Car Audio Power Wire - Do's & Dont's for a BETTER SYSTEM!
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2020
- When you install a custom car audio system you need to add another power wire to connect your battery and alternator to the new aftermarket amplifiers and other new gear. But if you make common mistakes you can loose hundreds of watts of power output... What wire should we use, how large should wire be, and more in this "Car Audio Power Wire - Do's and Don'ts" Video.
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Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget I have a ton of video content focused on advanced electrical topics for designing your system right in the "Car Audio Electrical Playlist" that you can find here: ua-cam.com/video/u4E0ui8yeI8/v-deo.html Thanks dudes!
Hello can i ask you an question ,lets say i have an normal AGM Battery "Tudor TK600" and it have lost power due to forgotten the minus terminal on the battery for 2-3 times and the battery it self broke/discharged to much ,can that do so it cause so my all 4 speakers + sub give out "crackled sounds" and hear the music aswell played by an Usb-stick?.
It have work fine for 2.5 years until now.
Since i have a mono amp and single 12 with 4 gauge CCA power and ground, if I have a voltage drop, I have a smart charging system (gm vehicle) 13.3 to 13.5 volts in the spring and summer (13.8-14.0 volts with lights on), Winter 14.0-15.0 volts. Can I do the the big 3 to get the power loss of CCA wire back?
@@seangowan7441 don't know if anybody responded to you but here's a couple tips,, first is if your amp requires 4 gauge you need to go up to 0/0 CCA. Wire,,, especially if your equipment is premium,, I had the same problem,,, upgrade the factory wires making sure to go through all the factory loops,,, there are voltage sensors in the loops they tell the alternator what to do from 2006 and up GM cars,,, and in CCA wire that I threw away because there was a voltage drop from my alternator to four batteries in the back the CCA did not allow enough amperage to keep all my batteries charged no problems now
Instablaster.
I need help with what to do and not do when routing the amp power wire through the vehicle interior, can you make a video?
I have learned more in the last four months watching your videos than I have in 28 years of loving bass!! Getting ready to fully upgrade my system with a custom box and amp rack. Thank you Mark for being awesome!!
I always recommend wiring with 1/0 gauge OFC even if it's overkill . They'll eventually want to upgrade to more power or a second amp and if they didn't do 1/0 they'd end up paying more to upgrade later on . I always show them my box of old wire . Buy once cry once 😆.
I second this. Build a solid foundation. 1/0 OFC should handle around 3,000 watts. Why buy some 8 gauge CCA and spend the time installing it, only to later on have to spend more money on some 4 gauge OFC and spend the time ripping out the 8 gauge and installing the 4 gauge, only to possibly rip THAT out and install 1/0 OFC? Spend the extra few dollars on some "overkill" 1/0 OFC and not have to worry about moving up from 500W subs to 1000W to 1500W..
I'm putting another aftermarket system in my truck and I've been binge watching your videos. I already had a good idea of most of this stuff but thank you! Lots of good content here and well explained. And yes I was they guy back in the day cranking up my gain making my subs louder 🥴
You have the best videos! Anyone can build whatever system they want with your detailed instructions. Thanks for everything!
Of course this gets uploaded after I just ran my wires 😬 i hope I didn't screw anything up haha
So, how’d ya do? Lol
right? i did my system on xmas break n i just see this now, it sounds great, so i must did sumthin right lol
God damn it I hate when things like that happen
Me too, already installed 1/0 cca from skar and its core size VERY close to my old copper 4 gauge. I think its fake 1/0
@@southern_merican Most likely. Should have saved the time and money and went straight 1/0 OFC
Welding cable makes great power cables. Designed for high current and abrasion resistance, all copper, flexable, and solderable. I solder all my connections and heat shrink/ seal them. Kits are nice from the outside, but I can make some better installations by going ala-carte for my supplies. Don't forget adding a negative cable of the same size from the battery. I see that left out all the time.
I know this is old, but I used welding cable from battery to battery in the back.
@@JamesBond-oc4gmme too and I even found welding cable that was 1800 strand so it’s extremely flexible !!
I basically had free welding cable for like 15 years working industrial maintenance. If MSHA or OSHA would show up on site out of the blue.... panic would ensue...lol.
We'd all be grabbing welding cable and extension cords with any kind of knick in them and throwing them in the back of the work truck.
I've used it exclusively for all my car audio stuff.... we would go through so much welding lead it was unbelievable. Especially arc gouging. Boss would just give us thousands of feet of it and tell us to go scrap it for beer. It was a laid back badass company for real.
Luckily, my research actually started with you and your dads NOX! The quality of my install is all because of you man. I think it turned out pretty good. Now I want to drain my wallet at Mobile Solutions so I can build a custom box lol.
Some of my wires for my install were smaller gauge so i compensated by doubling and tripling up the wires and tinning the ends together i checked resistance and works mint also looks cool.
Thanks Mark... for your time and patience!!!
That is seriously a nice wiring kit... it actually brought a tear to my eye... nice.
Hi Mark, thanks so much for your videos. They are very educational for both the experienced and the novice installer. I'm working on an install on a boat and am fabbing an amp rack/sub reinforcement panel out of one sheet of Marine Starboard. My question has to do with running wires... can I run the amp power cords next to the sub woofer basket without any interference? As I have it drawn I have a JL MDH 750/1 and a JL MDH 600/4 (with wires routed down) mounted over a JL M7 12" sub. the power wire comes into the distribution/fuse boxes and runs up and over the sub to the amps. Let me know what you think!
Great information, especially explaining tinned OFC wire -thanks!
Your information could be a course taught as a class... thank you for making great videos... I could have used them 25years ago... LOL
That’s the wiring kit I just bought. Very happy with my purchase.
I’ve been watching your video for years, I’ve have learned a lot from your video and wait to learn more. What are your thoughts on using welding wires for the the big three.
Any chance you gonne be touching on *"the big three"* upgrades, regarding rewiring your stock alternator and battery?!
He already has a video on that. A couple of videos I think.
@@JonathanDFielding Did watch his playlist "Electrical for Car Audio" prior to asking my question and found two clips
- ua-cam.com/video/XSsOPu6gHmQ/v-deo.html
- ua-cam.com/video/F2a8Seirw94/v-deo.html
where *"the big three"* get mentioned - but he never actually did it!
Or did he? Do you have a link?!
@BEATING NCP93 I totally agree with you 👍.
this is my next upgrade... good video as always... thanx man!
Just placed an order with Knuconcepts for all my wire, dist. Block and inline fuse. The pricing was incredible for what you get. Thank you Mark!!!
Have used Knu concepts for over 5 years! Fantastic products. You won’t be disappointed
Love you're videos I've really learned a lot by watching them thanks Mark
You should definitely touch on welding cable when it comes to power and grounds. Along with dual inputs/reducers
Thanks for taking time to explain this!
Been subscribed for years, keep up the excellent work and education. You’re a great teacher, breaking things down but keeping it interesting.
Love your do and don’t videos! I’m always curious how many dont’s I’m currently doing 🤣
Knukonceptz is the top of the line for mobil wires, besides i doubt anybody
Else makes the wire they sell, let alone it's a passion for for them.
KnuKonceptz is the bomb. Been buying my amp install supplies from them for 15 plus years.
Always OFC. Never cheap out on my wires.
5+ years for me, never using anything else!
Excellent video! Can a circuit breaker be used instead of a fuse? This could also be used as a cutoff switch.
Good vid. I was a professional installer for about 15 years of my life... Every install got better and better. I cannot recommend enough the tips shown here.
Just got a KNUCONCEPTS 0 gauge wire set today. Amazing value. It came with one of the most heavy duty fuses I've ever seen lol.
gonna be using it on my American bass 15 inch 2400rms 3800 peak, and my scar 2000d.
Should work rather nicely :) Very nice quality.
bruh you gonna need 4/0 wire or a few runs of 1/0 to push 4400 watts rms/640ish amps
Naw, 2/0 ofc should do just fine. But you better get a 2nd battery minimum
Added benefit to watching this. I realize I need to upgrade the wire for my inverter.
I bought both the Knukonceptz distribution block (KNF-60) and inline fuse holder based on one of your recommendations in another video.
Great video very educational!
Thank you for all of your help over the years keep up the good work Bass brother.....I thought I knew alot but I learn alot when I watch and view your vids...Thx again Mark...
Thanks for having the least obnoxious video sponsor segments on the Internet Mark! They're helpful, have an explanation about why you'd use the product, are relevant to your channel and are always nicely segued into...
I just always used 1/0 welding cable to a distribution block, then Purdy colored #6 to each of my MTX pro 752 x 3.
can you make a video for 6x9 speakers on the parcel shelf for hatchbacks?
Question, running rca's and power wire together, does that cause issues? I heard people say both so I don't know which to believe.
Damn this is great information the more I watch I'm like Amen brother.
Hi there. What do you think of running wire under the vehicle and then into the cabin? I mean, to run 🏃♂️ 4/0 through the firewall then under the carpet a bit difficult. Thanks
I run the Fulltiltaudio OFC 1/0.
Best wire i ever ran
Hi, can I use a car audio power wire for big three upgrade? Thanks
Excellent advice !
My research mainly came from you... but one thing I’m still wanting for a video on: Battery to trunk relocation with big 3(or4) upgrade for future system install if not with system already.
I’ve already done mine with my engine wire tuck but I failed at making it look clean and now has 2 different power wires to the alternator with no fuse there as I don’t know what can handle the heat????
SAVE ME! 😂
So.... I'm planning out a modest system for my giant Ford Excursion, I'm curious about power wire to speaker wire length ratio.... is it better to have a longer length of power wire and a short run of speaker wire from the amp to the speaker? Or the other way around? 50/50? What's the general rule of thumb for this?
I bought an amp kit and 18gauge wire for speaker wire but i have basic 14 gauge wire running to my subwoofer is there any loss there?
So I bought and installed two wiring kits, both running separately from my battery to two amps. The kit said 680 watt, I figured good enough since the amps are around 600 RMS. The size of the power wires are 6.7 gauge. I thought I might get a distribution block and change how it’s connected currently.
What gauge wire would work when branching two 6.7 wires?
I use welding cable for everything except runs from amps to speakers. Welding cable is pure copper, usually OFC, and made for harsh environments. The manufacturers have to follow strict guidelines for the cable/wire, or it wont even make it to the shelves to be sold, unlike car audio wire. Always go with the biggest wire you can (within reason), due to upgrades that may happen in the future. I'm currently swapping out 1/0 car audio wire for 4/0 welding cable, for my Big 3 and system power. Doing this will future proof things for any upgrades that may happen for me. I should ever have to run new power wire which will save time and money
I love your videos!!!
At the battery bass full tilt the drop is no more that 13.5 at the amp it hits as low as 11. Could this be due to cheap wiring and if so would that also cause dimming of lights?
Nice ! Thanks from BRAZIL
Hi I sub'd your channel while researching my audio upgrade for my 2003 Frontier Crew Cab. It 's been like 20 years since I did my own install. Wow stuff has changed a lot, and generally for the better. Not sure why they are selling that CCA stuff when the pure Cu I found wasn't terribly more expensive.
2 questions though:
Speaker wire. What gauge do I need for driving 100w RMS door speakers using 400w RMS 4 channel amp. I don't turn the gain up all the way because that would make my poor ears bleed, but I would guess that this flimsy 22 gauge stock wire needs to get replaced.
Are you guys using any kind of termination pins? I wired my cables straight into the AMP, but would it not be better/cleaner to use some sort of crimp pins? If so, link please :)
I have a 70A auto fuse which says "can be used for audio equipment". I want to use this fuse between wire charging my second leisure battery in the car. Is that fine? The wire itself is for 12v batterirs.
I literally ordered that amp kit earlier today. Lol how funny.
Can you use 2 of the source units rca outputs into one monoblock amp?
This guy is my new superhero lol jk. But this quality of knowledge you're spreading is unprecedented bro. Thanks!
Is having a thicker ground than the power wire a “Dont thing” ? For ex 0gauge ground wire and 4 gauge power wire.
Bravo excellent good video topic of choice for discussion
I subscribed. Nothing substantial for me in this video but I know the links you mentioned will have some gems I wish I knew sooner. Thank you.
I need some advice I have six P3 12s Rockford Fosgate Subs and what would be a good cheap amp to power those
It would be dope to see an OFC vs Welding Cable video.
Welding wire is ofc
@@midnight873He means car audio wire vs welding wire
Hey Matt, i used solar DC cables for my custom build Amplifier. Its tin wire....its it any good?
Good. Idea. What’s a good crimping tool for 8awg to 12awg and interchangeable dies
Can u use a thicker wire even if the amp is weak or will it blow the 25amp fuse if the wire is too thick?
I love knukonceptz . Their wires are thick
And insulation is nice
And you can get stuff if cool colors
Can I run the 2/0 copper ofc power cable next to the amps rca cables? I got all high end cables if that matters.
I've always used welding cable, it's super flexible and very durable as welders work in tight spaces and very harsh conditions. Sometimes it's a little cheaper too.
I have on hand (2) 4 gauge (Fosgate) wiring kits. Can / Should I run two sets of 4 gauge wires down the vehicle to my (2) amplifiers? Is it ok if the wires are close (heat)? Should I completely abandon the idea? I thought I could both 4 gauge wires so they don't touch and having two separate firewall grommets. Is this a bad idea?
Can I use 2 gauge jumper cable wire for my power wire to my 1800w kenwood amp?
6:50 Thought you were going to skip that point. Great video! Maybe add some math to show voltage drop of full-spec OFC vs CCA at 17-18ft length. Just to highlight that the difference is not slight. Also, maybe mention Galvanic corrosion of CCA? Tis real and I'm sure we've all seen the wire turn to dust.
firebirdude2 You are correct! I would add CCA is fine for jumper cables but flat out dangerous for car audio. The repeated hot cold cycles will eventually turn CCA to dust as you pointed out and at that point there's a very real risk of fire. CCA is crap, junk, garbage and should never be used in a car audio system. CCA nearly cost a very good friend his car. Anyone that reads this anf still uses CCA, you have been warned.
May i connect an LED light bar wire 18awg to a 16awg wire to the battery?
I have to point out some things here. Good advice can be seen here, but!
When we discuss cca vs ofc Is it really that drastically different in terms of voltage capability.
I have about 12 feet of 4 gauge CCA running into a distribution block, and then about 1.5 ft total (split by a fuse) of 8 gauge cca. Measured voltage at the amp was a concern for me as I got 13.4 volts. I thought I was experiencing the dreaded 1 volt drop due to the CCA choice. But then I measured voltage at the battery itself. While engine was at idle. Guess what I got. 13.4v. Sooooo. ZERO voltage drop at the amp through all that CCA cabling.
Was this due to using 4 gauge for the battery to the dist block run? So, good to go? Would I see a voltage drop from the battery to the amp if I did 8 gauge cca for the entire run?
Going from the walmart amp kit to these better known amp kits is night and day.
Dude.....you're an audio wiz God!
What is your advice on putting an aftermarket audio system in a 2006 acura rl (the radio is integrated into the ac controller and alot of other bs)
Check out the audio control LC2i which allows you to tap into your factory speaker wires to convert into RCA to add aftermarket amps subs etc this is the way I am going to improve my Jaguar system same integrated AC and BS in radio.
What do you call that braided sleeve that protects your power wire in the engine bay?
Any recommendations on brand of speed wire or another source to get standard wire colors? I need a few feet for a couple of different harnesses. All the reviews I read on amazon did not instill confidence in any of the products.
Hardnesses???
If you live in an area where there is alot of humidity will it matter due to lots of moisture in the air.
What brand has the more strains out there of ofc wire i am looking for 1/0 ofc
The brand hes using has the most strand counts. Sky high is next, they oversize everything. The kolossos, not spelled right, but there 4/0 awg and 1/0 awg has the most strand count by far.
good info
Too bad I can't find OFC wire locally that is bigger than 5AWG. And I need 2 AWG atleast.
Could I use lets say 3 or 4 smaller OFC cable instead of one big OFC cable?
If I was to install a lc2i in my 2019 bmw m4 what size wires is best to use for let's say a pioneer 1000 amp
Can you make a video on the does and don'ts of amp power wire routing?
Good stuff
When r u going to review deafbonce machette dsp mark
Hey this may be a odd question but what items do you think would be good for a budget under $800?? I’m looking to run two subs in a box in the back of a small suv but wanting to know whats the best of the best stuff I could get for under $800??
Happy to help here www.caraudiofabrication.com/consultations
I'm glad all my vehicles have the batteries in the truck. Keeps my OFC costs down. :)
You mean trunk? 😄
How can I get the lc2i speaker ends where the wires connected in to those nobs
Clicked on buy it now, for a “ Stinger SK6241 4 Awg” last night.
Gonna run one amp, and in future a small mono amp for sub.
Hope it’ll be ok.
If it's "real Stinger wire" than oh hell ya you will be fine but if you bought it online especially off Amazon more than likely no it's not , that's the wire coming out of China and other countries , this wire for whatever reason has stinger branded on it but definitely not true stinger wire , it's the same as buying the cca wire just cheap stuff not true stinger wire , so when I held true Stinger wire in one hand and in the other the fake stinger wire u can tell first of by the weight and second by the flex in the wire , that true Stinger wire is kinda hard to flex and heavy but great luck to u and I hope u get the tru stuff tho , I've been there and got takin once before
I definitely made the wire routing mistake because I couldn't find where the hole was where the wire was supposed to be routed. I'm running another wire for a solar panel charge controller soon and I'll see if I can move everything to its proper place... I probably just missed something
What are some brands that make ofc wire?
Gr8 tutorial bruh
I don't work at Knu Konceptz, but have to say after using them I do like the quality of the components especially for the price. My only complaint being their spelling. lol.
If I have learned one valuable lesson over the years of installing, that having ya sub amps on a different power wire vs ya mids & highs amps will make a HUGE difference!~
Hello, quick question I can't find a answer too, maybe u can help,PLEASE!! Ok so I used knukonceptz 4awg ofc amp kit and now I want to do the big 3 upgrade! So do I need to use the same 4awg ofc to do the big3 with or can I use 1/0 gauge ofc wire to do the big3 with?? Please help, I also just put in the AutoZone Platinum DieHard battery the 650 class or type the same that my car requires but just the nicer Die Hard platinum battery anyway please let me know about the wire gauge what I should use considering I already used 4 gauge and kit hope to hear back from you thank you!
Where can I get the plastic base yiu use to mount amplifiers
This is irrelevant to your video, but is there someplace that sells 2” threaded speaker ports? I have an application where I need something like this.
just got a free amp, box and sub set, gonna set it up soon enough
i am installing a new system in my truck and i have no idea how to figure out what gauge wire to use..i had made a diagram of my system using the program that you sugested . and got lost when it came to the gauge to use. can you help
battery to distribution block should be 0 gauge, from block to subs should be 4 gauge
Is 10g CCA wire okay for a sound ordnance b-8ptd powered subwoofer?
I have x2 amps 2250wrms and 600w rms,x2 500w rms subs and x1 1000w rms sub and another batt im using 8 gauge for power and ground and for the extra battery positive is that ok or should a go bigger the cables dont even get warm and the system is loud. both amps are connected the the main batt.