Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio The gauge of the wiring kit used

It seems that the common thought when it comes to wiring kits for both amps and speakers is to use the smallest gauge possible that is the largest wire available. I have found that this thought is not the best for because there often is not enough room for of all of that fat wiring to run along the running board of the contour. I am thinking of bi-amping component speakers in the future maybe yet I have found the I do not have any more space in the running board area to mount the crossover near the amp in the trunk unless I replace the fat monster cable running wires with thinner wires.

So it seems that thin wires are indeed best used some times.

as long as they are big enough, there is no need for overkill unless there are future plans to upgrade.

My sentiments exactly.

i am thinking of moving from 8 to 6 guage to warrant the use of another amp in the future.

i think 6 guage would be enough for aprox 300-400 w RMS power.

Well when we unknowing consumers purchase car audio products like amps the accessories are things that we often over look and so stores like CC will install inexpensive amps using the most expensive amp wiring kit, which are never on sell, I would have never choosen the amp wiring kit they chose for me because the sizes of are too large taking up all of the available running board space.

Dave are there some guidelines for
1) speaker wire guage (solid core or standed)
2) amp wire guage (solid core or stranded)

In car audio, always use stranded wire (more strands = more flexiblity and in some cases a few companies have much more than others, yeilding in more potential current flow ) Solid wire can crack or break in an automotive application

In a very short time, we'll have a solution for thick round cables taking up too much room. But I must say, the Contour has a decent amount of room for wire, I have several large gauge cables running down both sides without a problem. You just have to be a bit creative

Also, wire gauge should be determined by your amps current draw (listed in the owners manual thats never opened ) or your fuse rating. I cant stand seeing 2000 watt 4ga kits, to get true 2000 watts, your well over 120 amps (theres a forumla, but its late and im beat) I would not recommend 4ga wire for a 20ft run at 120 amps. Another thing is length is very important, if you had a 2ft run, then 4ga would be fine, over that long run you will see a voltage drop at the amp.

Hope that sheds some light for ya

By the way KnuKonceptz I was in your neck of the woods over the weekend for an NHRA drag racing event in Hebron 20 miles east of Columbia Ohio I think exit 126 of I70 , to road 37 north to road 40 east. Lots of speed out there on I70 though the dear issue caused a concern only once as one almost jumped in front of my car with only a toot from the car horn causing it to run in the other direction back into the woods. The rain came and went and went but caused not top fuel issues. Otherwise a great weekend out there in BIG COUNTRY.