I keep reading posts about 2 guage and even over guage cable running. Mike Tuckwood also seems to come up in these situations. What have you got.

The only things I have that need any real cuurent are two Phoenix Gold ZX450 amps. These have massive power for four channel amps so I also use a lightning audio 1 farrad cap. I have never found the need for anything greater than four guage, unless you are going for multiple amplifiers and multiple subs which no-one has mentioned. Is there a serious overkill going on or do you just like torturing yourselves by fitting inconvenient cable?

 

A cap does not reduce the current pulled. It stores the current so that when the amps need a sudden burst of current it can be delivered. Even in pro audio installs they use caps as well as specialist batteries, since even these batteries cant deliver the current as quick as the caps.
Re over cabling. You can look at it two ways. 1) buy the cheapest cable that meets your needs, and cheap cable at that. It will probably do, no problems. or 2) the other extreme, buy really good cable, thats over your rated requirements. It will allow you to upgrade without worrying about the extra current, or having to start taking your car to bits again, or even worse forgetting to change the cable when you do upgrade. The larger capacity will mean its a lot less likely to overheat, or even heat up in the first place. Its also less at risk from damage, often cables have to be routed past areas where there is a risk from damage, a large cable will be more resistant to some light damage (a few broken strands) than a cable that only just meets the requirements from day 1.
You pays your money, you takes your choice, but pro/competition installs ALWAYS start with very good, sometimes over spec'd cabling being installed.
Check the ratings on cabling. There is a massive difference between continuous rating, and peak rating (just like loudspeakers).

robski

 

I have 2 amps..4x60W RMS and 1x250RMS. I was told I could get away with 8-gauge but 4 would be better. So 4 it was.

2 would be overkill and in any event..do you know how much current this would flow ?!!! If you need 2 then you will no doubt have an uprated battery/alternator etc

 

Hi Guys.

The installers used 2 gauge as that was what was required due to the load and distance from the battery to the boot.

Kenwood 1023, 943, 743, (+ 2 small tweeter amps) active crossover, 2 JL Audio 10W6's, with Boston Rallye's in the rear parcel shelf, Boston Pro 6"s and Kenwood 8"s in the front door.


This dictated the use of 2 gauge wire from the battery to the boot and the use of a 200 Amp trip switch next to the battery.

Estimated power rating of the system is around 1,300 Watts (RMS). It is being set up on the RTA on Friday but sounds bloody fantastic already.

Mike.

 

Robski,

Thanks anyway but I wasn't asking for advice. I have loads of experience both practical and theoretical (BSc. (hons) in physics). What I wanted was for someone to justify the use of monstrous cable instead opf simply far in excess of adequate. In my case 8 guage would easily suit my current needs, 4 guage would be a large overkill and 2 and over guage rediculous, but now that Mike has revealed his system to me, I understand the choice of cable.

If I sund defensive, it's just cos I feel patronised. I apologise for the harsh tone and appreciate the advice.

 

Just to clarify my choice of 2 gauge I have three (one is 4 channel) amplifiers, total RMS of 700-800 watts. I have an upgrade path planned when funds allow and therefore 2 gauge will save all the messing about later. By the way I have a 1.2 farad stiffening cap which is one of the best value for money items I have purchased.

 

My 1 farrad cap cap cost me £20. I was damn chuffed with that. (lightning audio - 2nd hand. Does it make a difference? I think not!)