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Old 19-01-2011, 08:23 PM
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dojj
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Default powering an amp

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?
Old 19-01-2011, 09:23 PM
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rs combi
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http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Goldplated-Pow...item588c1a952f

this is what you are after
Old 19-01-2011, 09:37 PM
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snoopaloopa
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If your not sure mate go to a shop, a proper one not halrauds and ask there advice.
Put simply if you get it wrong then your car will go up in flames
Old 19-01-2011, 09:50 PM
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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.

Last edited by Dal_; 19-01-2011 at 09:51 PM.
Old 20-01-2011, 10:36 AM
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I'll pop by bass boys work then as he seems to know his shit and only lives a few hundred yards down the road

May just ask him to build me an enclosure as well
Old 20-01-2011, 10:57 AM
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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?
Old 20-01-2011, 11:11 AM
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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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Old 20-01-2011, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Oranoco
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.
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
Old 20-01-2011, 12:14 PM
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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?
Old 20-01-2011, 12:53 PM
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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?
Old 20-01-2011, 01:00 PM
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i've only got one so far, but i'm not sure what it's rated at

give me a mo and i'll get back to you on that one
Old 20-01-2011, 04:46 PM
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You need the max current draw not continuous
Old 20-01-2011, 04:47 PM
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Oh and try running your starter motor continuosly and see what happens to the cable
Old 21-01-2011, 05:45 AM
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Originally Posted by snoopaloopa
Oh and try running your starter motor continuosly and see what happens to the cable
try running your amp at the max current draw and see what happens to it and the cable lol not to mention your ears.
Old 21-01-2011, 06:09 AM
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If its been sized correctly then the cable capacity should far exceed the amps max draw and be able to cope.
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