First determine the length of power cable required to run from the
car battery to the amplifier, and then see the power wire gauge chart.
Using the amperage rating given for the amplifier, find the correct
gauge.
- The maximum amperage rating for the amplifier can be identified
either by size of the fuse that is included with it, or the size
recommended in the amplifier's manual.(If you are using multiple
amplifiers wired through a distribution block or if your amp has
multiple fuses, just add all of the values together.)
- When estimating the length of the cable needed to run from the
battery to the amp, add 20% to account for the actual path that the
wire will take when routed through the vehicle. For the "cable length"
be sure to include the length of the amp's ground wire, which should be
at least the same gauge as the power wire.
- To determine the amperage draw of you amplifier, multiply the
total output of the amp by two, and divide this number by fourteen. For
example: (amp is 100 watts by 2 channels) 200 times 2 = 400. 400
divided by 14 is 28.5 amps. The total current draw for this amp would
be 28.5 amperes.
