Date: 16 Aug 1999 08:11:26 GMT From: johannes.hyvarinennopsamfi (Johannes Hyvärinen) Subject: Re: OK to draw power from rear running lights?
Answer50nopsamail.com (Andre Brousseau) wrote: >the amp will need a lot of current, so connecting it after >the ignition switch would result in connecting it after a fuse, and >there is good chances that the fuse will blow... if you absolutely >want to connect it after the ignition switch, take a relay to do the >job, your fuse won't blow I think this needs a little clarification.. There *must* be a fuse in every wire taken from the battery, not having one may result in a fire if a short circuit occurs. What Andre probably means above is that the original fuse and wires for the rear lights are not big enough to handle the additional current an amplifier takes. (At least about 10 Amperes when you turn the volume high [P=U*I, 120W=12V*10A]. Check the amplifier's manual if you have one.) Take the time to run a big enough power cable for the amp. Use thicker cable than you actually need, to avoid running a new wire if you want to upgrade the amp. It's not very expensive. If the cable is too thin the voltage for the amp will drop and you won't get all the watts out of it. Install a 16 Ampere fuse in the cable as close to the battery as practical, for example on top of the fender. The easiest way to run the cable is under the floor mat on the right side of the car between the seats and doors. (assuming that your car is anything like my '81 99GL :) -- Johannes Hyvärinen johannes.hyvarinennopsamfi
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |