8 guage power handling and plexi/lucite/lexan questions
07-11-2003, 07:51 PM
#1
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 197
Ok, my mobile audio advisor seems to have dissappeared offline so i have a couple questions.
First, how much power can 8 guage wire safely (and unsafely?) handle. It's 20 ft of stinger wire, if that makes any difference. Ive heard it's only supposed to be used for 300w rms applications. Can i run a kenwood 929 (460w rms) off it? Can i do it safely? (Not gonna be in my car so i dont wanna melt someone elses car.
Second question, has anyone on this board worked with plexiglass/lexan/lucite? The thickest that i can find in stores is 1/4" which seems way too flimsy. When i spoke to a specialized place, they quoted me $200 for a 2' x 4' piece of 1/2" lexan. Any help here?
First, how much power can 8 guage wire safely (and unsafely?) handle. It's 20 ft of stinger wire, if that makes any difference. Ive heard it's only supposed to be used for 300w rms applications. Can i run a kenwood 929 (460w rms) off it? Can i do it safely? (Not gonna be in my car so i dont wanna melt someone elses car.
Second question, has anyone on this board worked with plexiglass/lexan/lucite? The thickest that i can find in stores is 1/4" which seems way too flimsy. When i spoke to a specialized place, they quoted me $200 for a 2' x 4' piece of 1/2" lexan. Any help here?
07-11-2003, 08:13 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp
8guage is good for 100 amps ..........that amp should draw about 75 max [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
chart says you should run 4 though [img]smile.gif[/img]
8guage is good for 100 amps ..........that amp should draw about 75 max [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
chart says you should run 4 though [img]smile.gif[/img]
07-11-2003, 08:41 PM
#3
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 197
Ya, that chart says if im running 20 ft, which i am, i should use 4 guage. Anyone want some 8 guage wire 
It's shiny pretty red 
It's shiny pretty red
07-11-2003, 10:08 PM
#4
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 346
you should be able to call your local plastics shop and get a quote for exactly what you want. just look it in the yellowpages under plastics. 200 seems high. i got a price of 400 for a full sheet of 3/4(4 x 8 sheet of plexi) lexan is stronger but plexi should do ok. if you want lexan and only lexan then the plastics shop should help you, good luck
07-11-2003, 10:50 PM
#5
2000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,260
you have 20 feet of power wire?!? wtf do u drive? a schoolbus?! i dont think ive ever run over 17
07-12-2003, 01:37 AM
#6
for lexan,i'd contact a glass supply(glazier) company,or a sunroom manufacturer.my dad had a contract to replace the windows at a correctional facility(yrs ago,before i knew other uses).thats some seriously thick stuff!!!good luck [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] 
07-12-2003, 07:17 AM
#7
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Posts: n/a
Just use the 8ga - you will be absolutely fine.
Stick to 'plexiglas' acrylic products, they are easier to work with and care for than lexan.
Stick to 'plexiglas' acrylic products, they are easier to work with and care for than lexan.
07-12-2003, 09:20 AM
#8
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 197
Ok, i guess ill scrap the lexan idea. Just figured that since it is stronger than plexi/lucite/acrylic it would be better to use.
Tyler, no it's not a school bus, although that might allow for a fairly big box with a nice 10 foot long port , it's just a 97 mustang so it probably wont need any more than 12 feet, but hey, you never know where the wire is gonna have to run [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
And when the 8 guage melts, ill just say 'dont blame me, dukk said it would be fine' [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
Tyler, no it's not a school bus, although that might allow for a fairly big box with a nice 10 foot long port
, it's just a 97 mustang so it probably wont need any more than 12 feet, but hey, you never know where the wire is gonna have to run [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img] And when the 8 guage melts, ill just say 'dont blame me, dukk said it would be fine' [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
07-13-2003, 04:39 AM
#9
0 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 9
Go lexan, it dont scratch, break or crack! plexi does all of the above. however, lexan is mighty expensive.......for half a sheet it's 100 bucks here!.....brutal!
07-13-2003, 08:47 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
^ Lexan scratches easier than plexiglas, even the scratch resistant stuff.
And once your 'clear plastic panel' is all scuffed up from use, if it is an acrylic product you can buff or flame out the scuffs but NOT with lexan.
The only benefit to Lexan is that it will not crack or break.
And once your 'clear plastic panel' is all scuffed up from use, if it is an acrylic product you can buff or flame out the scuffs but NOT with lexan.
The only benefit to Lexan is that it will not crack or break.
