I've been struggling with a heat issue with my JL 900/5 (4X100w+1X500w) since I installed it in 2013. Recently, I've noticed it getting even warmer after making some changes to my system. Warm enough to warrant some genuine concern.

In a nutshell, I've got a high quality 4 gauge power wire running from my battery, feeding TWO amps. I trunk off the 4g power wire into a JL HD200 under the driver's seat (2X100w@2Ohms), and continue on to the boot where it powers the HD900, along with my Helix processor, 400w power inverter and AppleTV. All speakers (components in front, 4" coax in rear, SWS8Xi under seats) are 4 Ohm, except for the SWS.

I'm grounded very well, having done it myself. 4g is firmly attached (short run from rear amp) bolted onto sanded car frame.

As I write all of this out, I think I know the answer to my own question about the heat problem, but these were my main concerns:

1) 4g wire not enough to feed sufficient current to my device chain
2) OEM alternator not generating sufficient amperage for the chain
3) 18g speaker wiring presents too much resistance for amp to drive speakers

So what's my problem? Or perhaps the MAIN problem?

I'm guessing it's the 4g power wire. I need to go down to 2 or 1, per JL.

What do you think?

 

You will find online somewhere (I used to have the link) a calculator for wire gauge size just like you are concerned about based on you power draw.

Guarantee the alt from Mini is too small. But then again, your usually not running it all the time at peak power nor do you have all the Mini factory electricals running. So, could be close.

 

I have 0 gauge running from battery to rear hooked up to a 4x75 ads amp and a 1500x1 memphis amp. on stock battery and alt. if i push them to the max it will run for 1/2 a song before the voltage drops and it pops the fuse to the sub amp.
If i run at 3/4 volume i can run it for 6 hours with no issues what so ever.