Amp Wiring

[weeman]

hey everyone.

i was just wondering how i should go about installing a second amp. am i able to run a new power wire to the second from the battery where the first one is getting power from so there will be two power cables running off the battery, or is it better to get a power distribution block and do it that way.

thanx for your help
mitch

[Slow96GSR]

I just use a distribution block then fuse right after the distribution. That way all the amps have the correct fuses. My amps don't use built in fuses like some so if your amps already have the fuses don't worry about a second set, wouldn't hurt but ya that's more $$!

[weeman]

cool thanx for that, what gauge wire are you using, ive already got 8g i think for the amp in my car now, but the amp im putting in is for the sub and i was thinking of using 4g for that. could i use 4g still and just change the cabling from the battery to the distribution block to 4g aswell, and use 8g on the amp for the splits as im doing now

[[ricer]]

distro block would be the easier option
just as long as its not 2 huge amps that require 0ga cable each or something stupid like that
and im pretty sure most distro block need at least a 4ga cable then they can become 2 8ga... something like that

[Slow96GSR]

I was using double 0awg but since I put in a smaller amp I'm using 4 awg. You need to figure out the amperage of both amps and add them together. Then you can figure out what to use.

30 amps = 14awg
35 amps =12 awg
45 amps = 10awg
60 amps = 8awg
80 amps = 6awg
105 amps = 4awg
135 amps = 2awg
160 amps = 1 awg
190 amps = 0 awg
215 amps = 00awg
245 amps = 000awg
275 amps = 0000 awg
300 amps = Start thinking about running 2 lines of 0awg from here to 425amps
425 amps = Start thinking about running 2 lines of 00awg from here to 600amps
600 amps = Start thinking about running 2 lines of 000awg from here to 800 amps
800+ amps = You're insane and not to mant amps require this so msg me and I'll tell you what to run!

Example: My 2 amps were a total of 175 amps, I could run 1 awg, I ran 0awg because no one makes 1 awg!

[weeman]

well currently i am running a jl audio e2150 2 channel amp for the splits up front and the sub will be powered by a jl audio 500/1 slash series amp which is rated at 500wrms.

how do you work out the amperage

[Slow96GSR]

What are the fuses rated?

[weeman]

not sure, why?

[Slow96GSR]

Well the fuses have numbers on them and are also color coded. What are the numbers on the fuses or what colors are they? How many of each are there?

[weeman]

ive got no idea atm but ill get back to you tommorow with them.

how would you run two lines, can you do it from the same battery

[Slow96GSR]

Sure just needs the proper connectors.

[weeman]

what are the proper connections, im such a noob when it comes to this stuff

[[ricer]]

i reckon if your gonna run a whole other wire
you might as well take out your old one out and put 0ga in and then just run a distro block in your boot

[Slow96GSR]

Ya I got a distribution block in my boot too! It hurts sometimes when I walk though.

http://www.strathlan.com/TEK/images/DistINboot.jpg

[Fhrx]

Hehe...

[M_Bat]

i think its hassle free running one and splitting with a distribution block... just need to put the correct fuses after the distro block and one after battery...