Amplifier power wire

[James R Whitten]

I bought a kicker px500.1 amp for my sub and a px300.4 for the tower speakers. They call for 8 gauge power cables. I have a jl audio amp installation kit with 6 gauge wire off another project. My question is can I use the 6 gauge wire to a distribution block to the 8 gauge wire running in the amps, or should I run 2 8 gauge wires to the battery?

 

[robert843]

I bought a kicker px500.1 amp for my sub and a px300.4 for the tower speakers. They call for 8 gauge power cables. I have a jl audio amp installation kit with 6 gauge wire off another project. My question is can I use the 6 gauge wire to a distribution block to the 8 gauge wire running in the amps, or should I run 2 8 gauge wires to the battery?

Yes I'm currently running a Polk amp and a JL amp. The Polk required a 4 gauge and the JL an 8 gauge and I only ran 4 gauge to the power block and it seem to be working just fine.

 

[James R Whitten]

Cool, saves me a few bucks.

 

[Jgorm]

I'd get a fused one like this style. Orion Cobalt DBF1444 Mini ANL Fused Power Distribution Block Nickel Plated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0169B1BBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5O9DAbRY325BC

 

[FloJet]

Since you will be running multiple amps of the main wires, I would get atleast 4 gauge. Make sure it's OFC too.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

While on the subject does any know the distance from the battery to the helm? (Routing back across the engine compartment)

 

[FloJet]

20' of wiring gives me plenty of room behind the helm. I think you can get away with 15'.

 

[redthumper9]

I'd go with at least 4 gauge as a primary and distribute off of that. Make sure you use OFC wire. Knuconceptz make good stuff at a reasonable price point. If you plan to add any accessories or additional amps in the future, you may consider going with 2 gauge or even 0 gauge.

 

[ThatJeepGuy]

While on the subject does any know the distance from the battery to the helm? (Routing back across the engine compartment)

When I ran mine across the engine compartment I used nearly all of the 25' of wire. I think FloJet may be mistaken or he ran his over the fuel tank.

 

[robert843]

I just ran mine and I ordered 25ft I did not go all the way to the helm but stopped just behind the captains chair and I too went through the engine compartment I had probably about 6ft left so I would say 25ft would get you there but I would probably order 27-30 ft just to have extra.

 

[FloJet]

Mine was ran behind the hatch opening in the engine compartment, but 25' sounds right.

 

[swatski]

While on the subject does any know the distance from the battery to the helm? (Routing back across the engine compartment)

Here is what I did - if you are still looking for ideas - post #3
https://jetboaters.net/threads/stereo-upgrade-help.15954/#post-274253
I used about 15' each going over the fuel tank.

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[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Hmm at two 25 foot lengths, I am now tempted to put the amp in the battery compartment and save ~$160 of wire (need 0/1).

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Here is what I did - if you are still looking for ideas - post #3
https://jetboaters.net/threads/stereo-upgrade-help.15954/#post-274253
I used about 15' each going over the fuel tank.

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I don't even know where those fuel tanks are at? Can I open the hatch like that on a 210?

 

[swatski]

I don't even know where those fuel tanks are at? Can I open the hatch like that on a 210?

Yes. It is the large panel of the cockpit floor.
It's just four allen bolts holding it down.

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[swatski]

Hmm at two 25 foot lengths, I am now tempted to put the amp in the battery compartment and save ~$160 of wire (need 0/1).

certainly doable, may just need some long RCA cables (amps to the HU).

I seriously doubt you are going to need 0/1 AWG cable, especially if you go with the very high quality KnuKnocks, 4 AWG will be plenty unless you want some monster system or plan to operate a welder at the helm, lol.

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[FloJet]

certainly doable, may just need some long RCA cables (amps to the HU).

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I would keep the RCA wiring short as possible to help avoid rfi interference and all. Noise can be easily introduced into your system with a long run. Try to keep them away from power wiring if you do.

 

[swatski]

I would keep the RCA wiring short as possible to help avoid rfi interference and all. Noise can be easily introduced into your system with a long run. Try to keep them away from power wiring if you do.

I agree! But - everything is a compromise in these boats of ours.

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[FloJet]

Lol True

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

I would be looking at ~200amps, and on that length 0 gauge is definitely needed. I find the RCA interference noise to be a myth with half way quality RCA. I haven't run into that issue in close to a decade (been professionally installing nearly that long). But it also brings up a good point on length of RCA. I am not sure if I can find some RCA that long unless I custom make them.

Hmm... I am bringing the boat to the shop Saturday to run wires for the LEDs, I will get a better idea once I can get back in it, everything seems to turn into a bigger project with the boat lol.