power and ground

[laserfish]

If I have a 1/0 for the positive power wire, do I need the same for the negative or can I go smaller? Battery is in bildge area. Wiring up my new Harpoon and a 2 ch MTX. Already have a dist block. Want to do the new wiring once and will be upgrading the MTX to a Kicker 700.5 this summer. Ideas?

[chpthril]

Yes, the ground side of the trunk line needs to also be 1/0 and needs to terminate at the battery along with the B+ 1/0. The B+ needs to be fused at the battery also. 4ga from the distribution blocks to the amps.

What are you powering with the Harpoon? Did you get the Throttle box as well?

[laserfish]

Got the Samson (Exile) S7HD HLCD speakers. Yes, the throttle box was included. Can't wait.
Is the wire a get what you pay for propostition? What does it run per foot?

[laserfish]

Any opinions on the CCA (copper clad aluminum) cable out there? Does it hold up in marine conditions? Sure is a lot less expensive. Opinions?

[Brianinpdx]

Laser - There are a lot of point of views on wire, but yes, there is a get what you pay for. I suggest running 0 gauge from the batteries to the distro block. preferably one (fused) with a voltage read out gauge. Then from the block to the amps with 4awg.

Majestic just went thru the same questions on his upgrade. Maybe he can offer direct comments on the kits we use.

-Brian
Exile Audio

[h2osk8er00]

Still haven't looked for the gound but I did find that I had on of the ground wires that goes from the stereo battery to the distrobution box not connected. I was having issues with all of my dashboard electroncis but now everything works fine.. with the exception of the speedometer. Even the digital one is jacked up because the depth finder broke off and it hangs there now. While I was on the boat this last week though it got really bad.. And I believe this was because the boat got super wet but Im certain the stereo equipment didn't. Any other ideas. I'd rather not touch my alternator if I don't have to but she should probably be rebuilt anyway. Thanks and sorry for not doing my ground work yet.. just been side tasked with other chores and what not..