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

[@KidHonda80]

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

[@heli512]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Knackersjewels]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😊👍🏻

[@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.

[@fgcbaby9917]

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

[@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 =)

[@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.😉

[@Gus247365]

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

[@frankg5714]

Awesome info. Just bought my amp kit with knuKonceptz.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@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!!!☝❤🚘🔊

[@Hoppysjunkyardrally]

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

[@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!!

[@thewhizard]

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

[@RadarLove84]

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

[@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!

[@hunterhosterman5094]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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]

💀

[@captaincarg0]

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

[@cglomez5230]

Where do you find the voltage from the head unit?

[@jasonmcedward2595]

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

[@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?

[@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?

[@ygbodybuilder3023]

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

[@rlg222]

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

[@Factory43R]

Do you have a video about distribution blocks?

[@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?

[@MrCorridos01]

Do you go based off max watts or rms?

[@ADudeJustLivingLife]

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

[@rujoeking]

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

[@romariomarcogoncalvesdias6446]

Can I use welding cable for my set up ?

[@GnosisMan50]

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

[@CVObservatory]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@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.

[@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

[@brettbrassard7959]

solid info mark, thanks for sharing.

[@michakotarski7009]

That video actualy helped me a lot. Thanks man!

[@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!

[@RayRiv73]

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

[@jesusespin9941]

Could i use household solid electric wire for an amp install?

[@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?

[@ezequielmejia8661]

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

[@Bullfighter6262]

What is the white tape you used to hold down the power wire?

[@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?

[@kemhorton3235]

I have. Worked fine.

[@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.

[@jbdiagnose]

is it bad to put a 2awg (35mm) wire on a 350watts rms amplifier with 30A fuse (with 1800W woofer)? or is it bad?

[@Watchtoday911]

What the right size of gages for amplifier 1800 w 6 channels ?

[@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?

[@eazye26boy]

what crimper do you recommend for audio installations?

[@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?

[@portmurphy1]

Could larger wire cause issues ?

[@Mastermindyoung14]

So I overdid it with 2/0 power wire for a 1200w amp???

[@pappo666]

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

[@rexultimus1422]

i did that math. shit was coming up short on a few 5 channel amps.. am i adding the 4 channels rms with the 1 channels rms and then execute the formula?

[@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.

[@chicken133221]

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

[@559News]

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

[@putra6106]

Could explain about the 13.8 v?

[@Bl4ck7411]

Its the car battery power

[@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

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Assuming that your CCA is 15% copper, it has 55% more international resistance than OFC. There is also a 10% copper CCA, which is even worse.

[@Bl4ck7411]

2:17 mu value calculated equals to 301A and the fuses puttin is 30 and 30

[@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.

[@baldylocc64]

I'm pushing 1800 watts two amps do I need to upgrade my battery or alternator?

[@djmay1231]

Have you figured out your answer? I’d like to know too

[@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?

[@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?

[@TerryPullen]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@ice4278]

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

[@matthewchurch2312]

Would it be the same for speaker wire

[@bablobhai]

awesome video Mark! learned something new yet again..

[@Dark_Relic]

Does the remote wire guage matter? For example. If I use a smaller/ thinner remote turn on wire over a thicker remote wire

[@AlexTurbo]

Usually 18awg

[@robertg2024]

Is there any change in the calculations if your running dual runs of power and grounds to the amplifiers?

[@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

[@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?

[@alexzimmer6]

What if I was running my subwoofer at 4 oh man? Do I use that rms value?

[@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!

[@5starMnR]

I have a beginner question... so I have 4 speakers and I'm thinking about a 2x12 subbox. So can I use an 5 channel amp with the speakers @4ohms and the subs @2ohms

[@SheaRibbster]

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

[@portmurphy1]

If I touched the ground and power wires together accidentally and now the inline fuse blows right away. Can I just replace the power and ground wire to get rid of the problem?

[@k3v24]

Do you think the length of the rca cables matter? I have 12 feet rca when I could really only like 1 feet.

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

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

[@seangowan7441]

I have a 2018 Chevy Malibu without bose but a factory amp what gauge speaker wire leads to my doors?