best way to wire up 2 x amps

[mangzilla]

just wondering how you guys would recommend to wire up two amps? i remember in my old car, i didnt wire it up, but it had one power cable from the battery and at some point it split into two in the back of the car. previously ive had one going to a splitter/fuse box type thing in the boot and short power cables from there to either amps.

just wondering what you guys think?

[Nic92]

its called a distibution block

so basicly, it splits up 1 thick wire in2 2 or more smaller wires for multiple amps

[wraith]

0 or 2 gauge from battery into fused distribution block. Split into 2 x 4 gauge.

[mangzilla]

Thanks guys. Theres heaps on ebay for like $20, reckon theyd be alright? Or poor quality?

[acarmody]

Metal is metal.

[sweefu]

Octopus is Octopus.

[acarmody]

A quarter chicken and chips is a quarter chicken and chips.

Speaking of that, back in 30 min........................

[sweefu]

hahaha ^^^

[StoneX]

I'd stick to Stinger or Aerpro ones from JB or Autobarn. They ARE better quality. I used Jaycar wiring and distribution block with my first stereo and they corroded, the grub screws were shit, plastic covers didn't like staying clipped one and these are better quality than no name eBay stuff.

I've used Stinger and Aerpro connectors and distribution since as it looks better and seems to work better.

[StoneX]

A quarter chicken and chips is a quarter chicken and chips.

Speaking of that, back in 30 min........................

Shit no! Red Rooster quarter chicken & chips is like a quail and soggy potato that's gone limp on the floor. Independent Charcoal Chicken store quarter chicken & chips is a proper sized chicken and delicious thick crunchy chips! No comparison

[HoZy]

You can purchase cheap Stinger gear on eBay as well, A lot cheaper than what AutoBarn charge even once you factor in postage,
As long as you are cool waiting a week for them.

Cheers
Mat

[sweefu]

Aerpro are also very good, i'm with Stone all my wiring/terminals etc are stinger and aerpro. Except for my cable ends, all of those have been hex crimped at the auto elec

[HoZy]

My Battery Terminals KnuKonceptz Triple 1/0 Gauge Battery Terminal Pair NEW (eBay item 380336985335 end time 10-May-11 13:12:21 AEST) : Consumer Electronics
My Wiring Terminals 3 pcs Terminal Wire Lug 50 sqmm (0 AWG) AMP/Tyco 600260 (eBay item 110666836463 end time 26-May-11 07:50:43 AEST) : Business Industrial
My Stinger Supplier (Combined Shipping = Win) eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d

I do not crimp 0 Gauge, I use a butane torch + Solder then heatshink them, I do the same for anything 8gauge & up, For a perfect fit.

I use Exo's method, I use better terminals however.



Now, A question.

What gauge is your wiring from battery to boot, Is it fused? If so, engine bay or boot.
I prefer to fuse it on the distribution block in the boot keeping it neater in the engine bay.

Also Check the amperage of your fuses on the amplifier, Add them all up per amplifer, eg: My amps run 3x 30a fuses on the amps themselves, So I run 80a Fuses on each of my amps from the distribution block

I would also suggest the "Big Three"
If you do not want to replace the existing wiring, You can add additional wiring to help keep the elctrical system up to scratch.
Thread here http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...TID~73496~PN~1

cheers
Mat

[mangzilla]

wow thanks heaps for the info guys.

@HoZy - i normally put the fuse on the power cable in the engine bay. with your setup, do you mean, you have the main power cable go to the distribution block, then fuses between the distribution block and your amps (so in my case there'd be two)?

[sweefu]

No, still fuse within 45cm of the battery in the engine bay, run the cable to the distro block, and split it. There isn't really a need for any more fuses after that

[StoneX]

Yeah, you MUST have a fuse in the bay or you risk your car burning to the ground. If you have no fuse near the battery and the power wire is shorted out somewhere throughout the car, like where it goes through the firewall, under seats, wherever, the wire will get so hot it catches fire.

[mangzilla]

yeah, i thought thats what i thought hey. thanks guys.

[HoZy]

Never used a power wire fuse in the bay on any of my cars, always just used proper grommets an split tubing an run it smartly.

Guess its just up to how much effort you take with running your wiring...

[wrx884]

Never used a power wire fuse in the bay on any of my cars, always just used proper grommets an split tubing an run it smartly.

Guess its just up to how much effort you take with running your wiring...

Im sure theres a law/rule there must b a fuse on the power wire no greater than 30cms from the battery as ive heard many installers say this, saying that ive not heard any1 get defected over it. but better safe than sorry.

[m1lky]

You can be as careful as you like but there's always a chance of something you don't expect happening. Always fuse the wire as close to the battery as possible. I don't think there's a law about it but if you don't have a fuse and there's a fire insurance won't pay out. If you go down to smaller wire you should in theory fuse there too since the fuse is to protect the cable from more current than it can handle

[HoZy]

Too much power loss fusing it in the engine bay aswell as at the distribution block.

[m1lky]

The fuse closest to the battery is the most important.

[wraith]

Yeah sorry I like to have as many fail safes as I can how ever yes battery most important and most amps have fuses on them any way.

[wrx884]

Too much power loss fusing it in the engine bay aswell as at the distribution block.

How much power can u lose? im talkin with just fusing at the battery tho. i cant say ive lost much at it if anything its very minute (Spelling? haha).

[wraith]

It's minute enough you won't notice I'm sure.