I know that the fuseholder on the power cable needs to be higher than the amps fuse.
This new amp I'm about to grab has three 40 fuses on it.
the question: Does that mean I need a 120 fuse for my fuseholder to handle this amp?
2007-07-06 03:29:13 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
Not necessarily.
The fuse rating on the amplifier itself isn't an accurate indicator of how much current it's likely to draw. If you're using the amplifier with speakers above its minimum rated impedance, or just playing it with music at normal listening levels, you may never come close to 120 amps current draw.
In any case, the function of the battery fuse is to protect the wire between the battery and the amplifier. You need to pick your maximum fuse rating based on the gauge of that wire. If you're only using 8-gauge wire, you shouldn't use a fuse above 50 amps regardless of the fuses on the amplifier. If you want to install a 120-amp fuse, you need at least 4-gauge wire (preferably larger).
Just remember that the worst that can happen from using too small a fuse is that you may blow the fuse. The worst that can happen from using too large a fuse is damage to your wiring, equipment or vehicle. If you're using a 60-amp fuse with that amplifier, and the fuse isn't blowing, then there's not a problem.
2007-07-06 03:55:12 · answer #1 · answered by KaeZoo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the total current provided by the alternator is LESS than the the fuse rating, the fuse won't blow.
If your total system power is a 1000 watts RMS or more you will need to:
1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator
2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery
3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire.
Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail.
Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need as well how to set the gain http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621
You'll need Microsft Excel to use it.
See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com
2007-07-06 09:30:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you put a 150 on there you will be fine. If you have three 40A Fuses then I guess they are running as a fail safe for each other in series.
(edit) The fust between the battery and the amp is to protect the battery, not the amp. Lets say your alternator puts out a 120A charge to your battery and to run your accessory systems. Your amp that is drawing in power and pushing power out gets a surge and you have a smaller fuse, yeah it will blow, By placing a slightly larger fuse in that place you will utalize the electrical systems proper ground to expell the rest of the juice that has been building. regardless, if your blowing fuses up by the battery you need to check your ground connection where the amp is.
2007-07-06 03:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by Lee C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you will need a 40 AMP fuse.
2007-07-06 03:36:50 · answer #4 · answered by Sane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how they are wired. If they are all in a series, then yes, you will need 120 amp fuse. But I doubt if they are in a series. They are more likely wire parallel. So depending on the gauge and length of your power wire, I would just run a 50 amp resttable circuit breaker.
2007-07-06 03:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by Rick B 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i just wanted to once again agree with KaeZoo. He put it very well. Simply put this guy knows his stuff..
and no he did not pay me to say that. and no i don't know him, but he IS very knowledgable, has helped me out a ton...
my i am between two car audio gods.... i must bow to them.....lol...
Sparky's links give some great info... I feel he's a bit conservtive on wire requirements ect.., but he's got great tools.
2007-07-06 07:43:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋