Big 3 Upgrade question?

Question

Ok, I have an amp that draws 48A, a 130 amp alternator, and I have the big 3 ran with 4 gauge wire. My lights still dim. Now I was told that I used too small of a wire for everything to work properly. I am by no means an electrical guy but I'm not a complete moron. Now, do I have to go out and replace all of the wiring or is it possible to upgrade just the power wires or just the ground? I'm basically mad at myself and trying to not spend anymore money than I have to again. If I have to get another 10 feet of 0/1 that sucks but I want to do it right and not have my lights dimming and straining the alternator.

Answer 1

With only 48A draw you have another issue somewhere.

My amp pulls 48A and all I have is a 75 ampere stock alternator, no Big 3, 4 AWG wire and NO dimming lights.

If you do upgrade, ALL the wires need to be the same size.

Answer 2

If the lights dim through the whole bass note its an alternator problem. If its in just the first second of the note its the rectifier in the alternator talking too much time to turn up the output of the alternator. How many amps does the rest of the vehicle use? It only leaves you about 60-70 amps to run your vehicle with the 10% you should have for extra.

Answer 3

Yes,you must buy a larger wire...4ga is to small,0 is the correct size for "the big three"

Answer 4

get a cap