I plan on ripping out my system and all the wiring so I can redo it properly. I have 3 new amps coming (400, 200, and 150 watts alpine) and I was wondering what size power and ground wire I should use for that much power. I'm using a distribution block. 8, 4, or 0 gauge?



And is it better to ground each amp separately or is a ground block ok?

 

i think 4g will be fine, and i would do a ground block less of a chance of geting any feed back from the grond.

 

When considering power wire gauge, I ALWAYS look up the IASCA chart they made for just this. Go with their guidelines, and be sure to fuse the main power line properly!

 

4 to the blocks and 8 to the amps from the blocks.

 

Can you actually connect the 0 gauge wire to the amp without decreasing diameter?

0 gauge may be quite difficult to run without drilling, because the grommet behind the front fender might be to narrow. You can run two 4 gauge wires through it though.

I'm running 4 gauge wire and have no issues with approximatly the same power of the amps if those are Watts rms at 4 Ohm. At the Bosch Car electrics workshop they said that 8 would be enough for listening to music, but that would not have been the case at maximum load (never ever tried that - it's just too loud ). I have virtually no voltage drop from battery to capacitor.

If you decrease diameter of the power line with a distribution block it is good practice to put a fuse on each connected new power line appropriate for wire diameter, length and connected device(s). Some blocks have the fuses integrated. So you end up with a fuse behind the battery and one inline behind or in the distribution block.

There are many opinions on the ground issue. If you do not have alternator whine I guess your sweet with whatever connection - as long as you use the same diameter as the power line to your grounding location which has been properly prepared and has a good connection to the battery(charging system). Good luck!

 

You can see my setup here...







4ga. power and ground to the cap and from the cap to the blocks. The power block is fused, ground block is not. Then one 8ga. wire to each power supply (the amp has dual power supplies).

 

Please tell me there is a fuse near the battery.

 

Of course. I had a fuse when this was taken. I later went to a breaker.