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quick question about wires.

Discussion in 'Car Audio' started by Haydz, Jan 16, 2008.

  1. Haydz

    Haydz Fasten your seatbelts

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    hey guys.
    do u reckon an 8 gauge power wire. would be able to take 1120 watts of power. or should i get a larger wire? not sure it says 8 gauge can take like 1800 watts.
    but im not sure. thanks.
     
  2. RUN41T

    RUN41T Go forth and modify

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    1800watts max or 1800watts rms?

    What type of amp is it?
     
  3. Haydz

    Haydz Fasten your seatbelts

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    the wire says it 1800 max. and im going to run a boss and a rampage amp off it.
     
  4. Haydz

    Haydz Fasten your seatbelts

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    with both of the max output equalling 1120 watts.
     
  5. RUN41T

    RUN41T Go forth and modify

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    I would run 4 guage from the battery to the boot, then a distro with 2x 8 guage out, one to each amp.

    Like this:
    [​IMG]

    Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your car, boss amps have been known to get VERY hot and catch fire,l I have seen it happen in a 97 modal pajero

    Cheers
    Garrett
     
  6. Haydz

    Haydz Fasten your seatbelts

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    thanks mate. ive heard about that. i keep checking mine and it doesn't get very hot at all.
    because i have it surrounded by air. like its not touching any carpet or anything so yeah should go all good. where did you get the distrobution block from. and how much. there is one for 10 bucks at jaycar.
    also how much is it for 4 gauge. to run from the battery to the boot? thanks alot.
     
  7. Haydz

    Haydz Fasten your seatbelts

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    or is it better to run two 8 gauge wires as i can get them quite cheaply:)
     
  8. garfa

    garfa New Member

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    mate just make sure you get a fused distro block.
    the fuse for the larger wire will not cover the smaller wire in the event of a short.
     
  9. Tasmaniak

    Tasmaniak Not a valid input....

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    what the hell is it with FUSED distribution blocks? Fuse at the battery and fuses at the amp now you want to slam a fuse in the middle of it all? LOL Talk about restrictive.
     
  10. garfa

    garfa New Member

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    going from 4ga to 8ga at the block and a 150Amp fuse on the feed.
    you will melt the 8ga's jacket before you pop the fuse, no?
     
  11. Haydz

    Haydz Fasten your seatbelts

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    hey i got a new idea.
    how about i run 4gauge in the engine bay and then a distrobution block. then two 8 gauges going to the amps. sound good?
     
  12. commsirac

    commsirac Banned

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    Have a look at American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits
    It only gives current ratings, you have to work out the current for 1800W using P(watts) = V x I(amps), using either 14 or 12V(whichever it is rated at)


    mathematically it doesnt follow that 4 gauge is equivalent to 2 x 8 gauge in cross sectional area(the way we typically look at the current capability)........though it wont be too far off the mark to cause significant problems
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2008

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