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what gauge wires for 600w amp?

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Old 02-10-2012, 10:19 AM
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Default what gauge wires for 600w amp?

wiring my 600w amp in my new truck, and i need to buy an install kit. I dont remember what gauge wires i had for power and ground in my old truck. what is recommended?
Old 02-10-2012, 10:32 AM
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did a little research. looks like i will be ok with 8 guage power and grounds. That sound about right?
Old 02-10-2012, 10:34 AM
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8 gauge is pushing it. I would do 4. My new 400w amp came with a 4 gauge kit lol.
Old 02-10-2012, 10:42 AM
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hmm.... looks like the price difference between 4 and 8 is not that much. I'll probably go 4 just to be safe.
Old 02-10-2012, 10:44 AM
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If any thing 6 would be fine. Depending on the length of the run. Not to mention it is not going to be hitting 600 watts consistently. I would think 8 is fine. Just my op, not my truck or hook up so its up to you.
Old 02-10-2012, 10:52 AM
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thanks for the input guys.
Old 02-15-2012, 10:34 AM
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When buying power wire it is important to look at the max amp draw and not the output. Most companies tend to over rate their amps and there could be no need to go to a heavier guage wire than needed. It is easier to work with lower guage wires is the whole point. there is a good chart here. Some companies will list the max amp draw in the liturature, or you can look at the fusing of the amp. If you can't find it there, then you can go buy the amp output rating to avoid the headache.

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Old 02-15-2012, 09:41 PM
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Class A/B -- Class D?
What brand?

You can get probably get away with 8 Ga. You're better off running 4. Leaves you some room to go bigger in the future if you need to, and there's no such thing as using too big of wire. I'm running 0/1 GA to run my 2 500W RMS amps.
Old 02-16-2012, 10:55 AM
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I always run 4ga minimum to any of my audio amplifires. Regardless of watts. I realize its overkill at times but at least I know I have a GREAT connection. And its only a few bucks more and gives me room for growth.
Old 02-17-2012, 12:25 AM
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Don't go for price difference!!!
Run 4gauge minimum ... If u are installing it in your denali make sure a professional installs it... DONT RUN 8 gauge! Scosche or kicker amp kits ar really good and look at the wire thickness not the rubber thickness
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