I'm pretty new to car audio so please bear with the newbie question (and yes I tried searching!) Question is, I'm thinking of wiring 2 amps, which will draw about 1000W at max RMS capacity. The main power cord on my existing setup is about 8 gauge and I was wondering if it would be sufficient to handle the power?? If not, would 4 gauge do the job well? The distribution block I have can accept 4 gauge input but only does 8 gauge output. Any help much appreciated!

 

First of all they don't draw power, they make power. Anyway, are they each 1000 watts? or together? Anyways, that doesn't really mattter. You definietly need more than an 8 guage wire. A 4 guage wire should be sufficient the use the 8 guage you have to run from the distribution block to the amps and you should be in good shape.

 

max RMS power? well, which is it? Depending on your lengths of wire, 4 gauge should be fine for most setup's, but if you are actually running 1000w rms, you should use 4 gauge or bigger all the way from the battery terminal, and make sure you ground it really close to the amp using 0/1 if possible

 

Not crackin' on ya man, but you're wrong. Amps draw power from the electical system (Like the alternator and such). The battery sort of works like a capacitor in that the amp will draw the needed power from it, until the battery can't supply anymore. In that case, the alternator is then drained. That's why you see so many pro audiophiles with multiple capacitors in their cars, (Capacitors store power made by the alternator for use SOLELY in the stereo system, therefore hugely reducing drain on the car's actual electrical system which could be destroyed by a powerful audio system that constantly leeches off of an alternator.) and THAT'S why your headlights dim if you have a pretty smokin' system. You drain the rest of your electical system of available power because your amp is HUNGRY! Just lettin' you know though. Just take if for what it's worth. L8r!


[Modified by Focal Energy, 11:21 PM 3/1/2002]

 

Oh yeah, and if you're running 2 amps at 1000watts RMS EACH, then you're gonna NEED that 4 guage wire at the least. I'd even try to upgrade your output wires to 4 guage too. Then, as previously suggested, use a 0-1 guage ground wire. Good luck. Let us know how it goes. L8r!