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Wiring a second amp

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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 09:42 PM
  #1  
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I plan on getting a second amp shortly, but I wanted to make sure I had all the wires and distro. blocks and whatnot beforehand.

What size of wire should I run from the battery to the distro. block, 2 awg? 0 awg?
How big of a fuse will I need for that wire?
Will I need to fuse the positive wires between the distro. block and amps?
Should I use a distro. block for the grounds?
Do I just run a remote wire from one amp to the other?

Thanks for the help.
Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:15 PM
  #2  
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A) It depends on how many watts you are running. A rule of thumb is 4ga and under is meant for 1100 watts, 2ga, 2600watts, etc.
B) You determine that on how much current your amps can pull at maximum load(add the fuse ratings together and voila there is how big of a fuse you need)
C) Thats really up to you, personally I dont
D) Yes I would use a Distroblock with your grounds. Grounds are just as important as your power.
E) You can daisy chain them together without a problem. Doing this with more then 2-3 amps I would be leary of though.

Anyone correct me if I said soemthing wrong.
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 02:03 PM
  #3  
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The amp I have is 140wrms, and the one I want to get is 500wrms, so 4ga wire should be alright for power, right?
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 03:35 PM
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4g power is perfect. It'll work for system's up to ~1400rms so you will have breathing room if you decide to add more amps or upgrade in size.

Add the fuse ratings together to get the inline fuse size.

Use a fused distro block to run power and fuse each amp.

You can use a distro block for the grounds but it isn't necessary. It is more important to use a ground close to the amp and have a good connection there.

Most newer decks have no problem running two pieces from the remote lead. Of course a proper relay costs $1.50 and can be wired in very little time so you decide. It will leave an easy option if you ever need to add more pieces also like an external EQ or crossover.
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 04:33 PM
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4GA is sufficient for your system.

Any system with over 1000WRMS should be more than 4GA unless you enjoy voltage drop. [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]
Old Oct 21, 2004 | 04:19 PM
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Originally posted by slow/n\low:
4GA is sufficient for your system.

Any system with over 1000WRMS should be more than 4GA unless you enjoy voltage drop. [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]
I think that’s a load of crap. 20Hz Audio van with 24000 watts runs only 4aug.

I have run 0/1aug and 4aug and found such insignificant differences in voltage that it’s not worth mentioning.
Old Oct 21, 2004 | 05:40 PM
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Originally posted by Dann0:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by slow/n\low:
4GA is sufficient for your system.

Any system with over 1000WRMS should be more than 4GA unless you enjoy voltage drop. [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]
I think that’s a load of crap. 20Hz Audio van with 24000 watts runs only 4aug.

I have run 0/1aug and 4aug and found such insignificant differences in voltage that it’s not worth mentioning.
</font>[/QUOTE]24,000 eh? [img]graemlins/bs.gif[/img]
Old Oct 21, 2004 | 07:17 PM
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Hey Danno,I would like to know the "differences" you did find?
Old Oct 21, 2004 | 09:10 PM
  #9  
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Anyone want to buy my amp ?

Its %342 effecient [img]graemlins/deal4u.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
Old Oct 21, 2004 | 09:30 PM
  #10  
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SOLD!!! [img]smile.gif[/img]

seriously though, I'm still having a few troubles with the fuse ratings and whatnot. Any help with that would be great. The only thing I could figure out was that BCAE.com said that anything up to a 125A fuse would be good for 4ga wire.

[ October 21, 2004, 10:37 PM: Message edited by: Nickelnutz ]
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