installing a stereo

[jwalker79]

I just installed a 4 fuse panel. I ran the the hot (12 gauge)lead to my battery selector switch. I ran the stereo to the panel and I have a small sink pump connected to the panel and 2 auxiliary 12v are also connected to the panel.

I turned on the stereo and then ran the sink and the stereo turned off. I am thinking the main lead for the panel which is 12 gauge and it runs 12 feet is too small and I need to go to maybe a 10 gauge???

john

[senormechanico]

Check your connections. You probably have a bad or corroded connection somewhere.
12 gauge should be fine for what you are doing.

Steve B.
(retired electronics tech)

[GordMay]

#12 AWG is only suitable for a total about 6.25 Amps load at 12Volts, over a total cable length of 24 feet (12' Pos. + 12' Neg.).
See the wiring charts & explanations in my gallery, at:
Wire Size Chart 1
http://www.cruisersforum.com/gallery...=500&userid=79
Wire Size Chart 2
http://www.cruisersforum.com/gallery...=500&userid=79

[senormechanico]

Batteries could be low/weak/poor connections, or as Gord said, or a combination of all four.

Steve B.

[hooked on water]

Thanks for the charts Gord, you are a true wealth of information
cheers
this is one of my next tasks, running wiring for the lights and speakers
cheers
hooked

[David M]

Be sure to determine the maximum amperage before you go out and buy the wire. The maximum amperage spec should be in the installation manual. If not use the original fuse as your guide. For example, if it is a 10 amp fuse then gauge your wire for 10 amps or slightly more....that should be done anyways. If you want to be certain, gauge it for no more than a 3% voltage drop. Don't put anything else on the same circuit.

[hooked on water]

Sounds good
I printed out your charts Gord - Thanks
they definitely are very helpful indeed
Have calculated all the draws and this will make things alot easier
cheers
Hooked

[jwalker79]

Ok, thanks for replys. It is a sirius satallite radio with a receiver connected to the stereo it. The stereo has a 10amp fuse on the back. I gave it a 15 amp fuse in the aux box I connected it to. I gave the little water pump a 2amp fuse as the manual requested. I gave the 2 aux 12 volt connectors 10amp fuses. I am thinking because of the demand of the stereo being satellite I need to boost that main power cable to 10 guage?? From looking at the chart posted 12 is a bit low.

[GordMay]

Sirius Satellite Radio Installation Manuals:
SIRIUS Satellite Radio - Product Manual

[jwalker79]

Ok wow from looking at those manuals and the charts. If I had both aux ports, the pump, and the radio all going at once I need awg 6. If just the stereo only then a awg 10. Awg 6 is a big wire ok well thanks for those charts and the help.