Specifications
VEHICLE
WIRING
SYSTEM
FUSE
CHART
(Fuse size for total amplifier system
power
in
"rms"
watts)
100W
200W
SOOW
1000W
Fuse Size
20A
30A
50A
100 A
(in
amps)
SYSTEM
POWER
AND
GROUND
WIRE
CHART
ryvire gauge for total system in 'rms' watts)
WIRE
LENGTH
100W
200W
SOOW
1000W
5
fl./1.S
m
12 10 8 4
10ft./3.0m
12
10 8 4
15
ft.
14.5
m 10
8
6
2
20
fl.
16.0
m
10
8 6 2
25
ft.
17.5
m 10
8
4 oorOO
POWER WIRING
Most vehicles built since 1990 have adequate current
capability for your amplifier. Except for systems above
about 500 W rms, the factory charging system and
battery should easily support it if properly installed.
Proper wire size must be chosen to ensure adequate
current delivery to the amp. Wire size (gauge)
of
the
cables need to increase
in
size for higher power
systems.
0JVire
sizes larger than those noted are usually
a waste
of
time and money since they offer Little
or
no
performance improvements.)
Wire diameter must increase (decreased wire gauge
number) for higher power systems. For long wire runs
the wire diameter must also increase. The wire sizes
noted allow for a maximum 0.5 volts DC drop over the
give wire run which results
in
Sound Pressure Level
drops inaudible to the average listener.
VEHICLE FUSING
For safety purposes, a high current fuse (or circuit
breaker) MUST be installed
in
line with the amplifiers(s)
immediately at the battery
to
prevent vehicle damage
should the battery line
in
advertently shorted to the
vehicle chassis. The chart at the right shows the
recommended master fuse sizes for
an
average audio
system with noted "rms" output power levels.
SPEAKER WIRING
As with power wire, speaker wire size (gauge) changes
with the power required and the length
of
the wire run.
The speaker wire chart shows the minimum
recommended wire size for a single audio output
channel driving a loudspeaker at a given distance with a
maximum power loss
of
0.5 dB, the threshold
of
audibility.
0JVire
sizes larger than those noted are usually
a waste
of
time and money since they offer little or no
performance improvements.)
LOUDSPEAKER
WIRE
CHART
ryvire gauge
per
loudspeakerlspeaker
power
in
"rms"
watts)
WIRE
LENGTH
20W
SOW
100W
200W
5
fl./1.5
m 18 16
16 16
10
ft. I 3.0 m 18
16
16 16
15ft./4.5m
16 16
16
14
20
ft.
16.0
m 16 16
16 14
25
ft. I 7.5 m
16
16
14 12
Battery
Connector
Grommet
To
prevent
damage to
power
wire
Power
Wire
(10
gauge
wire
or
larger)
Ground
Screw
Drill 1/8" hole in
chassis sheet metal
Use the same
ground
if
using multiple amplifiers
Power
Antenna
Turn·On
Wire
(18·20
gauge wire)
Speaker
Wires
or
RCA
Cables
/
Amplifier
FINAL VEHICLE WIRING
Current requirements for
an
upgraded audio system dictate a
dedicated power line be run from the amplifier directly to the
battery
of
the vehicle. This line should NOT be run
to
the
fuse panel
of
the vehicle but directly
to
the battery.
DO
NOT
run to the alternator either. There MUST be a fuse installed
at the battery with adequate amperage as shown
in
the chart
above.
As for the final signal wiring, be sure
to
route the audio
cables down the side
of
the car opposite the power lines to
avoid noise pick up from the lines. Also, try to route all audio
cables away from noise sources such as engine computers
and ABS brake computers.
Proper power grounding
is
important to insure adequate
current flow. Be sure to grind the surface clean
of
all
paint to
ensure a solid electrical connection.
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