what is the diffrence between a power distribution block and a ground distribution block?

Question

i have 2 fused distribution blocks in my car audio system one thats at the end of my power cable and one between the 2 amps with the ground going through it, but it wont work. wen i run the ground wires directly to the chasis seperatly the amps work i just dont know why it wont work through the block. please help.

Answer 1

A power distribution block sometimes has fuses, a ground distribution block does not.
NEVER fuse a ground wire.
If your amp loses ground, the power will backfeed into the radio through the RCAs looking for a ground and mess up the amp and the radio

Answer 2

A power distribution block typically has fuses, since power wiring should be fused anywhere that the wire size is reduced. There's no need for fuses on ground wiring, so ground distribution blocks don't typically include fuses.

If you're having problems using a fused distribution block for your grounds, then there may be a problem with the fuses themselves; AGU (glass tube) fuses are notorious for coming apart at the end caps, so they don't look blown but won't allow any current flow. Try replacing the fuses, or switch to an un-fused distribution block for your grounds.

Answer 3

The ground connections to the amps must be ultimately connected to the body of the car (ground) or you won't have a complete electrical circuit back to the battery's ground which is also connected to the body of the car. I don't know what the specific "ground block" details are, but if it is a "ground distribution block", it's function is to hook a lot of ground wires together, and then the ground block itself has to be connected to the body or chassis of the car. The ground distribution block's design may be such that if you mount it on the sheet metal of the body of the car, the mounting bolts will automatically ground all it's ground wires connected to it to the body of the car. Make sure you scrape the body paint off around the hole in the body sheet metal so there will be a good ground connection to the block when you mount it. Another way would be to run a short heavy gauge black ground wire from one of the ground block's distribution connections to the body of the car.

Answer 4

A ground distribution block will not by design be insulated and that is the key here - you can use it if you adequately insulate it from the vehicle chassis.... The remote turn on is a voltage signal and you can parallel the signal to multiple devices ( amplifiers ) without concern of conflict. The major concern here is not the distribution of the power but the delivery of it - you need to have a sufficient power path - 2 amps require a massive power path and an adequate power source ( alternator ) and reservoir ( battery bank ) to support the power requirements. Without knowing the power ratings of your amplifiers I can not give you more specific information. on balancing you power demands.

Answer 5

A power distribution block has voltage/ A ground distribution block goes to ground (no volts/amps) By the way somewhere in the curcuit someone has not completed a ground curcuit.