How to select the correct gauge power cable for single or
multiple amplifier systems.
PG Tech Support
PAW - 11/98
The maximum continuous amplifier power and the distance of the cable run
determine the correct power cable size.
-- Phoenix Gold Tech Tips --
-- Phoenix Gold Tech Tips --
Distance of cable run
M
a
x
C
o
n
t
p
o
w
e
r
Examples:
1. A system with one ZX450. The amplifier is mounted in the trunk and the battery is 18 feet
away in the engine compartment.The amplifer can produce up to 500 watts. The chart above
shows the need for a 2 cable.
2. A system with a ZPA0.5 for bass and a . The amplifier is mounted in the trunk and the battery
is 18 feet away in the engine compartment.The amplifer can produce up to 500 watts. The chart
above shows the need for a 2 cable.
Use the chart below to find the correct cable size
1. Find the distance (feet) of the cable run along the top.
2. Find the total continuous power (watts) the cable must support on the left.
3. Where the two meet indicates the proper gauge cable.
If the distance or power falls between two columms or rows, always round up to the next
higher gauge.
100 w
200 w
400 w
600 w
800 w
1000 w
1400 w
1800 w
2200 w
2600 w
3000 w
4 ft
10
10
8
8
4
4
2
2
2
2
1/0
8 ft
10
8
8
4
4
2
2
2
2
1/0
1/0
12 ft
8
8
4
4
2
2
2
2
1/0
1/0
1/0
16 ft
8
4
4
2
2
2
2
1/0
1/0
1/0
1/0 x 2
20 ft
4
4
2
2
2
2
1/0
1/0
1/0
1/0 x 2
1/0 x 2
24 ft
4
2
2
2
2
1/0
1/0
1/0
1/0 x 2
1/0 x 2
1/0 x 3
