What WIRE GAUGE SIZE for amplifier install? How to calculate!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

😎 Enjoy this video? Here are some other related videos to this topic: 👉How to plan a full electrical system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJrbeYiEpJWMf6s 👉Car Audio Electrical System Basics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joTWgIOra8x7o7M 👉Installing a two amplifier system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpyxZWlmd7J1a68

[@airon6864]

So having a fuse popping issue but I think I fixed it. Lose connection. I have a kicker 1200.1 going to a Kicker L7Q class 12inch. What gauge wire should I use for it?

[@juanmrn27]

Can you leave a link to where we could buy a wire kit with that OFC cable

[@Melvinreed80]

Man I need your help I got a problem and can’t figure it out I been hooking up amps and subs and head units since I’ve been 15 years old and now im 42 but I am stumped on this one lol ok here’s me problem I have a 2010 accord coupe with aftermarket android head unit that runs off my factory head unit tried to hook up amp and subwoofers RCA because factory unit doesn’t have them no I got a converter box everything work and turns on but have noise when driving and big thump when I turn off car

[@hankcarrillo1494]

Mark if I use a 8 ga instead of the 4ga will it cause the amp to go into protection mode? Thanks

[@ryleighrukovska7261]

I never realized how insanely something mundane like audio wires could be so expensive but also so very vital 😭

[@TheDstacksondeck]

Look at sky high car audio. They’re very reasonably priced

[@josecunsako31]

I thought same shit lol

[@jakeppthegod5565]

36$ is not a lot u trippin

[@Strykenine]

Great to hear you talk about Ohms law - it's the basis of every electrical system on the planet. My electronics instructor was retired USAF and he did a great job teaching me. It's good to see someone paying it forward Mark!

[@travisabrahamson5092]

I used knukonceptz 0 gauge cca kit to wire up my 1200 watt rms amp to run 4 kenwood excelon 10's . After watching videos from CAF I was convinced I made the wrong decision. Then I watched the video about checking voltage drop. I have 0.03 voltage drop between battery and amp. 14.48 at battery and 14.45 at amplifier. Now I am convinced that as long as you over size the cca it is all good 😎

[@renaissanceman7145]

The problem with CCA isn't voltage drop it's longevity. The more heat cycles CCA goes through the harder it gets. Hard = Brittle. At some point CCA wire WILL crumble, usually at hard bends first. At those places the wire will get hot enough to potentially start a fire. This is no joke. I've seen it first hand. CCA is fine for jumper cable but it is absolutely dangerous for daily use, high current, car audio power supply wire. Use 100% copper welding cable. Yes, it's more expensive but the US made stuff is super flexible, can be had in some cool colors, it can be had incarcerated sizes and when protected from oxidation it will last longer you. Before you sell that car get that copper cable out and use it in your vehicle. I sincerely hope you act on my advice and get that CCA wire out of your vehicle because it WILL fail. The only unknown is when. All the best

[@Knackersjewels]

That chart is exactly what I've been looking for, thanks so much

[@foodchainlures7543]

You saved me money again Mark. I’m using a JL Audio HD 1200 and an Alpine PDX f4 drawing 150 amps total. I have approximately an 8’ run of 4 gauge OFC power wire running into a distribution block splitting to less than 2’ of 4 gauge to the JL and about 2’ of 8 gauge OFC to the Alpine. According to your chart, I’m good to go. I’m in the process of revamping my system, and I’ve been watching many of your videos. You are a great teacher with an impeccable work ethic. Keep up the great work!

[@jeweldey3699]

Loved the vid! Really good information for building a car audio system. Thanks! Been putting in audio systems in my cars since the late 80’s. Would love to see a video about adapters for steering wheel controls for aftermarket head-units. That's a challenge I didn't have back in the day.

[@dennishelman8262]

Steve Meade did one in a Yukon

[@brapbrapmafucka]

i just did one in a 2012 corolla. it was quite a challenge lol. I used an Axxess ASWC-1 module and my deck is a kenwood x304 and I had to make a few phone calls. Worth the hassle though

[@frankg5714]

Awesome info. Just bought my amp kit with knuKonceptz.

[@Gus247365]

Just about to start wiring in a couple of amps, a DSP etc. this is really helpful - thank you!!!

[@klay590]

Would have loved to see you go over picking wire when your amperage exceeds 300. Knuconcepts offers 4/0, when would you want to switch over to that size. I know the amount of people pushing an excess of 300 amps is low but there are some and the information on picking wire size at this level simply isn't there.

[@Hoppysjunkyardrally]

Excellent Video!! by far the best explanation on this subject i have watched!

[@rlg222]

Dude! I really like your video's and how you talk to your viewers.

[@lowhertzhighspl]

10 dislikes!? Why in the world would anyone dislike this informative video!? My best guess would be because this awesome video provides info (facts) ultimately informing the ten 'Negative Nancies' they wired their system incorrectly. ;-) LIKE if you agree.. COMMENT if you think of another reason why someone would feel the need to dislike this video.. or DISLIKE if you're one of the following: Negative Nancy; Debbie Downer, Pessimistic Pam, Sour Sarah, Miserable Michelle, Tantrum Tonya, Livid Lisa, Dislike Denise, Thumbs Down Thaddea, etc =)

[@carleynorthcoast1915]

I'm glad this was a a little more balanced. People want me to spend more on wire than my system. Gold is superior but we don't use for economical reasons. I'm happy using aluminum for a single 10". I'll just watch for corrosion at the terminals and maybe use some dielectric grease.

[@sublovelows]

First off. Your videos have made me into a better car audio guy. I have learned more from your videos and discussion than reading the text books about car audio I have, thanks. I do have a question about choosing the right OFC Copper wire. I wanted to know, in your opinion, how many strands of wire should a 4 gauge wire have and what is the highest amount that is on the market by brand if such exists? I am presuming that more strands equal more flow regardless if it is pure copper already. I ask because I saw two versions once and wasn't sure if it matter. Your example in this video pretty much applies to my amplifier at 2 ohms running 800 watts RMS. Thanks!

[@brettbrassard7959]

solid info mark, thanks for sharing.

[@SheaRibbster]

Tinned with a "material", aka....TIN! Great vids, appreciate all of the info!

[@michakotarski7009]

That video actualy helped me a lot. Thanks man!

[@derekrichardson8221]

As you know me!!! Glad to see you teaching peps ohms law. Makes you and all Pro installers jobs easier!! As I say make car audio installers better. That cause some pros need help too!!!☝❤🚘🔊

[@juanaviles7099]

Awsome video really helps out alot. Each day im learning more and more about car audio. Im new on doing car audio for about a year now so is alwats nice to look at videos from someone who knows what their doing, keep posting more amazing videos. And Keep up the good work, Ive learn alot from you. Thanks again, From avilescaraudio!

[@chicken133221]

The information I was looking for. Tinned ofc will be what I need for my polaris slingshot.

[@codydagoat3915]

You should always use 0 gauge wire for speaker wire, power, ground, remote, and even special order 0 gauge RCAs. This is only minimum

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Haha, dont forget 0 gauge bass knob wire too, 0 gauge for each conductor... lol

[@nicke1370]

I was converted after purchasing my first 0 gauge earphones. You can really feel the extra bass in your ears with thicker wire. The only logical next step was 0 gauge everywhere in my car

[@1pcfred]

1000 MCM or bust!

[@berniemackattack86]

You guys sound like some true audiophiles obviously i missed the joke. But before I go and possibly fuck up my electrical system again I'm a car audio Newbie.. Ok so my wiring kit lists - 4 gauge power cable 4 gauge ground cable. 16 gauge speaker cable. Would you recommend keeping this kit to use it with a Pioneer GM-5500T amplifier ? ? It says 820w on the actual amp and On the website specs it says RMS power rating 400.. so would it be tolerable to use it since it already is hooked up to my battery or would I have to switch to 0 or 8 gauge wiring to not have any electrical complications..?

[@mandeepskalsi]

💀

[@2008gagiudaniel]

Hi! Just bought a Ford Fiesta 2019 and I would love to see a system build on this car!

[@ajmarketer]

With a small vehicle like a Fiesta if you put enough bass you can crank it up and push your car down the road should it run out of gas :)

[@noahkb80]

You can’t. It’s science. Subs won’t play in a go kart

[@bablobhai]

awesome video Mark! learned something new yet again..

[@cmoney2259]

Thanks Mark as always great video and very detailed information I reference your videos all the time still new to car audio but learning a lot

[@noti88]

Such well laid out concepts, thank you!

[@CVObservatory]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@raythewriter00]

Okay question? you said the voltage was 13.8 where did you get that number from? Is it in the manual or is it from some other means.

[@remotexpolde]

Already 1:25 into the vid and am astonished ( Home Loudspeaker designer here ) that you are covering this in such epic, fantastic detail... for car audio amplifiers..!?!?!! = Mind Blown. Lol :) Dude. u officially rock.

[@ccvideotech]

Props for the clarification of the look of the wire at the end. Many will have jumped to conclusion... are you just trying to drive heated comments from people that don't watch till the end.😉

[@RHSTHUG]

Thank u so much for all of your hard work!

[@jasonmcedward2595]

Upgrading to ofc now, thanks for tip. Much appreciated.

[@PANTYEATR1]

the way i choose my power wire (which i know now is incorrect) is by looking at the terminal size of the amplifier. then i buy the wire that fits that terminal or hole correctly. thanks for the vid💪

[@CarAudioFabrication]

This math is helpful to know because if you need to size a length for two amps you can determine what size you should use, and break it down for each amp as well based on the actual length of the wire.

[@PANTYEATR1]

@@CarAudioFabrication true, thanks Mark💪

[@garretlast6923]

PANTYEATR1 aside from legitimately finding the appropriate size like he explains, this is the next best way. Some amp manufactures do undersize their inputs though. I have had a 2000 watt rms (dyno confirmed) with 4 gauge inputs

[@PANTYEATR1]

@@garretlast6923 thanks for the input...another question, should any considerations be made if a 1 farah capacitor is in the system?

[@TerryPullen]

Great video. Mark's ability to clearly explain stuff is past 11 and all the way up to Bad Ass!

[@longonponce]

Question! Im new to car audio and this is my DYI for my wife 2008 MDX. Installing BOSS mono 1200W and BOSS 4 channel 1100w 1. Running 0g power wire to distribution 1in-2out, NOW can I down size from 0g to 4g or 8g after distribution? 2. Do I REALLY need distribution block for grounding two amps? OR can both amps have they OWN ground Thank you for your videos! I have a electrical background working for a manufacturing company working on automation robots, but this audio stuff is so different lolol PLEASE more educational videos!!

[@adalbertoandrade9935]

Hi, Mark. Thanks a lot for this video. It enlightened my mind in regards to my installation. I have a few questions though. What wattage should I consider in the calculation? The total wattage the amp manufacturer specifies or the total wattage it'll be driving according to my speakers? Example: I have an Infinity Reference 4555a, which according to the manufacturer is a class D amp, with an output of 760W RMS @ 2 Ohms. I'll be using Infinity Kappa 90CSX front, 60CSX rear (which are rated at 2.5 Ohms each pair and considering the length of the speaker cable, which I'm running from the back of the car to the rear or my stock unit plus the stock cabling back to the speakers, should be close to 4 Ohms back again) and a 4 Ohms Sub. The amp says it's 45W x 4 + 320W x 1 @ 4 Ohms. Is this the value I should consider? Also, I am not going to use the amp at full power. This is for a family car which I'd say 95% of the time will be used at around 30% of the volume max. Does this mean I can safely go lower on the power cable and fuse (I already have a 10AWG good quality cable from Rockford Fosgate from a previous install)? Oh, and my amp is located in the 3rd row of my SUV, around 6 feet from the battery, which is located near the right taillight, due to my car being a hybrid. Trying to save money and use the same amp, speakers and cables from the previous car if possible.

[@marianzago9088]

You made the calculations on using the Amp on 2 ohm/800 w. If you had chosen to run it on 4ohm/500w you would have calculated on 500 rms or 800?

[@RadarLove84]

I got all my OFC Wire from Sky High Car Audio and Ferrules (Install Bay) from Crutchfield.

[@GagandeepPandher]

How does “GPT” or “Primary” Wire compare to the cca or ofc wire mentioned in this video? Can GPT/Primary wire be used for power and ground connections on a car amplifier?

[@gageraymond1234]

My vehicle has 1/0 OFC wire pre installed. I have a 1500 watt monoblock amp. Can I downsize my wire to fit in my amp with reducers, or should I replace my wire with 4 gauge? Thanks.

[@Zwakkie05]

what i have learned at school is that p = u x i. p stands for watts, u stands for volts and i stands for power. It’s the same thing in this case 😊👍🏻

[@oghomelesskid]

So me and some friends installed a sub in my car. 2 years later the power cable to the sub melts right by the battery, right behind the fuse....im hoping to just get a bigger gauge, from 8 to 4, with the same kinda fuse, and it will be okay. great video!

[@hsasim]

Love your content. But one question though. If the copper is really oxygen free, there is no way it will oxidize and get green. Would I be wrong?

[@RussLyman]

Just the video I needed Mark. Setting up my new system. I need to grab a headhunt too. I'll be re watching a lot of your videos 👍

[@fgcbaby9917]

I cut some power line cable from my neighbors yard and it works great 😃👍

[@billmea5593]

So in your example, you’re using the two ohm rating for the RMS wattage, what if we are using all four ohm speakers then do we use that rating or do we always use the two ohm rating on an app for wire size?

[@Clare.1985]

How do you feel about high quality 4 AWG OFC using a 8-9ft run into a capacitor to run a 3,000 watt amplifier?

[@matthewJ142]

OFC is tinned. Yes because it is coated all the way through as opposed to the copper turning exactly green or rust corrosion that has that dirty brown nasty copper color. Great video 👍

[@Jrc2399]

Is it bad to not use your subwoofers for several weeks? Will it cause any damage when using them again? Radio was fried and have to wait weeks to have new one installed worried about them being damaged due to cold weather

[@aemil94]

Love your videos, thanks! In this example you use 800 watts in the equation. If you were wiring at 4 ohms would you use 500 watts or do you always use the largest rms output possible for the amp?

[@AlexTurbo]

Also wondering about this.. what did you find out?

[@hunterhosterman5094]

How do you find system voltage ? Is that just the voltage of your car battery?

[@lhbbq]

Amazing information!!! Thank you!!!

[@keithwingo514]

So I purchased speakers, a small sub, amp, and amp kit from Crutchfield, installed myself (quite the pain), and it's working and sounding great, especially the sub. I might want to add a 2nd amp to power the other new speakers. Based on the amp kit specs and my own math using your formula, I should be able to add a 2nd 200 watt amp. Thing is, the amp kit is 8 gauge, and everywhere I look people recommend 4 gauge for 2x amps. Is the amp kit spec and this math trustworthy? Thanks.

[@vallycrem3830]

hi man thankyou so much for videos..if i have 2 amplifer take me 70 A each that mean i have to put a battery of total 140A??thanks

[@wassupBGHS]

What about systems with 450 amps and higher? What wire do I use? Is 0 gauge still good for a 15ft run? Or should I go up to 2/0?

[@PeachCoastLowrider]

hey man love the video thank you! so I looked up my old Jensen amp for my subs and it says "RMS Power @ 4 ohms 85 watts x 2 channel RMS Power @ 2 ohms 125 watts x 2 channel RMS Power @ 1 ohm Not Stable Bridged RMS Power 250 watts x 1 channel " soo would it be 250? thanks dude

[@jamesshands3198]

Do you have to go down a gauge in wire (4 gauge to 8 gauge) when wiring the second amp. or can you use 4 gauge for all connections?

[@MrDoomzy]

As of now I have an 8 gauge wired from my battery going to an inline fuse going to my Rockford fostgate 1200w amp and going to my two 12’’ Rockford fostgate subs and I’ve never had any issues. Installed 4 JL door speakers with 2 tweeters. I know what to run the speakers to a separate amp.. so now I want to run a wire from my battery to a fuse, then to a distribution block than to the amps, so can you please help me on the wire size I’d need to run from my battery, and the wire size is run from my distribution block to my amps? Also what fuse/fuse size to get. Great video thank you.

[@leviwright134]

Wait so the amp I'm running is a Pioneer gm-d9701 its a 1 channel mono block that's 2400W max, I'm running sub's at 2 ohms and if I do this equation at 800w RMS (which is what mine is rated at 2 ohms) Then I get 76 but the amp itself has 3x 40 amp fuses which equals to 120 amps

[@Moutieee]

iv got the same amp mate

[@ViscaBarca912]

Mark, what size speaker wire would you use for the Focal KX2 component set? I have a small 2011 Jetta and want to run new wire to the doors and tweets. Sending 125w of power per speaker

[@ygbodybuilder3023]

I'm bout to run a sub with 750 rms and a am around the same is 4 gauge wire good?

[@JustLivingLife222]

Have you done a video over corroded cables? Can u still work with them?

[@MrCorridos01]

Do you go based off max watts or rms?

[@thewhizard]

What about the gauge of the wires to the speakers with regard to wattage ?

[@RayRiv73]

I have a Rockford Fosgate P300-10 sub and bought a 4 guage CCA with a 80amp fuse. Did go to big?

[@GnosisMan50]

I'm terrible with math....so glad they have the amperage marked on the fuse. My amp is 25A X 2 = 50 amps

[@alpaslanbek]

Should we take RMS rating at the ohmage of the Speaker we use? Or the Max RMS , which is the lowest ohm?

[@MarcelaLopez-lp1vs]

Did u figure it out

[@MarcelaLopez-lp1vs]

Should i use 400w @4ohm .or 1400w @1 ohm wich im going for.

[@samanthamacarages5695]

My friend suggested using 12 AWG for my door speakers. I'm getting distortion no matter what I do. Is it possible I used too thick of speaker wire for my door speakers?

[@luisquintero1945]

Will my factory amp move Kicker components front and rear? Doing upgrade. Corolla with 6-3/4 components front and 6x9 rear. Already upgrade radio to Kenwood. Love your videos and I am a Patreon supporter

[@rujoeking]

What did you mean by system voltage? 2:14 Where did that number come from?

[@Factory43R]

Do you have a video about distribution blocks?

[@eazye26boy]

what crimper do you recommend for audio installations?

[@DJENERGY210]

Ofc is not cheap I looked it up but those wires are for used on 3000 watts of 0 Guage and higher watts

[@alizepassion4u]

Hey thank you for all of your help I have a question. I have installed the skar evl 12 (1250 rms) sub and enclosure they sell on Amazon with a Taramps smart 3 bass amp. My question is will the amp go into protect with me running 4 gauge wire? Is 4 gauge ok since I am only setting gain for square root of 1250 which is 35.6 volts? Or do I need to have 0 gauge wire since the amp is a 3000 watt amp?

[@markphilpot4981]

Just one thing Mark, you need sleeves on the ends so when they’re crimped, it will hold and not pull out or at least as easily. As you know, a stray strand is all that is necessary to smoke a fuse or an amp. Nobody wants that. I think you covered this on an earlier video! Just reminding!

[@Somesh-Ji]

Thanks for the detailed info. Actually in market there are lot products with OFC marking , but when u perform the acid test or Burn test, then u will find that its fake aluminum cable with OFC marking.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Tell me more about this test.

[@michaeltempsch5282]

@@DIYAudioGuy separate out asingle strand and put a flame to it. alumin[i]um will typically crumple, copper will retain it's shape.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@michaeltempsch5282 so you're basically looking at the melting point? The idea being that copper has a higher melting point than aluminum? I remember a chemistry lab where I was taught to use a Bunsen burner and observe the color of the flame in order to figure out what kind of material I was working with. but that was a long time ago and I really didn't know what the heck was going on.

[@michaeltempsch5282]

@@DIYAudioGuy Yes, copper melts at about 1080C and a candle being about that temperature as well, but the copper will disperse the heat for a while and not melt. Alumin[i]um melts at about 660C. The copper coating (I think that's the cause) seems to lead to more crumpling style action than melt to a blob...

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@michaeltempsch5282 I love learning new things, Thank you.

[@travisleehendon80]

Awesome content and learned something new. Question. Do you build sub boxes?

[@mikeeyg1977]

I’m looking to buy some cable for my system set up. The part I’m confused on is when going to the chart and determining the total wire length. I’ve always kept my ground wire as short as possible but my newest amp says for high powered amps it is best to run ground from amp to battery. In the video You said length is from batter to amp and amp to ground. So if I run a power cable from battery to amp and a ground from battery to amp, both wires are 18 ft long am I looking at a 36 ft run?

[@ezequielmejia8661]

Im not native speaker but holly sh.. your explanation was more than clear💥

[@ccvideotech]

Do you have an explanation somewhere of both using a second battery and also pros and cons of wiring the amp ground directly to the battery. For instance in a BMW where the main battery is already in the trunk.

[@1452-w3b]

I love knu wire !

[@CarAudioFabrication]

:)

[@scottstamm7022]

What if you're also using a capacitor of sorts, does this have any effect? Maybe allow the use of a smaller gauge over distance?

[@lagginlycan159]

Ok mark let me run this by you.. I currently have 2 runs of 1/0 cca in my car along with a 350amp alternator. Now I'm only pulling about 250a on sub stage and something like 120a on mids and highs. I can currently get cca on a good deal from a friend that owns a shop so I was thinking about just adding 2 more runs of cca instead of spending double just to add ofc and wanted to get your thoughts on if I'd be fine with the 4 runs of 1/0 cca abt 15-17ft each. Also I'm adding a agm battery and a Isolator in the next few weeks Edit: the cca wire is metra brand

[@frifrafrey]

Hi Mark. Can I change the wire gouge from amplifier to passive crossover AND crossover to component? My amp's manual says that I have to use 12awg from amp, but i have 16 from crossover. I need to now if change that wire or leave it as already is

[@romariomarcogoncalvesdias6446]

Can I use welding cable for my set up ?

[@portmurphy1]

Could larger wire cause issues ?

[@ice4278]

What size oxygen-free copper speaker wire should I use.

[@captaincarg0]

sooo for a system running a 3000w amp to 2 dual 2hom 12 inch subs ill need a 1-0ga cable correct

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

What about home amplifiers. Which to use. You have explain car audio. Pls explain about home amplifiers

[@stevenstratton6930]

Would wire to thin make the amp heat up more then it should? 8 gauge on 1000w pioneer amp but the rms of it is 480

[@kid_rajah]

You should talk about what happens when you switch the fuses in your device(s) because I know someone has done this to add more power and messed up a amp or something.

[@lowhertzhighspl]

Hey PROS (Mark): QUESTION: My new number is 136 amps at 13'-16' which shows I need 2 gauge wire HOWEVER, since it's on the border of saying 4 gauge, do you think by me using 4 gauge OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) rather than 2 gauge CCA, that it would be okay to stick with my 4 gauge setup? (I don't think the following is relevant but just in case the details matter; I'm upgrading my 1,000 RMS system to become a 1,500 RMS system by adding another 500 RMS and second sub: Kicker L7 12" = 750 RMS ea. )(I have the "Big Three" upgrade if that matters) Thanks in advance for your serious input!

[@pappo666]

do you use this for the cables to the speakers as well?

[@25hztolife86]

You don't know how easy you make it for us guys to learn what you know. KnuKnocepts, btw, is a very good line of wire. Anyway, I don't see a video on how to set gains using a sine sweep with the deck at full power (bass boost, loudness, eq, volume adjustment, and so on)....you should make one.

[@devnull182]

25Hz to Life no no no no no.... because nobody does that. It’s stupid and very wrong

[@guillaumejoop6437]

Ok you never should go too thin but can you go too thick ? Or is the only drawback paying more for something you don't need ?

[@cglomez5230]

Where do you find the voltage from the head unit?

[@morganix007]

Hi! I have a problem. I helped my dad to install the audio system on my car. It worked for 2 days. Then,last night,I was going to use my car, but nothing worked. No power at all. My dad used 8 gauge cable for a Taramp 800 watts class D, which he had to put together with a thinner cable to put it into the amp. He used wire connectos to put together that and other cables... we put a 30amp fuse. Also,the ground cable didn't convince me. Why was my battery drained after everything worked well for 2 days?

[@559News]

Can I use kickers 6awg kit for there CX800.1 Mono Amplifier?

[@vedeshharrypersad9485]

One question if your car battery terminal has a fuse (140a) already on it how does that affect your choice of amp wire fuse size?

[@TriggaHappy97]

Very helpful! I actually just purchased that audiocontrol unit based on your videos. One thing im confused about is on their website it says to use 3 gauge or thicker cabling on that amp which seems a little much, do you think its safe to stick with 4 gauge (OFC) for about 12 ft length?