fuse/wire/distro block question
03-10-2009, 10:30 PM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
fuse/wire/distro block question
Guys,
I'm gonna do my install this weekend and have one quick question. I'm running JL 500/1 (to push 2 12" 250rms subs)and Phoenix gold octane r 4x75 (rms to push interior Octane R speakers) amps off a 4 gauge wire from the battery (the PG amp is already installed, adding the JL now). Now I was thinking of using a 4 awg input, 2x4 awg output fuse block, but reading up on that knuconceptz website, they said this makes no sense. That you can't have an input wire being smaller than the sum of the outputs, which does kinda make sense to me. So here are my q's:
1. Can I use a 4 in, 2x8 output block instead? Is this ok for the 500/1 amp as long as I keep the 8awg wire short (less than 2 feet?)? Can it be longer, say 3 feet or is 2 feet max?
2. Total MAX (not rms) outputs of these two amps are around 1800 watts max, / 12 v when the car is running is =150 amps in the system and I should use 150a fuses for each amp by my math (& ohms law). Does this sound right? I know the manual for JL says 50 amp fuses should be used, and the phoenix gold amp is 2x30amp fuses, so 110amps should be good by that simple thinking, but I don't remember which is the best way to go? Is 150 too high? I don't want too high of a fuse, or it's kinda pointless.
3. I read that when you're using 4 gauge power wire, I should upgrade the ground wire for the battery? I've seen some posts on this board about the "big 3", is this mandatory for installing this kinda of system or should I just let things be and let it run? I've done smaller installs on my old car, but this is quite a bit more power so I want to do this right.
Thanks for your thoughts/inputs.
Cheers.
I'm gonna do my install this weekend and have one quick question. I'm running JL 500/1 (to push 2 12" 250rms subs)and Phoenix gold octane r 4x75 (rms to push interior Octane R speakers) amps off a 4 gauge wire from the battery (the PG amp is already installed, adding the JL now). Now I was thinking of using a 4 awg input, 2x4 awg output fuse block, but reading up on that knuconceptz website, they said this makes no sense. That you can't have an input wire being smaller than the sum of the outputs, which does kinda make sense to me. So here are my q's:
1. Can I use a 4 in, 2x8 output block instead? Is this ok for the 500/1 amp as long as I keep the 8awg wire short (less than 2 feet?)? Can it be longer, say 3 feet or is 2 feet max?
2. Total MAX (not rms) outputs of these two amps are around 1800 watts max, / 12 v when the car is running is =150 amps in the system and I should use 150a fuses for each amp by my math (& ohms law). Does this sound right? I know the manual for JL says 50 amp fuses should be used, and the phoenix gold amp is 2x30amp fuses, so 110amps should be good by that simple thinking, but I don't remember which is the best way to go? Is 150 too high? I don't want too high of a fuse, or it's kinda pointless.
3. I read that when you're using 4 gauge power wire, I should upgrade the ground wire for the battery? I've seen some posts on this board about the "big 3", is this mandatory for installing this kinda of system or should I just let things be and let it run? I've done smaller installs on my old car, but this is quite a bit more power so I want to do this right.
Thanks for your thoughts/inputs.
Cheers.
03-11-2009, 01:08 AM
#2
before poeple start posting saying that you are really lost (which u kinda are 
) im gonna go ahead an answer your questions.
150 amp fuse is totally fine.
yes, you should upgrade the battery ground wire. and probably the alternator to battery positive wire as well. upgrading engine block ground is also a good idea.
) im gonna go ahead an answer your questions.150 amp fuse is totally fine.
yes, you should upgrade the battery ground wire. and probably the alternator to battery positive wire as well. upgrading engine block ground is also a good idea.
03-11-2009, 09:32 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Hmm really? Most people I've spoken at the shops have said the 4 should be enough. Rather just run a 2 gauge all the way through and use the block, a bit cleaner...Not too keen on running another power wire...
Finding the engine block ground might be difficult, but the other two will be pretty easy.
Finding the engine block ground might be difficult, but the other two will be pretty easy.
03-11-2009, 03:50 PM
#9
Personally I would run 2ga and a 150Amp ANL fuse for those amps.....the total draw on music may never be a problem, but the overkill theory has always worked for me......it would also free up enough 4ga to do the individual amp lines and under your hood. If you add 4ga to the existing wires you should keep any headlight issues at bay.
HTH
03-11-2009, 03:53 PM
#10
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Dany: Yes we like bass, but want good SQ primarily. Why?
BigRed: I might just test it with the 4 gauge since it's already there and see what happens. You might be right and it could be worthwhile to upgrade it as well. It won't be too hard to install the 2nd amp off the current wire and if there are issues, I'll go ahead and upgrade to 2 guage like you're saying.
If I up to 2 gauge, then I gotta up the ground at 2 as well right?
Anyone know where to buy power wire for a good price (not ebay) in Toronto? I'm doing the install on Sat and need it before then.
BigRed: I might just test it with the 4 gauge since it's already there and see what happens. You might be right and it could be worthwhile to upgrade it as well. It won't be too hard to install the 2nd amp off the current wire and if there are issues, I'll go ahead and upgrade to 2 guage like you're saying.
If I up to 2 gauge, then I gotta up the ground at 2 as well right?
Anyone know where to buy power wire for a good price (not ebay) in Toronto? I'm doing the install on Sat and need it before then.
