11.5 Wiring Infrastructure for High Power
Beginner Level: Wire Gauge
| Gauge | Max Current | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 16 AWG | 13A | Speaker, remote |
| 12 AWG | 23A | Speaker long runs |
| 8 AWG | 46A | Medium amp power |
| 4 AWG | 70A | 500-1000W main |
| 2 AWG | 94A | 1000-2000W |
| 0 AWG | 125A | 2000-3000W |
| 00 AWG | 150A | 3000-4000W |
Installer Level: Distribution
Single amp: Direct battery to amp, no distribution needed.
Multiple amps: Distribution block with individual fused outputs.
Fusing: Size for wire gauge, not amplifier rating.
Routing protection: - Avoid heat (exhaust, turbo) - Avoid abrasion (use grommets) - Secure every 12" (zip ties) - Separate from RCA (6" minimum)
Engineer Level: Skin Effect
At switching frequencies (100-500 kHz), current concentrates at wire surface. Skin depth at 400 kHz for copper = 0.1mm. Solid AWG wire operates partially in skin effect regime. Effective AC resistance increases by √(f/f_skin).