maltesechicken

8 gauge is fine if it is 8awg (American Wire Gauge). Most wire that is created overseas is 8 gauge - not 8awg (there's a difference). International brands do not need to adhere to American standards for wire sizes. The international brands seem to classify gauge by the jacket size, not the wire inside the jacket. In the end, 8 awg is fine for 40 Amps (look in a house - 40amp breakers for AC and stoves have 8 awg wire running from the panel to the appliance - so if it meets code in a house - it's good!)

Just I doubt the amp is 500watts - the amp would have to be 100% efficient for that - more likely somewhere between 50% and 75%

fresh1

iTrader: (2)

well mr maltesechicken, you seem to be one smart dude. it was a stinger kit, they're american right? hahaha. yeah i've seen some people show me a 5 gauge kit from walmart that looks like 4 ga. but thats because of the jacket, the wire itself is like an 8 ga.

danyman

iTrader: (1)

i fited a 4gauge stinger wire in an 8gauge fuse block. now thats sad. even if they are USA made some just dont follow the rules

maltesechicken

I'm using 4 gauge house wire. Stiff and hard to work with - but free in a dumpster, and it is true AWG

420guy

iTrader: (5)

for the price you paid for it I would put up with a bit of stiffness too. LOL

KenC

Well, more or less the Kinetics are supposed to act like very large capacitors. They store immense amounts of energy in them and are made for a fast charge and use of energy. I've lifted one of these things and they are heavy as all hell.

What electrical theory tell us however, is that if you have two batteries in one system and one battery drops below common voltage (12v in this case.) the other battery will try to send voltage until the two are of an even voltage. I have heard that this can cause excessive play between the batteries, shortening their life a bit and of course the movement of current is going to generate heat. The best thing I've heard of is to get a battery isolator. Basically a set of diodes that will let the alt charge each battery individually without fear of the inter-play between the two.

Most people tend to run a large gauge back, because over distance you will be losing voltage because of the wire resistance, hence losing overall wattage.

fresh1

iTrader: (2)

soooo even with the HC600 (the smallest kinetik powercell and i believe is designed specifically to act like a capacitor), i would still need the isolator?

KenC

You don't /need/ it, but it would be preferable for the longevity of your batteries.

fresh1

iTrader: (2)

awesome. in my mind i thought it would be beneficial because it would make sure that if i run my system with the engine off i would still get to start. but realistically i don't think that would happen without being near someone with jumper cables or a booster pack, or even if i take mine knowing i could drain my battery(ies) so the isolator wouldn't be "necessary" so to speak, but instead be more of a safety

John__Taylor

iTrader: (3)

If you want to get a pretty good idea of the difference between isolators and "smart" solenoids you can check out boating or RV websites. Both of them have been using multiple batteries since the stone age.