Do I need bigger power wire?

I started running power wire last night, but not sure if my wire is too small - I'm using 4AWG for power and ground, so far estimating 18' for power wire.

According to this chart (http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp) I should be running thicker stuff?


Specs on amps:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_4022_Memphis+16-MCD1000.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_4031_Memphis+16-MCA3004.html

and I'm running a single JL 10w3v2




Sent a messege off to Marv, but I know he's sick right now

 

just an opinion, but why would anyone (running multiple amps) take the gamble of running 4 gauge on a Tacoma (unless its a REALLY tight budget)?

There is enough room under the door sills to hide a telephone pole...lol...

I know Im not being very helpfull, and I apologize. Guess Im just making a generalized statement...

 

Because wire can be expensive and I had 4AWG already, plus a fuse holder for 4AWG. If I need to step up to something like 1/0, I'm looking at an additional $60 for just the cable.

Another thing to think about is the amps. My amps can accept 4AWG to them, but smaller amps can sometimes only handle 8AWG or smaller. To do this, you would need a distribution block that steps down to the appropriate wire.

 

I think you are fine using 4awg. Those charts are more suited for A/B class amps. The monoblock amp you have is a class D, and is more efficient in its current draw than typical A/B circuit designs.

 

Yeah, I didn't want to assume - I ran nearly the exact same equipment in my car (minus a power cell) with no problems, but the installer was a hack that I no longer trust (he went out of business if that says anything).

I still have to get those distribution blocks though.
-There's nowhere in town that carries 4AWG to 4AWG (ok, there was one place, but they wanted $55 and I had to explain what it was, so I don't think they were talking about the right thing).
-Knukonceptz is 2 weeks backordered

I'll keep getting the sub installed, but looks like the 4ch and speakers are going to wait.

 

If you have quality wire you should be ok, you would be "maxing" out the wire but you should be fine. I currently run a Sundown 1500D and a 100.4 with 4g and have zero issues, I do run the 1500D @ 2hms though so about 800wrms and of course the 100.4 at 400rms so 1200wrms total.

 

I run 4 in my 01. i get huge power using 4 G!

 

Yeah I was also hedging on that since I'm tuning down the mono amp as well. Wire should be pretty good stuff, the copper has that 'soft' feel, if you know what I'm talking about.

 

What brand if you dont mind me asking. It isnt about how "soft" the wire is but if it is ACTUAL 4 gauge, too many crap companies out there not making true gauges anymore.

 

Memphis. What I'm referring to by the softness is the quality of the copper. Cheaper wiring you will notice is much harder and has a greater internal resistance due to impurity.

 

it isnt impurities it is strand count, the higher the strand count (diameter of each strand and quantity) yields the "soft you are referring to.

 

For those that may find this in a search I wanted to mention that the size of the wire determines the current capacity and the length determines voltage loss. Also, be careful with "generic" wire as some manufacturers pull some sneaky stuff when advertising. Wire advertised as 4 "ga" can be very different than 4 "awg" wire since it doesn't necessarily follow American Wire Gauge standards (it may look the same size on the outside but it's wire size on the inside that counts)