CoreyC

iTrader: (1)

When you design a system and choose wire size you don't go by what you think the amps are going to draw, you go by what they are rated so you don't run into the problem of your wire melting and starting a fire because its too small. Adding a second battery is easy and he can do it whenever but running new wire is sometimes a pita.

cioppaf

So Corey with the amps i'm running is 4ga out of the question. Shoud I run 0ga to the distro block and then 4ga to each amp. Or will a long run of 4ga be fine.

how much amperage can a 4 ga wire take?

BigRedGuy

iTrader: (11)

4ga from the distros to the amps is fine for a distance of 3-4ft.....use the 0ga for + from front to back and for the ground distro.

4ga will take as much power as you can draw thru it.....over 200amps or so it might catch fire tho.....

HTH

cioppaf

See that’s the thing, if my alternator can only produce 105 amps then there is no need for a 0gauge

Or am I wrong?

I know I know I’m making a big deal over nothing I should just run 0 gauge and shut up but it’s more of an understanding of the concept for me

CoreyC

iTrader: (1)

Well if you think of it this way, what happens if the car is off and the alternator is producing no power?

Denonite

iTrader: (1)

There are many ways to cut corners, wire shouldn't be one of them. Go by the charts:

Basic Car Audio Electronics

scroll down the right side to #16 (wire) and read through it.

JohnVroom

canadian car cable info

Remember with the engine running you are drawing current from your alternator, once system current exceeds the alternators capabilities (system voltage drops to about 12.5 volts) then you start drawing off the battery. SOOOO your 105a alternator will make 105 amps (at a highish RPM) but your system wants more (and it will) then the battery/ batteries MUST supply the power if you exceed the batteries capacity too system voltage will dip (lights dim with bass hits etc)