should you always have a fuse block protecting your amps?

i have a 3 amp setup. running separate power and grounds for all three. the amps are fused but should you still run a distribution block then?

 

If you're running 3 separate fused lines, there will be no benefit in fusing them again near the amps.

Out of curiousity, why are you running 3 separate lines instead of one larger one?

 

Only way itsbenificial to ahve fuses by the amp is if the amp does not have its own fuse circuit

 

each power line is 1 guage. rather difficult to find a distribution block to split it and just more going on. since the amps are fused i thought it would be easier to just run 3 separate wires. that and the batteries are all less then a foot or so from the amps so if i can get away with it that's less money i need to spend.

 

Can't wait to see this set-up!

 

so do you guys think i'll be ok? the amps themselves are well covered as far as actual fuses on them individually.

 

well ive always heard the closer the fuse to the battery the better...

 

I'd still fuse each line right off the battery even if you're only running a foot. It probably doesn't matter from a safety standpoint, but if you ever find yourself in a sanctioned competition, you will probably lose points for not having them.

What amps are you running that require 1 AWG wire? A four foot length of 4 AWG wire can support over 150 amps with less than .5 volt drop.

 

3 kicker SX1250.1's

 

A 150 amp fuse on each one of those puppies.

Um... wow.

 

just want to make sure wether i should fuse them or not. i would say might as well just as precaution but that's another couple hundred in parts just for the right pieces so i want to make sure it's the right thing to do.

 

Couple hundred in parts? Ouch. Unless you absolutely insist on some specific name brand, you may want to shop around a little bit:


3 fuse holders at $10 each = $30


3 150 Amp fuses at $6 each = $18


3 pairs of 0 AWG ring terminals at $15 each = $45

Still not exactly cheap, but definately way under $200.

 

so just say it then... i should or shouldn't bother?

 

Why bother with the gold plating? It'll wear down anyway, if you want a good connection you should just clamp it firm and dab a bit of solder on it.

I could probably get all of the above parts, albeit not brand names, for around $30 at Electronics City in Burbank, CA.

 

Asthetics is still a major consideration, especially in a car like Kandied's which has been intended as a show car from day one. Gold plating, nickel plating, whatever you prefer, looks good and does resist corrosion.

Kandied,
I'm not sure what to say about fusing or no fusing. If it was me, I'd build a nice little platform right above the battery with the 3 fuses lined up. It'll look good and it'll pass IASCA (and other similar sanctioning bodies) guidelines. Whether or not it will actually give you any added level of safety, well that's another story.

 

understood.. thanks.

 

you are running these amps off of a rear-mounted battery with short leads?

I'm also curious as to what kind of battery setup you have that can deliver 1000amps of power... that's the only reason for 3 1AWG power lines, unless it's purely for looks.

these must be those rackmount amplifiers? driven by 3 or 4 deep-cycles?

 

yes i have 3 yellow tops and no you can't see any of the wiring so it isn't for looks. just a question.. thanks.

 

ddaaannngg (hick accent)...

what kind of amps are you toying with?

 

 

thanks jim.



that's just for the sub setup though. i have sx900.4's and a sx900.2 for the the two sets of ss65.2's and mb8's for the doors.

 

I can't wait to see the alternator you buy.

 

I guess I should have gone back through the thread... but I was on my handheld pc, using a usb cable to my cell phone...

it's nearly impossible to even navigate to this site and post...

luckily I'm at work now, with my DSL

so how many speakers TOTAL are you workin' with here?

you have some woofers in the doors... do you also have kick enclosures... for possible 3-way components?

I'm not all that familiar with the model numbers of amps... but it looks like you have 3 amps running subs, and 2 or 3 amps running your mids/highs.. pretty intense

sounds like it's gonna rock...

did you get sponsord by Autotek/MaxxSonix?

I love my sx-4160... pounds almost as much as that mistake-of-an-amplifier Hifonics 1605D.....

do you have any pics so I can drool on myself?

 

if he's at a lot of shows... can't you hook up a AC>DC 12v power supply?

my buddy always does that when he is playing his stereo at work...