Ok so I need some help from the experts here. I recently installed a Rockford 501x amp to power my Infinity 5x7's, when they wired the amp I had them use 4 gauge wire. I just got my sub amp, a Rockford 501bd, and it will be installed soon. My question is: Is it worth the extra cash to upgrade my current wire to 0 gauge or is that large of wire just overkill??? I am thinking the 4 gauge is plenty, but I want to make sure I do the system right, so let me know if it is worth it.

 

I'm no expert, but 4 ga. is fine. I have two amps running off of 4 ga. with a 100 amp inline fuse by the battery. Pushing a total of 600 watts and I have no electrial issues at all.

 

Keep the 4ga - especially if you are only running your cab speakers... the 0 guage would be an over overkill!

 

Even if you add your sub amp you should be fine.

 

Thanks for the info, I just wanted to make sure that with the two amps that they would be getting enough power. I have a problem with overdoing things, thanks again.

 

I'm gonna go against the grain and say yes on the larger power wire. Those RF amps are some current eating ****** and will knock back some amperage in a hurry. I'd say leave the 4 gauge and add a cap or upgrade the main lead to at least 0 (is that even a gauge???) and split off with a distribution block to 4 gauge to the amps and keep the block near the amps. I run 1/0 for 1800 RMS

This would be one area you can not "overdo". Upgrading your alternator wire and grounds will also help your charging system keep up with the draw.

 

If that extra .1v is worth it to you then go with 0awg.

 

Ok I have an Optima Red Top Battery and I have a 1 Farad Cap that will be installed with the Power 501bd. I just got a Stinger Digital fused distribution block so whatever wire I have will run from the battery to the distribution block and then off to each amp along with to the cap. It is only about $50 more for the larger wire and I just don't know if I need it or not, I do agree that it can't hurt, and yes I believe the correct term is 1/0 gauge. Does anyone else have anything to say???

 

josho 66, how long of a run is it to your amps from the batt. Are they under the seats or on the back wall?

Deus, it has nothing to do with voltage and everything to do with amperage. Like I said, RF amps really knock back some current and require lots of juice to play efficiently. Esp. 1000 watts worth.

 

Ok. The power wire runs from my battery, through the fire wall on the driver side and then under/along the door sill on the driver side and then into a distribution block. The larger wire may be harder to get under the carpet or along the door sill but I imagine my install shop can do something. The length: From the battery to under the rear seats, so with the bends and things maybe 15 or 20 feet. So what do you think???

 

I'd say swap out the 4 for 1/0 or run another 4 gauge for the new amp. You will not be dissapointed with the results and is a cheap price to pay for the extra juice you will get when you crank it up....

That is a pretty big run and yes the 1/0 will fit under the carpet.

 

josh, go to Click Here and click on Wires. I believe it is #16 on the right hand side. There are a bunch of calculators to figure your power wire sizes and the resistance @ certain lengths. This is where I have gotten the calculations on your setup.

 

Thanks for all the help, looks like it will be a good idea to go with the larger wire, that calculator is pretty nice. Thanks again..

 

The calc is a good tool. But from the sounds of it 4 awg would be more than fine. However if you do have excepssive dimming then the larger wire can help out.

How long is the run of 0 awg and how many amps are you going to be drawing (max current draw)?

If you need some 0 to 4 awg dist blocks and what not let me know as I may have for sale.

 

I am not quite for sure what current they will draw, they are fairly large amps so I don't know. I still haven't made my mind up yet on what to do. I finally decided to call the place that will be doing the install of the amps and box and things and they said that the 4 ga. will be more than plenty.

Thanks for the offer on the wiring and fuse blocks, I just got a Stinger Pro Maxi Digital Fused Distribution block so I am good in that area. I guess I will continue to think it over. I found 25 ft. of 1/0 wire on Ebay for $34.99 and I can have it installed as part of my amp install cost so it will only be about $50 or so with terminals and things so I may do it as it is pretty inexpensive, it can't hurt anything.