[shorod]

Yep, if you use the same gauge that is in the connector you'll be fine. The source would be the source of the voltage, so the battery/fuse panel/power cable. If you are tapping into the fuse panel with a fuse tap, make sure to install the tap on the protected side of the fuse. When you ask about bypassing the fuse panel and installing an inline fuse, are you referring to going straight to the battery? If that's the case, put the fuse as close to the battery as possible. You want the fuse somewhere so that if there is a short anywhere in the wire it will be protected by a fuse.

-Rod