amp power wire

[stump]

where do i run the power wire for a amp through the firewall? also should i run a ground right from the battery to? whats the easyest way to fuse it also. thanks!!

[PHOENIX]

Run the power wire directly off the battery. Install an inline fuse or fuse block as close to the battery as possible. Wire gauge (size) and fuse will depend on your setup. Check your amplifier instructions.

For amps with a fuse rating up to 60 amps you can use 8 gauge wire for both power and ground. For amps with a fuse rating up to 100 amps you should use 4 gauge wire for both power and ground.

If you can't find a good hole in the firewall you can make one. You can also route the wire under the cab and come up through the bottom. Use a quality wire, keep away from moving parts and hot components like exhaust. Use something secure to hold the wire. Zip ties will work, but rubber coated steel clamps are better.

Any time you run a wire through steel you need to protect the wire from being cut by the steel. Install a grommet in any holes you drill. You should also have a clamp close to any holes to secure the wire from moving too much and wearing away at the grommet.

When routing the wire through carpet its best to use a razor blade and cut a small X. Don't try to drill through carpet. Cut your X, fold it back, you can hold the carpet in place with tape, then drill.

You do not need to run a ground from the battery all the way to the amp. Find a good ground near the amp. You can also drill and install a bolt for the ground. You will need to sand any paint at your ground connection or use a star washer to dig into the steel a bit to get a good ground. If you drill and install a bolt make sure you use a lock nut or lock washer so the ground stays solid. You could always use a seat bolt for the ground, but I would recommend something else.

Make sure you keep the wires held down so they do not get caught in moving parts under the seat or seat belts if you don't have retractable belts.

If you do drill be careful where you drill. Make sure you know what is on the other side before you drill.

You will need to use some screws to hold the amps down. You can use some self tapping screws for this.

There are amp install kits available, but you can buy the individual pieces for cheaper in most cases. I recommend going to someone who sells car audio equipment for the power wire, ground wire and fuse holder. You will want flexible wire, and a water tight fuse holder. Some components (some inline fuse holders, wire, wire clamps, screws) can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. If you chose to buy the amp wiring kit you can get it at most places that sell car audio amplifiers, like Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.

This isn't the same setup I have now, but pretty close. The smaller amp, although cheap, worked very well for many years. It was located under the drivers seat with control knob easy accessible for amp adjustments. I've always put together my systems on a budget. Considering how much I have had invested in some of the systems/components the sound was actually really good.
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