Amp wiring question?

[MarshBear]

I bought this small amp (Kenwood KAC-M3004) to go in the front of the vehicle.

Wondering if I have to run a separate power wire from the battery, or If I can just splice the 18-20 gauge wire that running to the headunit or just use 12v power wire that runs to the "cigarette outlet" that I never use.

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[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

Nope. The correct way would be to run a separate power wire from the battery with a inline fuse in between then to the amp.

 

[MarshBear]

Nope. The correct way would be to run a separate power wire from the battery with a inline fuse in between then to the amp.

I'm aware of the "Correct" way.. But the question was is it possible to just use the 12v power wire already present.

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

So if your aware of the "correct" way, then why did you ask? You sound like you know the answer already.

Depending upon the amp's wattage, the better solution would be running a separate power wire from the battery to the amp. If the amp accepts up to 8 gauge wire, then run that.

Running thin power wire (18-22 gauge) is asking for a fire hazard. Will more than likely burn your car to the ground due to lack/insufficient proper gauge wire.