1/0 or #1 gauge for 1200w?

[the mange 1]

I was checking out weldingsupply.com, and I'm stuck between #1 and 1/0. Their "suggested ampacity" chart recommends #3 for up to 150 amps, #2 for 200a, #1 for 250-300a, and 1/0 for 350a. But going off these numbers, it looks like at most I'd only need #2, as my amp has 5x 30amp fuses (leaving 50 amps of headroom).

On the other hand, this site makes it look like I'd need 1/0 for sure.

Sundown said use 1/0 for sure, just wondering if anyone else could weigh in on this, since I can't find a reliable table for ampacity and wire size.

[sefugi 166]

I would recommend the 1/0! Don't forget to do the BIG3!!

[the mange 1]

I would recommend the 1/0! Don't forget to do the BIG3!!

for sure doing the big 3 since I have the stock alt (~120amps?). Do you think 30ft would be enough for power/ground/big 3 in a 4dr sedan (vw passat)?

[sefugi 166]

I would recommend the 1/0! Don't forget to do the BIG3!!

for sure doing the big 3 since I have the stock alt (~120amps?). Do you think 30ft would be enough for power/ground/big 3 in a 4dr sedan (vw passat)?

I allways like to have a little extra, but 30' should do it depending on how far away from the bat your alt. is.

[djjdnap 78]

4 guage would work for 1200

[Ohjay 116]

#1 would probably be plenty, I would just use 1/0 throughout though. Unless you have a nice crimper, I would suggest the Lenco Swedge-On tool as well, I bought one and it works great and has held up just fine so far. I also bought their Barracutter too for the hell of it, it also works great.

[Shogen 325]

#1 would probably be plenty, I would just use 1/0 throughout though. Unless you have a nice crimper, I would suggest the Lenco Swedge-On tool as well, I bought one and it works great and has held up just fine so far. I also bought their Barracutter too for the hell of it, it also works great.

do you have it permanently mounted to a bench or something? I got one and I hate it... Granted it wasn't that exact model and it was from Amazon but looks similar...

This is what I got ... Besides the die being knida small, it works great:

[Beandip 3]

Buy the biggest you can afford. Can't go wrong having overkill on your electrical.

If you don't have a crimper you could always solder as well.

[Kangaroux 47]

Might as well snag the 0g. 4g will work just fine for 1200w but you're going to save money in the long run when and if you do upgrade. I personally just use a table vice to crimp the terminals but if you want then snag one of the crimping tools above. if you crimp it properly soldering shouldn't be necessary

[Ohjay 116]

I use it in too many different places to mount it. I haven't had any problems at all, it doesn't bounce around on me a bit. Do you hold onto it or just set it down and smack it? I hold the wire/terminal, maybe that's why it's more stable for me.

[sefugi 166]

I use it in too many different places to mount it. I haven't had any problems at all, it doesn't bounce around on me a bit. Do you hold onto it or just set it down and smack it? I hold the wire/terminal, maybe that's why it's more stable for me.

A dead-blow hammer makes it work like butter!!! Well that's my experience.