snafu Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 I own a vehicle. I plan to add a system, a high output alternator, and a second battery in the rear. My alternator will be sized so that it has enough output to maintain voltage at or above 13.4 Volts with the system at wide open throttle. Q. How do I determine the correct gauge of cable between all of the components? [Power / ground cable . . . not speaker cable, etc.] Go. Hint: A thorough explanation here will be required, and an example used to illustrate your explanation would be beneficial. Quote Tony Candela - SMD Sales & Marketing Email me at [email protected] to learn about becoming an SMD Partner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pa-pa-platypus Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 its not like you'll ever actually answer the question 2 Quote This isn't teeball. YOU DO NOT GET A TROPHY JUST BECAUSE YOU SHOW UP. Put the work in and then maybe get the respect when it has been earned 151.6 with single 12 at 41 hz 153.2 with 2 12's at 43 hz power: dd m4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98GCLimited Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Couple runs of some large gauge wire. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snafu Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 If nobody supplies the correct answer by one week from today, I will absolutely answer this. Quote Tony Candela - SMD Sales & Marketing Email me at [email protected] to learn about becoming an SMD Partner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snafu Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Couple runs of some large gauge wire. : . . . shaking head . . . : 1 Quote Tony Candela - SMD Sales & Marketing Email me at [email protected] to learn about becoming an SMD Partner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessica Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 I doubt you will like this answer but, I think it is a bad idea to design a system to run at a certain voltage "full tilt", you can't calculate that unless you are just burping. Music is dynamic, and something as simple as the temperature outside can effect charging voltage. So, yeah, thats my two cents. Quote Rest in peace, walled 87 accord build log 03' Corolla build with AA Mayhem inside. My super random youtube channel and terrible camera work. Wiring comparison by CaptainzPlanetz Wire and fuse guide by Guest SyKo13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamAA Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Thick enough gauge wire so the amps will see little to no voltage drop at full tilt, at full alternator output, assuming the alternator exceeds the total amperage of the system and have 0.01 resistance or less through all lengths of wire... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skater229 Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 (edited) 1. First figure out the length of your power runs 2. Figure out the power draw for each run (value of fuse(s) for said device(s) as per the manufactures suggestion) 3. Do a bing/google search for "Wire Run Calculator 12v" http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm or http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html Has an active tool 4. Figure for each device and use the proper fuse and cable. 5. For the main battery to battery connection add fuse values for all devices together and find the proper gauge using the tool from step 3. 6. For the run from front to back use a fuse (same value as #5) on both ends of positive power cable so you have a breakable link on both batteries. 6. Also do the "Big 3" Edited June 20, 2013 by Skater229 2 Quote 2010 Chevy HHR Panel (Work in progress) Pioneer AVHX-5800BHS McLaren MLM880's and MLT2's 2ea per door on a DC 175.4 Two DC Audio M4 Level 5 15's On A DC5K Alt CES 200/270+ 4ea Banks of Maxwell 2.7v 3000f caps for a total of 2000f 1ea XS 3100 and 2ea NSB FT170 Batts for 450+ah Not a HUGE build but here it is... DC Audio HHR Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josef344 Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Bacon.... The answer of every man's question. Quote Chris Brown's build log, prepare for some beating Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowDrifter Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 NEC Wire Ampacity chart is what I use. Assuming a copper conductor, of course. 1 Quote ~~~~~~~~SAY NO TO PHOTOBUCKET~~~~~~~~ Snow's DD-1 tracks here: https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/167433-snows-dd-1-tracks/ My take on OFC vs CCA: https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/110381-things-that-piss-you-off-in-the-car-audio-world/?do=findComment&comment=2461444 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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