how big of an amp can a 8 gauge wire handle before it ignites?

400 - 500 watts maybe?

thanks.

 

hmmm Im going to use my 8 guage to run to my distribution block then 2 4 guage 2 run to my (2) 1200.1 watt amps.. 8 guage would still be able to handle up to 1000 watts i thought..... Its just preffered 4 guage...

 

your're gonna what?!

better carry a fire extinguisher along if you're gonna do that. That 8 gauge, for sure, won't be able to last. Go with 4 or even 1/0 gauge if you're planning to hook up some big amps.

 

whoa, are you serious.

1st, why the hell would you run 8 guage main wire then spit it into 4 guage wires, lol. Thats backwards man. Your main power line is supposed to be the largest then it splits into smaller wires which then go to each amp.

2nd, You are asking for a fire running 8 gauge wire that long with that much current. You're talking at least 80 amps just for each 1200.1, so theoritcally, you're gonna be pulling 160 amps if your electrical system can provide the current and 8 guage isn't recommended for over like 30-40 amps if i'm not mistaken. Hell, i wouldn't even use 4 guage for that, I'd say you MUST get 0 guage for the main powerline or you can say goodbye to your car and system.

 

hmm i typed it out backwords... lol 0 guage though? will that be good instead of 4 guage?

 

I'm doing 2 guage to the distribution block and then 8 guage to run to all my amps.

 

for your setup yeah, i would say definately go 0 gauge. Now if you only had 1 1200.1 the 4 gauge would probably be okay, i mean it might work with both, just that I wouldn't want to risk it in my car. 160 amps of current passing through about 15+ feet of wire is a nice fire hazard if the wire isn't up for the task.

also, we I say 80 amps per 1200.1, thats just continious current draw, if you where to hit your max draw at any time, we're talking 114amps per amp. Thats damn near 230 amps total.0 gauge definately.

 

How much more expensive is 0 guage???? Vs 4 Guage???? :X

 

1/0 is gonna run up to $4/ft. 4ga is much cheaper about $.50-$.75/ft. Fused dc blocks, ring terminals, battery connectors ALL EXPENSIVE for 1/0.

 

yeah, 0 gauge does cost more, but depending on what brand and where you get it, it can be had for as little as $2.25/ft. Even less if you buy something like a 25 or 50 foot line pre-cut.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=32810

 

uhmm So would 4 gauge(from batt to amp) enuff for a MTX81000D amp??? OR should i run 0 gauge???? please help

 

4 ga is fine