I have two 8 gauge wires...?

Question

i have an amp (sony xm 2002gtr) that says it requires 4 gauge wire..but they cost $100+ and i have plenty of 8 gauge wires. can i use two 8 gauge wires as a substitute for one 4 gauge wire?

and also, i have my capacitor grounded to unpainted metal of my car AND the ground port of my amp..is that incorrect?

Answer 1

Two 8 gauge wires in parallel do NOT equal a 4 gauge wire. If you need a 4 gauge wire, you should use one. $100 seems high. I'd find an install shop & buy it by the foot. You don't need a full install kit (do you?).

For the capacitor, ground it to the car chassis. Make sure you charge it before connecting to avoid sparks (see link).

http://www.caraudiohelp.com/car_audio_ca...

Answer 2

Two 8-gauge wires combined are equal to a 5-gauge wire, but that should be close enough for that amp.  Make sure each wire has its own fuse near the battery; 40-amp fuses would be a good choice.

If you capacitor is connected to ground, and your amp is grounded, then you don't really need a wire between the capacitor's ground terminal and the amp's ground terminal.  It doesn't hurt anything, though.  If the only ground wire at the amp is the one that runs to the capacitor, then you're better off connecting the amp ground directly to chassis metal.

Answer 3

I have never heard of anyone doing this,I'm sure there is a reason you cant do it,I am a electrician by trade and we can't do this with wire to upgrade to a larger size.Just break down and buy the correct wire,it will be the correct stuff,and look a whole lot better.

$60 right here.http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-4GA...