What Size Fuse For Amp Power Wire

Computing the Fuse Size

A common machine audio question I get is, "What size should my fuse be?". This is almost always in regards to the main power fuse. The most important component you'll install in a motorcar sound system. This is the fuse that protects your vehicle and is located within inches of the bombardment. Choosing a fuse size that is likewise large will not provide adequate protection and choosing one that is too pocket-sized will cause a lot of blown fuses. Here's a few guidelines you need to know when locating and sizing the main ability fuse for your car audio system.

Location - The only function of the main power fuse is to protect the master power wire. This in turn protects the vehicle. Without the fuse a short in the main power wire could cause excessive electric current to ignite the wire and eventually the vehicle (it'south happened). This is why you lot want the distance betwixt the battery clamp and the main ability fuse as short as possible. Whatever length of cable between the fuse holder and the battery clamp will exist unprotected. The general sound off dominion is eighteen inches only the shorter the amend.
Electric current Treatment - The fuse needs to handle the power that volition flow through the cable under maximum operating weather condition (full power) and no more (ideally). To determine the maximum amount of current that will be needed you will need to know the electric current draw of each part of the system that draws power from the chief wire. For example, if you accept two amplifiers that draw thirty amps and 50 amps respectively you'd want to use an lxxx amp fuse. Y'all should be able to observe the maximum current draw of your amplifier(s) in the amplifier'south owners or installation transmission.
Fuse Blazon - There are iii main types of fuses used in car audio. The most common is the barrel (cylindrical) fuse which may be an AGC or AGU type. The 2d near mutual is the blade fuse (ATO or ATC) which is the type about oft found in your vehicle's fuse box. Big blade fuses are used in some fuse holders and may exist referred to as a MAXI fuse. The least common blazon of fuse is the ANL or "wafer" fuse. These are used in the larger fuse holders when high current treatment is required. Typically 100 amps and college. There is a smaller version of the wafer fuse called an AFS. It has capacities similar to the MAXI fuse type. The blazon of fuse you use will depend on the current chapters needed and your own preference. For draws of less than 80 amps expect to employ a barrel fuse. For currents larger than that y'all'll probably be looking at the more expensive wafer or MAXI fuses.
Fuse Size - Using the method in item ii you'll be able to choose the size of the fuse you need. But what if yous have a current draw that is greater than one value of fuse but less than another (i.east. 135 amp)? In this case you have the option of either choosing a 125 amp fuse or a 150 amp fuse. I usually get for the larger fuse to reduce the chance of accidental fuse blows. However you may choose to go with a smaller fuse for greater short excursion protection. Just go along in mind that if y'all keep blowing fuses y'all'll probably demand to move up to the next size. Simply if yous're bravado fuses and you've sized it correctly for your current describe you may take another trouble. Time to break out the multi-meter and check for problems.

Doing those four things volition assist you choose the right fuse the starting time time. It may too salve your auto from a fire in the event of a short circuit. Machine sound ability wires can carry a lot of ability then brand sure yous're fusing properly to prevent disaster.

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