Charge Guard Largest Gauge Wire?

[Rlahey]

Okay, I have a couple of questions. I am looking at redoing my wiring on my install in my truck... What is the largest gauge wire that will fit into a charge guard?

NOOB question here... is there a way to group all of your grounds together, as is if there are three radios or other electronic devices, can one group all of the grounds to one large ground connection? Instead of running multiple ground leads to the chassis. I've seen multiple ways of doing this, but I want everyone's answer.

 

[jboczek]

I have 2 radios in my truck and put all the grounds (radios and chargeguard) to a seat bolt. I haven't had any issues. As far as wiring size for the Chargeguard, I think they're only rated for 30 amps so you wouldn't need a wire larger than 8 gauge and that would fit for the input. I think I used a 10 without problem.

 

[k7ng]

I run 8-ga wire to/from Chargeguards in the installations I do. I think it might be possible to scrunch a 6-ga in there but I haven't tried to find out. 8-ga does fine for anything that draws within the 30A max.

 

[mmckenna]

NOOB question here... is there a way to group all of your grounds together, as is if there are three radios or other electronic devices, can one group all of the grounds to one large ground connection? Instead of running multiple ground leads to the chassis. I've seen multiple ways of doing this, but I want everyone's answer.

I've use devices like these:

Amazon.com

It neatly allows you to ground individual devices and then run one large ground conductor to the body. Makes it a lot easier to do installs/troubleshooting.

 

[Rlahey]

I've use devices like these:

Amazon.com

It neatly allows you to ground individual devices and then run one large ground conductor to the body. Makes it a lot easier to do installs/troubleshooting.

I am looking for some high quality automotive wire, (by the foot) what do you recommended?

(sorry for the double post I thought I was quoting your message)

 

[mmckenna]

I am looking for some high quality automotive wire, (by the foot) what do you recommended?

I've used quite a bit of this stuff:

Amazon.com

It has the SAE J1127 rating for use in vehicles as primary power wire. It's oil/gas resistant and will stand up the heat of an engine compartment. It's a fine strand copper, so very flexible.
I use a lot of #6 for my installs. That gets me two to three radios with headroom for accessories, and minimal voltage drop. You can get smaller sizes.

 

[natedawg1604]

I run 8-ga wire to/from Chargeguards in the installations I do. I think it might be possible to scrunch a 6-ga in there but I haven't tried to find out. 8-ga does fine for anything that draws within the 30A max.

I just ordered a Chargeguard and I've already got 6 gauge wire installed, hopefully it will work out okay.

 

[mmckenna]

I just ordered a Chargeguard and I've already got 6 gauge wire installed, hopefully it will work out okay.

If it doesn't, add a fuse block and feed it with 8 gauge. I've always needed non-switched circuits for some radios, so it may be a handy addition.