powering an amp
#1
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ok, so i've got a sub, and an amp, and it's all running fine
and now i've bought another sub, so i'll need another amp
the question is, can i power the second amp off of the power cable that i've run for the first amp?
how do i know what gauge the original wiring is? it's blue cable with some silicone type covering and it's about as thick as my little finger overall
and if i were to be able to use this, how do i go about splitting it?
is there a specific distribution block for this sort of thing? i'm sure i've seen some sort of multi fuse block that has the power coming in one side and several going out the other, but then they would have to be of a smaller rating cable yes?
or should i just go to a shop and ask them?
and now i've bought another sub, so i'll need another amp
the question is, can i power the second amp off of the power cable that i've run for the first amp?
how do i know what gauge the original wiring is? it's blue cable with some silicone type covering and it's about as thick as my little finger overall
and if i were to be able to use this, how do i go about splitting it?
is there a specific distribution block for this sort of thing? i'm sure i've seen some sort of multi fuse block that has the power coming in one side and several going out the other, but then they would have to be of a smaller rating cable yes?
or should i just go to a shop and ask them?
#2
#4
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It all depends on the current draw of the two amps combined. Whatever the combined current is (in Amps), make sure your cable is able to take that when enclosed in a confined space. A cables safe current carrying capacity will reduce when enclosed around carpets etc due to heat etc.
A good site for general audio info:
http://www.bcae1.com/
If in doubt and to save your car going up in flames, consult an expert, not "what Fred Bloggs said" on some internet forum.
A good site for general audio info:
http://www.bcae1.com/
If in doubt and to save your car going up in flames, consult an expert, not "what Fred Bloggs said" on some internet forum.
Last edited by Dal_; 19-01-2011 at 09:51 PM.
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id say with a cable as thick as your finger the amperage draw will be fine, look at a starter motor cable for instance, much smaller. Just monitor it for the first wee while, it should not get hot. The other thing is what sort of fingers you got? chipolatas or skeletors?
#7
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It's not all about the size of the cable but also the distance of the cable run, for a shorter cable run a smaller guage can be used than for a longer run with the same draw.
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of course, but ive seen a lot of batterys in the boot with the same size wire for the starter. Anyone can start a fire or melt things, but i tend to let common sense pervail most of the time. Most arc welders dont use thicker cable than the described and they can be 20 meteres long with no problems, at 300 amps
#9
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i bought a complete kit from bassboys place when i fitted the original, one of these, i think
http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/autol...ng-p-8774.html
although the packaging seems to be different
is that enough to run 2 seperate amps or would i need to up the wire?
http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/autol...ng-p-8774.html
although the packaging seems to be different
is that enough to run 2 seperate amps or would i need to up the wire?
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Rated to 1200 watts, using P=I V you can work out the max amperage at say 14 volts, 1200 divided by 14 equals 85.7 amps, what is the power or amperage draw of both your Amplifiers?
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