What Size Fuse Do I Need? | Fuses vs Circuit Breakers | Car Audio Q&A

[@sethsharer]

Your fuse should always be for the size and length of the wire. to protect the wire from a short. if you fuse for the wire and the fuse blows, your power wire is too small. only increase the fuse if the wire is capable of sustaining that amperage. example. running a 2k rms amp on 10 gauge power wire. the wire will melt before the ~200 amp fuse would

[@jacobvanhalteren7452]

If your amp has 2x30 amp fuses, get a 60amp fuse. If it has 3x40amp fuses, get a 120 - 125 amp fuse. easiest way to know.

[@deankay4434]

Why would you use the amps rated A/C output either at RMS or not? The amp is a “Buck to Buck” step-up voltage to a “Class-D” amp! Use and amp clamp at the input to the device when on and working. Besides, there is no shocking to feel on a 13.8Vdc-14.6Vdc direct current system like shown in movies with jumper cables. Plus, why not own a test light or a decent digital multi meter (DMM)? You don’t have to spend over $500 to get a Fluke 87-V to test voltage drop. Radio Shack (If Open) or online sell meter lead wire with great high-temp silicone soft jackets or insulation. Solder some good alligator clamps with boots and make several lengths. Voltage drop measures the loss in voltage from point A to point B and doesn’t care if Red lead is backwards as it simply shows a (-) symbol on the display. Unless you are check fluids and minor repair under the hood, then get a DMM, because look over their, more fuses & relays from the factory. They may need checking as well. Their are good videos to teach how to use both and under $100 will most likely get both, and a test light. (Note: Pre-Biden Inflation Prices May change Your cost), but if you have $800 - $1,200 in stereo equipment, it is cheap insurance. Blow a fuse, never install a bigger one because you are guessing. That leads to “Thermal Events”, film on local news as car burns to the ground! Yeh, start over and see if the insurance company picks up bill with full coverage, deductible and un-claimed installed items the Fire Inspector will look at first. ASE Master Tech, 38 years experience

[@TheXmanmtbr2]

I have a 1500 and 2000-watt amps and they run on a 60 amp breaker which has never tripped

[@douglasstone186]

I hope people read the comments on this video before proceeding. They do a good job of explaining ohm’s law, but they are absolutely wrong about this. They have no idea how big the power cable is in his run, and you use the fuse to protect the cable, not the load. For instance, if I run a 4/0 to the back of my truck as a “homerun” power circuit, I would fuse to right under the current carrying capability to ensure that if that wire ever shorts, the fuse will blow before the wire catches fire. The only instance in which their advice is useful is if your amp requires external fusing, in which the manufacturer will tell you what fuse size to use and power cable size.

[@timothyhinton5665]

Shouldn't the amp be fused based on the consumption of the amp and not the output? I have never seen a 100 percent efficient amp.

[@evagoras92]

+Timothy Hinton i was just about to comment that ! for 1600w Dclass that has about 70% efficiency it means that it would have around 2100w input consumption....

[@phil7extreme]

+Evagoras koullouros Hey! Your bace thought is right but in the wrong direction. The Amplifier can output 1600Watts. Thats what the manifacturer says. but you wont get them because no system has a efficiency of 100%. So you probably have around 1400 Watts (or even less). but this doesnt mean that you should base your fuse on those 1400Watts. for 1600 Watts you would get 115.9 A. so you need a 120A fuse. but to be honest, a fuse is just there so if a short circuit happens, in which case the Amperage is theoretically infinite, it blows up before the cables do. Its more important that the fuse is a Fast one and not a slow one. there are two types!

[@evagoras92]

+phil7extreme hello, yes we ansuming that is around 1600w output, it might be certified but still depends, the amplifier consumes more power than it actually outputs, because it takes dc voltage and make it into ac music...that conversion consumes power, and that why you get heat out of the amp..

[@rodpalm6398]

+Timothy Hinton, Yes it should be IMO, basing the fuse size off the total output or the RMS is not an accurate method for calculating amperage consumption.

[@Okicombo]

If 2 150 amp fuses and 1 300 amp fuse leave Bonita Springs FL at 1500 hrs. on a Monday, how many cookies will be necessary to follow all activity of said browser?

[@frankolvera6487]

If i use a circuit breaker do I still need to keep the fuse going to my power wires for my amps. I’m trying to eliminate bulky components and organize my wiring in my engine area.

[@2025944]

I have 2000 Watts rms around 2800 max and a 200amp fuse that blown when I plugged in the negative terminal and the wires look a little toasted.

[@bok_savage4202]

Would having too big of a fuse be a problem? Cuz I have a 250A fuse for 17 ft power and 1000 Rms

[@dennisblalock3973]

You risk blowing your amp up

[@20rigby86]

@sonic electronix hi am running 2 amplifier ones is 2400watts and 6600watts wot fuse should i be on 4 garage wire for both of them please

[@Ujjwalis]

Forget calculation of Amp from rated "Sonic" Watts of your Amp. Simply consult the manual/Specs of your Amp, check what is the Maximum Amp your Amps will take (of what Amp Fuses they have - All good Amps have a blade or other fuse on the main power line). Add up that number from all the Amps , put a margin of 20-30% and Voila!! that's the Amp rating Fuse you should put on the main trunk wire powering all the amps.

[@CesarVq]

Bro this video helped a lot I have dual 444c compressors and I’m running a 80 amp and for the fuse I was using a 80 amp fuse and it popped it . All my wires are good but I think I’m going to upgrade to a circuit breaker because I’m running a agu fuse .

[@shahid4u2009]

I removed car stereo from Hyundai Getz 2008 and the battery wire giving 28v which is very strange. Do you know what could be the reason? Also taking positive from other section it always blow the stereo fuse

[@mcfriedchicken1972]

What if your amp doesn't have onboard fuses? How do you fuse them and figure out what size they need for a fused power distribution block

[@MadDragon75]

3 bass tracks on the JL Audio & Skar amps in the photo to the left just toasted a 250A knife type. 😉👍

[@orfeous]

You want to fuse for what gauge and length powercable is not fuse just the amp. The fuse is supposed to protect the car to not burn up in case of accident

[@T_B_C_L]

orfeous this is absolutely correct! The fuse or circuit breaker is to protect the power wire running through the vehicle not to protect the amplifier! Your power wire should be able to safely carry the needed current to the amplifier (in this case 115amps)! Now remember the size power wire is determined by the needed current and the length of the run! So if your power wire is capable of 200amps then a 150amp fuse or circuit breaker would be ideal having head room! And since in this situation the amplifier is only requiring 115amps, then we know the amp will not draw more current then the power wire is capable of. if in fact something shorted out, the fuse and or circuit breaker would trip saving your power wire and possibly your vehicle! Remember your amp will already be fused on itself, we are strictly talking about the power wire run!

[@T_B_C_L]

@itsdatruff what is your question?

[@T_B_C_L]

@itsdatruff wow that is a complicated question.... You would have to do the Math on your 1/0 cca wire to see how many runs you would need to satisfy your amps. Of course you could just max out your wire runs and definitely running to a bus bar is ideal. I know you said you didn't want to add batteries but from my experience proper batteries make a huge difference. Good luck with your system.... Sounds like it will be epic!

[@xzx4020]

How do you set all your filters? Eq,low high, subsonic, and x over?

[@UrAvgBasshead]

I have 2 p3d4 at 1ohm. A t1000.1. I have second battery in the back with 2- 200a circuit breakers. The one circuit breaker that runs between the amp and the battery keeps breaking at high volume. Any idea why that would happen? Thanks!

[@rodpalm6398]

You should be using 14.2 volts for that calculation. Although the fuse size should be based on the actual consumption and not the total or RMS output. For instance, a 2K total wattage output amp using this calculation would call for a 140 amp fuse but the manufacture typically lists the actual amperage consumption as something like 30AX3, which puts the consumption around 90 amps so a 100 amp fuse.

[@rodpalm6398]

You are splitting hairs and I am in fact correct. Don't think for a second that you know more about this than I do. Of course it's based on peak amperage 'consumption', that goes without saying. Stop trying to be smart when you aren't.

[@BennyHeflinger]

+Thomas Marshall Look's like somone blew there fuse LOL may of not been there car audio fuse but the sophisticated literature I am read such as "cyber tough bitches" and "twinkie dick hands" got me hella rollin on the floor!

[@BennyHeflinger]

+Thomas Marshall Dude... he is just talking about the same the same thing you are...which fuse is best for a sound system. Despite your understanding of electronics, you shouldn't let your attitude slam people for being right or wrong. I personally didn't have an idea of what kind of fuse to use but that's why I am hear and the sonic dudes make a lot of sense talking about "OHMS LAW" to figure out what amp the fuse to use. That seems more rational using math than anything else I have read.

[@BennyHeflinger]

+Thomas Marshall Well I know all too well when you circuit burn that temper and blow the fuse but you know what sometimes that repercussion is bitches on beaches. When they drop that abomb on Bikini Atoll bombsite it became a bombsight if you know what im saying. All I am saying dude is if your going to say "you been trying to be nicer to people" and you don't mind debating with people but you say shit like "I'd shit in my hands and clap in your mothers face for having a douche bag like you" then more then likely your just going to really offend the fuck out of somone and not ever have a really conversation about something your clearly both passionate about, electricity. It's not even fight or flight at that point IMO...

[@BennyHeflinger]

+Thomas Marshall I am no expert but the impression I am getting is he was talking about "amperage consumption" but you were clarifying that you have to match it to "peak regulated amperege since the amperage consumpiton is constantly fluxtioning...but I am also getting the impressing that he was talking about peak regulated amperage but he didn't write it exactly that way. But really if you don't mind me asking.... why is it 13.8 volts or 14.2 volts and not 12 volts when the car battery is 12 volts?

[@ryannewnham8826]

Hi what size fuse do I need I’ve got a pioneer 2ch 500watts and ween Bridge the rms is 200 bridge and what gauge wire do I need as well thanks ryan

[@brooklynsubie7184]

I have a Hifonics Brutus 2000rms Watts HD 3000rms tramps amp and a Orion Cobalt 2000 Watts A/B I also have zero gauge ran I have a 200 amp circuit breaker and a trip i had a 300 amp circuit breaker some one said take it out what circuit breaker should I put

[@kissimmee244]

if my fuse is to small can that take away from power and sound quality?

[@MarkSegree]

4 channel amp that comes with 2 30w fuse. do i install a 30w fuse or 60w fuse or go by rms? 100w rms * 4 = 400w/13.8=28.9. guess i answered my own question. 1 30a fuse. thanks guys, old video but still helpful

[@crazy8sdrums]

These guys got the circuit breaker vs fuse question wrong. When working on the electrical system, you should always disconnect the negative connection at the battery. Opening the circuit breaker may not be enough, depending on what you are doing. Circuit breakers also will fail over time, heat (like from the engine bay) will degrade it's ability to keep the system closed, as will overloading the circuit. Tripping the breaker will reduce it's ability to handle a specific current load. Fuses are cheap. Keep extras in the glove box.

[@AikoukaOokami]

my question is does the physical size of the fuse matter as long as the rating is a proper? my little system only needed a 50 amp fuse and instead of using a maxi fuse i used a standard fuse holder and standard fuse both good brand, but a few "car audio experts" scolded me for it mainly for not using there fancy fuses but i digress.

[@sheldon1789]

I'm running 3 amps 2 Rockford fosgate r500d1 they are 50 amps fuse a pice and 1 is a Rockford fosgate t600-4 80 amp fuse should I get one fuse for all 3 or 1 for each

[@bobbycoffey1619]

Could someone answer if my RMS is 1500. X1ohm and I run 0ga wire fused with 150

[@gammatnt]

oh crap, I been using the wrong fuse on my 180 watts RMS x 2 amp. Should I switch to 30a or can I keep using 50a fuse?

[@JosephNnbs]

Okay. But what if I have a 1000w 4 channel and a 2000w rms monoblock. What fuse would that be

[@Buffsnkrhead]

HEY GUYS PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION! I just purchased my 2009 Chevy HHR SS and I wasn't wanting to install subs or an amp really at all but I just want to possibly get new speakers that will be a little better in the bass category but still utilizing my stock power source. what is a few ways I can maximize my stock output to get the best bass sound out of my speakers once I buy new speakers? such ass maybe some sound deadener or something along those lines

[@seantinman3130]

Sir my power inverter is 250 ac power output and has 500watts peak power input is 12 and but it blowns out my 15 amp fuse can you give clarification of equation of this i know ohms law but dont know what i wil use value as ratings in inverter given

[@JoeHardman]

When I do a 50Hz test tone on my 400W rms amp, the sub draws around 35V. 400/35 = 11.4A yet it managed to fry a 30A fuse whilst playing music. I'm confused. I'm guessing I'm supposed to use the voltage value coming from my alternator but I don't understand why. Does the current step up at higher frequencies as the voltage drops? So at 80Hz when it draws 25V does the current jump up to 16A to make up the 400W or does it just use less power?

[@briansalas9471]

I got 2 mtx thunder 4500 10", a pioneer 760 max power amp what kind of fuse should I get, i blew it by turning it up

[@jehadqezih9434]

can i connect 2 amps to feed one sub???

[@BeatWithBass44]

My voltage is dropping way low, i have a xs power d1200 wired parallel with my stock battery. I have a mechman 240 amp alt and my voltage is dropping horribly low especially at idle. No blown fuses. Would a battery isolator fix the problem? Or is my alternator bad? This happened once before and it was because of a blown fuse. Thanks.

[@JustEnufCustoms]

You dudes kill me love watching you 2. Have a great Christmas and keep the great videos coming.

[@DEMARCUSANELSON]

ok...?.... I have (2)15s...coo.right...aight...i have bought a amp from Walmart just something to hold me over till I can upgrade to my 5000mono..(big3)...upgrade..and second battery...on the amp I got from Walmart is has a built in fuse...and it blows the fuse all the time....I have diconnected the subs...and just ran it with the main three...still blows the fuse...help...please..

[@SilentOneCorajuda13]

Belching? Very professional. Especially since you represent Sonic Electronix.

[@hungrynapps]

If my amp.has two 40amp fuses on d amp.. what type of fuse to use in my fuse block?

[@manuelmunoz-a.3651]

Is the same thing when adding an Epicenter?

[@babyjesus2025]

With that system could you use a 300 amp fuse?

[@SimonRousseau1]

If the fuse rating is too high you will burn the amp if something goes bad... instead of the fuse.

[@rob6228]

I would like to know what size fuse would i need with 2 12 that are 1200 watts EA and the RMS for EA is 600 and peak power handing watts is 1000 ea

[@5150BigBubba]

the power ratings of the speakers dont come into the equation on the fuse end, what is your amp pulling?

[@xMASTERxCHIEFx31]

which is better a silk dome tweeter or a aluminium tweeter?

[@timothyhinton5665]

silk dome has better sound quality..the aluminum can take more abuse.

[@Cazwhin]

You guys are so awesome and random hahaha, thanks again

[@ghislainpitre7899]

so for a 8000 watt rms amplifier i need a 800 amp fuse? Where can I get that?

[@vincentb4925]

how many fuses are on the amp and how much are they rated for. just get a fuse thats more than all those added up. not too much bigger just bigger

[@aaronfranklin6342]

what if I have two amplifiers?

[@BackyardBandits]

ok guys i have a question noone seems to know the answer so im hoping you guys can figure it out. i have a 220amp alt, i put a 300 amp breaker on the power line. im using zero gauge power wire. the breaker seems to keep getting hot and flipping the breaker. i drive a 1997 pontiac grand am, i have 2 yellow top batteries in the back seat area. im running full air suspension with 2 viair 444c compressors (about 80amp a piece. and 3600 watts of total power with pioneer amps (but im not pushing the amps to full power. i have a straight power wore no fuse or breaker now and seems ok but this doesnt sit right with me. is this ok or should i figure something else out. thanks guys if you can help at all

[@BackyardBandits]

+Octane Anarchy (Backyard Bandits VC) oh and it has flipped the breaker when not running anything at all just normal car things. (no radio or system and air suspension off)

[@larrylehman751]

You guys are really amusing and informative thanks I subscribed

[@ricardotorrez66647]

so do we calculate peak wattage or rms

[@FSXgta]

Volts times amps

[@diawaprolite7967]

Find out the rms first, the manufacturer lie sometimes.

[@knobs28]

hey guys I have a 2013 Camry, I have, A dashcam, 2 smartphones, iPad mini, a subwoofer amplifier connected at once. and I see everyday my voltage drops from 14.4 to 13.2 volts (sometimes all the way 12.7 when the car is on) how can I Fix this Help...!!!! "already bought a used altenator with 1000 miles on it. not installed yet" Thank you guys hope to hear From you.

[@knobs28]

I forgot to mention my pioneer Amp is 800 continues watts 1600 Max output

[@ProneToInfection]

why would the voltage be 14 volts?isn't 14 volts the input voltage? 1600 watts is your output wattage. and since your talking about output shouldn't you talk about your output voltage which is most likely not a constant 14 volts

[@williamdelapena1121]

Do i run a risk by having a fuse thats too big. ?

[@u2bed91]

William De La Pena Yes you do. If the fuse is too big and there’s a problem like a short or something else, then the fuse won’t blow in time to save the wire/amp/car. It’s pretty dangerous. Not worth the risk.

[@williamdelapena1121]

u2bed91 cool thanks. Fuse keeps blowing.. do u hve any suggestions,

[@maryjoanmontalvo9153]

u2bed91 Thanks for that! Made perfect sense! Reminded me of what fuses are for!

[@kennyenergy1]

No amps run at 100% efficiency so surely their calculations are wrong! So say an amp runs at 80% efficiency the calculation would not be the same. 1600 watts @ 80% efficiency = 2000. divide that by 13.8 = 144.9 amps (that's a massive 30 amps difference). I am no expert I just watched a few other vids. I'm happy to be proved wrong if need be. Maybe check this vid to see what I'm trying to explain kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnmTYWiKmLB7gdE

[@mesohano9477]

Fin ty

[@yapaul6226]

In 2020, theres 300 amp fuse

[@Ernestom5]

Circuit breaker: worst solution EVER... The downside is its huge transient resistance, it "consumes" a LOT of voltage (for a single component).

[@rodpalm6398]

+Ernestom5, So it's better to let the wire catch on fire and burn the vehicle up? I agree about the added transient resistance but with an efficient fuse and solid connections this won't be an issue.

[@Ernestom5]

+Rod Palm Did I say anything about NOT using a fuse?

[@rodpalm6398]

No but I was illustrating a valid point. The facts are that you have to use a fuse so your statement was a little misguided and insignificant.

[@Ernestom5]

+Rod Palm Are you deranged or something? You commended on my post a bullshit assumption of yours about not using a fuse. Then you kept quoting some more bullshit about valid points and insignificant statements. Well, in that case I've got bad news for you, try changing your medication, cause the old one doesn't do shit...

[@patrickk4712]

Allan is high

[@SilentOneCorajuda13]

You will not kill your self or get shocked on a 12.8 volt car battery.

[@lowhertzhighspl]

Should take the swivel chairs away from the kiddies. *yawn/burp

[@AikoukaOokami]

my question is does the physical size of the fuse matter as long as the rating is a proper? my little system only needed a 50 amp fuse and instead of using a maxi fuse i used a standard fuse holder and standard fuse both good brand, but a few "car audio experts" scolded me for it mainly for not using there fancy fuses but i digress.