Ninty-two-se

I've seen this question asked before but I can't find the thread... well any way how big of an amp or how many amps will an 8 gauge wire support? I ask this because I'm upgrading my system for another sub and a bigger amp... the bigger amp (US Acoustics USX4065) "requires 8-gauge power and ground leads" Says Crutchfield.com... I would like to run my current 240watt amp (Pioneer GM-X372... only needs 10ga power) and my new US Acoustics amp off the same 8 gauge wire but I dont know if the 8 gauge wire can handle the strain of 2 amps..

So should just run another 10ga wire to power that amp or should I be able to run them both off the 8ga?

Now on to capacitors... Crutchfield recomends that I get a 1/2 farad cap for the US Acoustics amp... What would happen if I got a 1 farad cap and commected it to both my amps? Would it blow fuses in the amps or anything like that? Also when buying a cap (probably off of Ebay) does brand matter? Are there certain brands I should avoid for capicitors?

Thank you for your time and your advice,
-Rob

AscendantMax

iTrader: (7)

i'd suggest getting a 4 gauge wire. might risk the chance of causing the 8 gauge to heat up trying to supply two amps with power. i too was using an 8 gauge for my small amp. i just bought another 450 watt amp (came in today ). my setup is going to be, a 4 gauge wire to the trunk, wire goes into a distrubution block. from the distru block, i have two 8 gauge wires going to each amp.

skiboarder72

8 guage is suppoed to go up to 550 watts. I'm running 8 gauge to my 460w amp seems to be fine.

nismos14

iTrader: (56)

i'd run 4 guage also. if thats not an option, run 2 8 guage wires. the cap is no issue, u can run one 1 farad cap without a problem, but i am running 500 watts rms with my amps and i dont need a cap, our electrical system is pretty strong

AscendantMax

iTrader: (7)

http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp

lots of info at that site

bigblank69

4 gauge to your 1F cap then two 8 gauge wires to your Amps. That would serve you best.

Ninty-two-se

Any brands of capacitors I should avoid?

maxu4ia

I think recs on www.the12volt.com are pretty conservative. I use 8 guage for about 450 watts and I have had no problems. I've never even blown the 50 amp fuse.