Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Amp Wiring Kit
The carâs in-dash sound system can be insufficient to provide good quality of sound. If you want to upgrade your entire sound system, you need the aftermarket speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers and the best amp wiring kit, as well. Amplifiers are, inter alia, the center of your sound system upgrade and can be purchased from various retail stores.
However, installing the amplifiers may not be as easy as purchasing it. The process can be tedious to many people due to a plethora of requirements involved.You need the best amp wiring kit with the essential items such as power wires, grounds and RCA cables to make your sound system upgrade a success.
Given a broad range of amp wiring kits on the market, it can even become more confusing to choose the best one. Other customers end up wasting money on wiring kits of inferior quality. To help you in your purchases, I have spent a considerable amount of time searching for the best products and have handpicked the 5 best amp wiring kits below.
Hereâs my collection of the best amp wiring kits on the market. In my selection, I have taken into account the affordability without compromising the quality and efficiency of the wiring kit. The essential items in the wiring kits are as important as the amplifier. Letâs see the best among othersâŠ
- 18 Feet 4 Gauge Ultra Flex Blue KCA Power Wire
- 3 Feet 4 Gauge Ultra Flex Black KCA Ground Wire
- One inline fuse holder with 80A AGU Fuse
- One 17 Foot Black Bassik RCA Cable made from Oxygen Free Copper (OFC)
- 20 Feet TCA 14 Gauge CCA Speaker Wire
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
KnuKonceptz KCA Amp Kit has been making rounds in the market for its quality and convenience in installing amplifiers for cars. Itâs a preferred kit and itâs attractive because of its affordability and reliability if you want to upgrade your car audio system.
While it is considered a poor performing electric conductor compared to OFC (Oxygen Free Copper), CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) is still a preferable option for lower powered systems and for those the budget-confined buyers.
Both the power wire and ground wires are made with the copper-coated aluminum to supply the power from the battery terminals to the amplifiers. Ninety percent of aluminum and 10% of copper have been infused together to make the CCA.
Included in the package are:
- 18 ft 4 gauge ultra-flex blue power wire
- 3 ft 4 gauge ultra-flex black ground wire
- 20 ft TCA 14 gauge speaker wire
- Fuse holder with 80A AGU fuse
- 17 ft OFC RCA cable
- 5 meter turn one wire
- 2 gold-plated 4 gauge ring terminals
- 2 gold-plated 4 gauge spade terminals
- Wire ties and grommets
The wiring kit complies with the American Wires Gauge (AWG), which represents the thickness of the wire with the numbers. The higher the number is the small the thickness. For example, an 18 gauge is thinner than a 4 gauge wire.
This thickness determines the amount of power to be transferred to the amplifier.
The 80A AGU fuse is cylindrical and portable to handle, and it is dirt resistant. To add some quality, the RCA cable features the OFC which is a good conductor of current.
In this case it will help transfer a strong signal to the amplifier. It is also long enough for a proper connection.
Thatâs long enough to withstand any curves and bends of installing the wire. With the OFC RCA cable, the amplifier can provide the musical signal to the speakers or subwoofers.
RCA cables are important because they carry the audio signals from one device to the other.
- Has all installation items
- Adequate length of power wire, speaker wire, and RCA cables
- 4 gauge wires have enough thickness
- RCA cable made with the OFC
- CCA is not really a good quality compared to OFC
- Too basic wiring kit if you are looking for a top-notch quality hence the price
Verdict
I would recommend this amp wiring kit for those looking for the basic installation kit. It is affordable and still reliable to set up your aftermarket car audio system.
I applaud the company for the length of the wires and the inclusion of all the installation components you need.
Thatâs a complete installation kit.
However, I would wish they had opted for a pure copper metal although it was going to be more expensive. Nonetheless, this amp wiring kit is still a good investment to upgrade your audio.
- 20 FT Red & 4 FT Black 20% Oversized CCA Power & Ground Cables
- 18FT Twisted & Shielded OFC RCA Cable with Machined Metal Connectors
- 100 Amp Mini-ANL Fuse & Heavy Duty Fuse Holder
- 13 FT of 10 AWG Red & Black CCA Speaker Wire, Blue Remote Turn-On Wire
- Pre-Crimped & Tinned Solid Copper Lugs, Gold Plated Spade Terminals, Firewall Grommet, Sheet Metal Screws, Zip Ties & 6 FT Split Loom Tubing (Not Pictured)
Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 20 ft, 4-gauge amp wiring kit is the best value for money to complete the 12V audio amplifier installation. New England Providore amp wiring kit comes with the over-sized cables by 20%, which can assure you a convenient installation wherever you put the amplifier in the car.
Whether placed under the passenger seat or at the rear side, they are long enough to extend to the spots.
Featuring the 4 AWG power and ground cables, the kit was specifically made to provide enough power to the amplifier from the battery terminals.
In a nutshell, the kit includes the following:
- 20 ft red and 4ft black power and ground cables, respectively
- 18 ft OFC RCA cable
- 13 ft red speaker wire and 13 ft black remote turn on wire
- 100A Mini-ANL fuse and fuse holder
- Copper lugs, gold-plated spade terminals, grommet, sheet metal screws, zip ties and 6 ft split loom tubing
The power and ground cables are made with the CCA, which is fairly adequate to transfer electrical current from the battery to the amplifier. But the RCA cable is made with the Oxygen Free Copper.
It includes the solid metal connectors which guarantee a tight connection to protect against vibration. The shield around the RCA cable also suppresses the noise so that you keep getting quality sound.
The NEP Mini-ANL fuse holder is also included with its solid blocks of metal. It helps secure the fuse and the cable so that the vibration will not affect the connection.
Also worth considering is the speaker wire with its 10 AWG. Itâs thick enough to provide a low voltage drop and provide enough current to the speaker.
- Flawless RCA cable
- 20 feet power cable is long enough
- Affordable wiring kit
- Includes all components needed for installation
- Copper clad aluminum in the power cable is not the best in electric conducting compared to OFC
Verdict
I donât see any problem with this amp wiring kit apart from the use of copper clad aluminum. Obviously the company has endeavored to cut the costs and provide aluminum instead of the expensive pure copper.
Nonetheless, it is still a fairly good conductor to transfer power through the ground and power wires.
The RCA cable is made with the OFC, so thatâs a good product to transfer strong signals. Itâs a bit of a challenge to secure the terminal rings, but with patience you can overcome the hassle.
- 17ft Red 4 Gauge CCA Power Wire & 3ft Black 4 Gauge CCA Ground Wire
- 6ft Red 8 Gauge CCA Power Wire & 6ft Black 8 Gauge CCA Ground Wire
- ANL Fuse Holder with Fuse, 4 Gauge to 8 Gauge Distribution Block and AGU Fused Distribution Block
- (2) 17ft RCA Cables, 17ft 14 Gauge Speaker Wire and 17ft Remote Wire
- (4) 4 Gauge Crimp Ring Terminals, (4) 8 Gauge Crimp Ring Terminals and 6ft Split Loom
Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you think of installing multiple amplifiers, the InstallGear Dual 4 Gauge Amp kit can be an ideal solution. The kit comes with a variety of cables suitable for different speakers and amplifiers. This means you donât have to purchase an additional wiring kit for extra amplifier.
The cables have a soft touch so itâs easy to handle them during your installation.
Almost every component you need for the installation is included. If you put the other amplifier at the rear side, you would probably opt for the 17ft red CCA power wire and the 3ft black CCA ground wire.
The second choice of wires contains the 6ft red CCA power wire and 6ft black CCA ground wire. They are equal in width measured by the 8-gauge and also equal in length.
The 17 ft RCA cable, 17 ft remote wire and the 17 ft speaker wire are all included in pairs too to honor the demand for multiple sound system installation. The speaker wire is fairly thinner with a 14 gauge measurement.
To make the installation an absolute breeze, other components such as the ANL fuse holder with fuse, distribution block and AGU fused distribution block are included.
Others include the 4 gauge crimp ring terminals, 8 gauge crimp ring terminals which are 4 each. The 6 ft split loom is also included. With all these at your fingertips, you have the right components to ace your installation.
One would have expected to see a dual amp wiring kit costing more than the rest but itâs not the case with this one. I attribute that to the copper clad aluminum.
Take into account the maximum power that your amp can take and choose the wires accordingly.
Copper clad aluminum is said to perform bad in corrosion resistance, but this kit made use of proper PVC insulation to prevent that.
- Dual amp wiring kit
- Different gauges of wires
- Distribution block to fuse the wires conveniently
- Unbelievably affordable
- Copper clad aluminum inferior to oxygen free copper
- Installation of multiple amplifiers can take more time
Verdict
Anyone wanting to install multiple sound systems can find this dual amp wiring kit ideal. It comes with various wires of different gauges, which make it easy to connect to different amplifiers and appeal to different current-taking capacities.
The power wire and RCA cables are sufficiently longer than 16 ft, which make it easy to place the amplifier anywhere in the car. Given the affordable price, I would recommend this wiring kit.
- 18 Ft- 1/0 Gauge UltraSoft Red CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) Power Wire/ 3 Ft- 1/0 Gauge UltraSoft Black CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) Ground Wire
- 18 Ft- Twisted Piar Triple Shielded RCA Interconnect/ 18 Ft- 12 Gauge Clear Speaker Wire
- Premium Silver Plated InLine ANL Fuse Holder/ 200 Amp Silver Plated ANL Fuse
- 18 Ft- 18 Gauge Blue Remote Turn-On Wire/ Terminals, Wire Ties, Wire Loom Included
- Wire Gauge Set To International Wire Gauge (Not AWG). Bulk Packaged. Not for Resale.
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SoundBox amp wiring kit has a maximum power capacity of 5000 watts. Thatâs enough to power your amplifier and get the top-notch sound to your admiration. Identified with 1/0 gauge, it is one of the thickest wiring kits available on the market yet priced low.
Included among others are the 18 ft red CCA power wire and 3 ft black CCA ground wire which make it possible to transfer current from the power source to the amplifier.
It transfers electric current fairly well although not better than a pure copper which is, of course quite expensive.
The budget-confined consumers can find this a good investment. But if youâre looking for a top-notch quality, I recommend finding an oxygen free copper.
Also included are the 18 ft twisted and triple shielded RCA interconnect and the 18 ft 12 gauge speaker wire.
The RCA cable is long enough to provide signals from the carâs audio system to the amplifier then the speaker wire will connect the amplifier to the speakers. It is also long enough and thin with the 12 gauge width.
The 18 ft and 18 gauge blue remote turn-on wire will turn on the amplifier when the vehicle power is activated.
Other included components in addition to this turn-on wire include the wire ties to secure the wires to avoid tangling and the wire loom. Again, there is the silver plated in-line ANL fuse holder.
The jacket is soft, so itâs easy to maneuver it and insert in the drilled holes. Just make sure to disconnect the battery before installing the wiring kit and the amplifier to avoid any injuries.
- Thick 1/0 gauge wiring kit
- Well-insulated wires
- Maximum power capacity of 5000W
- Affordable
- Wire gauge set to international wire gauge which can be confusing to those accustomed with AWG
- Copper clad aluminum inferior to pure copper
Verdict
Hereâs another basic wiring kit for those wanting to save costs. I wouldnât say itâs the best, but it is fairly good with its copper coated aluminum. The wires are impressively long with 18 ft power cable, RCA cable and speaker cable.
That means positioning the amplifier anywhere in the car shouldnât be a problem at all. Although an international wire gauge is used, the thickness of the wire is impressive too because it assures maximum power transfer to the amplifier.
- 20 foot/ 4 gauge red power cable, high quality gold Plated competition agu fuse
- Gold plated agu in-line fuse holder, 3 foot/ 4 gauge black ground cable
- 16 foot/ 18 gauge Blue remote turn-on wire, 30 foot 16 gauge speaker wire
- 17 foot high performance RCA interconnect cable, 6 foot split loom tubing
- (20) 4" Wire ties, (4) rubber grommets
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For over 30 years, BOSS Audio has been producing a variety of audio products so this is an assurance that this wiring kit also bears quality. The company offers an extended warranty on its audio products such as amplifiers for a period of 6 years.
That should be a relief to consumers knowing that should any defect be found, they can return the product. Â
Boss Audio Kit is a 4-gauge wiring kit to help install your amplifier. It will provide quality signals and power to the amplifier.
To connect the wires, the gold-plated AGU fuse and the gold-plated AGU in-line fuse holder are included. Meanwhile the amplifier will be activated by the 16 ft 18-gauge remote turn-on wire and the signal to the speaker will be provided by the 30 ft 16-gauge speaker wire.
Thirty-feet is an adequate length for the speaker wire to give you freedom of putting the speakers anywhere in the car. Still on the length, the RCAâs 17 feet length is also enough. The 6ft split loom tubing is also included.
I canât seem to figure any additional component you might need apart from this standard packaging.
Just like the preceding reviewed products, this wiring kit boasts the copper clad aluminum which is fairly good in conducting electric current.
A pure copper is not used because of its exorbitant price tag. A large percentage of aluminum is fused with copper in these wires to provide power and signals.
- 20 ft power cable and 17 ft RCA cables are long enough
- 4-gauge is popular and effective
- Affordable kit under $30
- Gold-plated terminals to resist corrosion
- Copper clad aluminum not really the best conductor compared to pure copper
- Plastic fuse is not of a good quality
Verdict
BOSS Audio is an ideal solution for your amp installation. There is no much of the difference with the preceding products I have reviewed. In general, these are good products I would recommend to anyone looking for affordable wiring kits.
I have not picked any of the pure copper wiring kits because I know many may be out of budget. These copper clad aluminum wiring kits are still the great options. This wiring kit, in particular, has all the components you would need for your amp installation.
Buyerâs Guide
Contents:
Let me help you make the right decision in making purchases of these wiring kits. I have highlighted a few terminologies that are cumbersome to others in understanding these wiring kits. I will further delve into the features you need to look for when selecting these products.
What size of amp wiring kit do I need?
To know the size of the wire needed for your amplifier, you need to understand your system first. You will then know that the amplifier needs an 8 or a 4-gauge wire.
Unfortunately, the maximum current intake is not always stated or, if stated, some manufacturers misrepresent the maximum current as a marketing tool. There is a formula to determine the current draw.
You have to calculate the total power of your amplifier by multiplying the number of channels by the RMS (Root Mean Square) watts for each channel.
The table below serves as a comparison chart where you can determine the wire size per the maximum current needed.
| Total amp RMS watts | Wire Gauge Size |
| 100-200 watts | 10 AWG |
| 200-400 watts | 8 AWG |
| 400-1000 watts | 4 AWG |
| 1000+ | 0/1 AWG |
This tablet is helpful to find any wire size for the calculated or given watt amp. It will help you to properly wire your amplifier without taking a smaller gauge. If the amplifier calls for the 4-gauge, do not compromise by wiring the 8-gauge.
What size do I need for a 20 amp breaker?
Can you mix 12 and 14 gauge wire?
Absolutely yes, but not on any circuit breaker! The code permits that. Both the 12-gauge and 14-gauge, for example, will be protected by a 15-amp circuit breaker.
A 14-gauge will be protected by the overcurrent of less than 15A and the 12 gauge by an overcurrent device of under 20A.
The 12-gauge can still be used on a 15A circuit breaker, but cannot use the 14-gauge on a 20A breaker.
How many watts can you run through 12 gauge wire?
The ratings of wires are not based on watts but amps. The 12-gauge wire, for instance, it is rated for 16 amps at 120 or 240 volts.
But if you want to calculate it, you can use the formula watt = volts multiplied by amps to get the watts that you can run through the 12-gauge wire.
On the other hand, volts represent the pressure applied to the electrons. A longer length of the wire affects the voltage because of the increased friction.
What type of wiring kit do you need?
When purchasing the wiring kit, it is not always that you might need everything in it. Some kits actually allow you to purchase the items individually for what you need, whereas others come as complete wiring kits.
The complete kit, as in the name, includes every component you need to install the amplifier. These include the speaker wire, ground wire, power wire, RCA cables, remote turn-on wire, terminals, grommets, and the fuse holders.
On the other hand, the power kit excludes the RCA and speaker cables. The RCA and speaker are important components if you are starting from scratch with the installation.
How to make sure that I have the best sound system?
You need to ensure that youâve purchase quality amplifier and the best amp wiring kit. Where possible, endeavor to get the OFC (Oxygen Free Copper). However, it comes at a hefty price of copper.
Again, ensure that the sound system is receiving the right amount of power it is designed for.
In that regard, take note of the wire sizes you use per the amps. Check the table I inserted above for helpful tips on the wire sizes versus the amps.
Remember that the higher the number of the gauge is the thinner the wire in line with the American Wire Gauge standards.
Amp wiring kit terminologies
Wire Gauge â it measures the thickness of the wire excluding the insulation. The American Wire Gauge is commonly used in many wiring kits. The smaller the gauge number is the thicker the cable. This rating has come in place in 1857.
Power and Ground wires â Proper ground and power wires are required to provide the amplifiers with enough power so that they can amplify the signal from the carâs audio system.
RCA cables â The RCA cables can be different from the power and ground wires with size. The main purpose of the RCA cable is to carry the audio signal from one device to the other.
Speaker wire â The speaker wire connects the amplifier with the speakers and subwoofers. A 2-channel amplifier comes with 4-input terminals while the 4-channel amplifier comes with 8 input terminals.
Remote turn-on wire â it activates the amplifier when the vehicle power is activated.
Quick Installation Help
To install your amplifier, you will need proper wiring kits because amplifiers do not come with the wires to connect to the stereo.
There is a wide range of wires coming in different brands and sizes. Nonetheless, functionality is the same, which is to provide signal and power to the amplifier.
Other accessories include the distribution board for multiple channels, battery terminals, fuse holder, etc.
Wrapping up!
The audio of our cars is not always the best and to upgrade it you need the external aftermarket amplifiers. These amplifiers can optimize your audio system to make it the best.
However, the amplifier alone is inadequate if there is no proper wiring. That being said, you need the best amp wiring kit with the right wires designed for the amplifier.
Although copper clad aluminum is inferior to pure copper, it is a fairly good alternative you can invest in. Then I wrapped up with the buyerâs guide where I answered commonly asked questions and defined some terminologies.
With this information, I am confident that you are armed to buy the best amp wiring kit soon.
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