How big of a fuse should you use for your amp? This question is one that often comes up when you’re deciding how to wire your new speakers or amplifier.
The size of the fuse depends on the voltage, current, and wattage of your amp.
In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to figure out what size of fuse you need for your amp to get the best sound quality possible.
What is a fuse used for?
A fuse is a safety device that’s used to protect your car’s electrical system. The fuse prevents the current from flowing too much and overheating the wiring in your car.
It will cut out power if the current exceeds a certain limit so that the circuit doesn’t burn out.
This allows you to use an amp without worrying about burning it out or damaging it. You can wire your amp with either a fuse or a relay, but using a relay will have more of an impact on sound quality.
How do you determine the size of the fuse for your amp?
While there are multiple ways to determine the fuse rating, the easiest way to understand this for a non-technical person is to follow this-
Maximum power rating of the amplifier divided by the battery or alternator voltage is the fuse rating.
For example, if the amplifier has a max power rating of 200 watts and the alternator voltage is rated as 13 volts, then the fuse rating will be 15 Amp.
Car Amp Fuse Size Chart
Here is an easy to understand car amplifier fuse size chart that you can use-
Why should I put a fuse before my amp?
The purpose of putting a fuse before your amp is to protect both the amp and your speakers from fire or electrical shock. It’s also important to keep in mind that the fuses will blow up on any electrical surge and hence may require replacement.
If you don’t put a fuse in between the power source and the device, the device may get damaged in case of a power surge.
However, certain amps have a built-in fuse on them, which makes it easy to tackle those situations. But we still recommend using an external fuse as it’s better to replace the external fuse than the built-in one.
What is fuse rating?
The fuse rating is the amperage used to determine how much current can pass through it without blowing up. You’ll want to use a fuse that matches the rating for your amp, so that it can protect against voltage surges and overheating.
The size of the fuse depends on how much current you need it to handle. It’s best described in your car’s owner’s manual in case of a stock device and the product installation guide in case of an aftermarket unit.
Why are fuses rated?
Fuses are rated to help you to use the right one. If you use a fuse that has more capacity than the safety level of the device connected, it won’t serve the purpose. That’s why fuses are rated and the owner’s manual refers to those ratings for you to quickly find and use the correct one.
When a fuse is connected to an amplifier or speaker, it will blow if too much current flows through the wire.
The fuse provides enough energy for the device to function properly without damaging it. The amount of current flowing through your amp or speakers mustn’t exceed the fuse rating.
Do I Need a Car Amplifier Fuse?
Yes, you need one. Even if the amplifier has built-in fuse in it, we still recommend you to use an external fuse for safety.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about car amplifier fuses, you can make an informed decision on what size to use for your amp. Always choose a fuse size that matches the required rating to prevent any damage.
Be sure to consult your car’s owners manual or the product installation guide to find the correct fuse size. And don’t forget to replace blown fuses with ones that have the same rating!