them much.

So that leaves 1/0....easily available and you definatley wont need to worry about having too small of a wire.

 

4 ga not necessarily Bartak. Depends on length.

 

But he cany be using more than 15-20 feet...

 

1000W/12V = 83.33A approx. 85A. Ok? According to IASCA and MECP. (Two of the three mobile electronics main players). According to their tables:
65-85A @ 0-7ft = 6ga., @ 7-13ft = 4ga., @ 13-22ft = 2 ga., and @ 22-28ft = 1/0ga.
Also, 85-105A @ 0-7ft. = 6ga, @ 7-10ft. = 4ga, @ 10-22ft. = 2 ga., and 22-28ft = 1/0ga.

Its up to you but the rules arent made without a reason. MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional [Created by CEA]) and IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) have a reason for making the guidelines/regulations.

Bro, I do know what i am talking about, Im not trying to say you dont know your stuff. I know your product knowledge and I have seen pics of your installs. And you know a lot of stuff. But, I am a MECP First Class (aka. Silver, Advanced) Certified Installer. That means i have had to pass extensive testing and have at least one year professional experience as a Basic Installer and the basic is pretty indepth. But I have actually had close to 7 yrs doing this.

 

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I never told him to use 4 gauge

 

id 2ga it to a distro, 1/0 if you wanna upgrade later and have $$ to burn

 

Ok. Mr. Attorney

 

Dude, what is your problem??

I said 4 gauge is pushing it, which you pretty much backed up!

Yes your by the book method might say "OMG THATS A SIN YOUR GOING TO BURN FOR THAT" but in reality he WOULD be ok with 4 gauge-yes its on the upper end, but tell me when you are actually going to see 85 amps running though that wire???


I dont give a *** if you aced your damn MECP test either... Sue me.

 

I was laughing at your comment back. It was along the lines of damn your good.

 

And RMS divided by 12 volts = Amperage through the wire.