Prepare Me For Battle--HAVE to 2nd Battery

[xpjim1]

I work for food, i'll come out and help

You got yourself a deal. Food is my specialty

[TigeDuner]

A 'short to ground' is not as common on boats as it is in cars, but the thought behind protection close to the batt is that if the short is between the fuse and amp (or other componant) the fuse blows, no harm, no foul. If the short is between the batt and fuse, the wire is still 'hot' til it burns in half. So, if the fuse is as close to the battery as possible, you only have a small amount of damaged harness.

Sounds like I need some protection as the cable leaves the battery towards the amp. That is a long cable as my batteries are in the back and the amp is in front of the driver. Good info, thanks.

[chpthril]

You can never use too much protection

[spharis]

Sounds like I need some protection as the cable leaves the battery towards the amp. That is a long cable as my batteries are in the back and the amp is in front of the driver. Good info, thanks.

It's more important in a car enviroment because the entire vehicle chassis is ground. In a boat, there's nowhere for the wire to short other than the block or another wire. Also in a boat, there is hardly any chance of a wire chaffing like you get in autos. I wouldn't worry about running out and doing it right now! Really the only protection you need is at the amp incase a Mosfet fries or something, it will protect the amp. I do not plan on running any fuses near my battery for my amps.

[TigeDuner]

That was my thinking when installing the fuse at the amp. The fuse holder installed has provisions for multiple circuits so as amps are added, so can a fuse. By the way, nice job on the amp/watts class. Reminded me of one of my college classes.

Chpthril - you are so right. Both in and out of the boat...

[Domsz06]

OK, found the specs on two of my amps, the third one I'll get next week, but just wanted to post up and see so far what it's looking like.

PPI PCX-4125 4 channel, using 4 ohm is 125 2 ohm is 250 bridged is 500
(now I need some clarification on how I'm running it. I always get the channels and bridging all mixed up.) If you can help me out I'll get the correct answers.

Clarion amp 200x2

I'll get the rockford next.

Thanks all!

[chpthril]

Found some cheap heat shrink on ebay: 3/4" for $2.15 p/ft
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...4444195&rd=1,1

and 1ga marine battery cable red: $4.15 p/ft
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-0-A...QQcmdZViewItem

and 1ga marine battery cable black: $3.31 p/ft
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-AWG...QQcmdZViewItem

[Razzman]

Good find Chpthril! I cruised his store and saw that he'll make your cables for a minimal charge to your specs! Cool, just what i was looking for.

[chpthril]

Good find Chpthril! I cruised his store and saw that he'll make your cables for a minimal charge to your specs! Cool, just what i was looking for.

I missed that!!! wow, ready to install cables delivered to your door.

[Razzman]

Works for me as I'm in no hurry anyway. The stereo install will be the last item probably so i ahve plenty of time to order.

[talltigeguy]

I bought from them before. Genuinedealz made me a great battery cable for my 3rd battery. The cable they use is a lot more pliable than that used on the other batteries, so it was a little easier to work with. The put on the connectors and even heatshrunkwrapped(?) them for me.

[Razzman]

So what is the standard cable size from the starter to the battery?

[lee]

So what is the standard cable size from the starter to the battery?

We use 2/0 for dual batteries and starter wire.

[Razzman]

We use 2/0 for dual batteries and starter wire.

Lee, the starter cable on my '95 2000slm comp DD is big, real big. I'm just curious if it's already 2 or even 1 gauge.

[Domsz06]

that's a great deal!!! I"ll have to check!!