Amp Power Wires?

Question

Right now i have a 8AWG Rockford Fosgate power wire going to my subs is that big enough to run 1200watts max?

Answer 1

my opinion: don't go any smaller than 4ga. on your power or ground wire. if you had a baby system with a 250watt amp, 8ga. would be ok.

Answer 2

8 as speaker wire, yes (probably overkill)

8 as power wire from battery to 1200rms amp? Probably not.

Answer 3

No thats not big enough.

The biggest problem people make these days is underpowering amps!!Your amp will put out its maximum performance so long you supply the amp with its desired needs.When you deny the amp of its needed power,the amps output drops ALOT.

So for example:If your using a 1200 watt amp....if you use to small of wire(#8) THEN you are only achieving 800watts at best from your amp.If you got a GOOD quality #8 wire Then MAYBE 1000 watts.

I dont know about you,but thats a dramatic loss of power.Personally,I would use #2 wire...But #4 will do the job just fine.Get #4 wire

These are estimated figures/numbers due to different types/brands of wire on the market.This is the general idea....

0-200 watts = #10 wire can be used.

200-550 watts = #8 wire can be used.

550-1200 watts= # 6 wire (minimum).

1200 2000 watts # 4 wire (minimum)

Athough many opinions vary.My concept as a licensed

electrician is that its ALWAYS better to  go bigger.More wire means MORE voltage.

Answer 4

Upgrade now to be safe.  8 will do for a little while but for sure upgrade asap.