Current Draw

[Bobby322 10+ year member]

How many amps will 2kwatts draw? 3k? How many amps will 234ah of battery and a stock alt (dunno size..'04 ram 1500 work truck) be able to sustain?

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[ahole-ic]

How many amps will 2kwatts draw? 3k?

It depends on the efficiency of the amp at the impedence you're wired to and the frequencies are being played through it.

How many amps will 234ah of battery and a stock alt (dunno size..'04 ram 1500 work truck) be able to sustain?

Sustain? Batteries do not help the system "sustain" current draw. Only an alternator can help the system sustain. Batteries merely prolong failure. It has reserve current at 12v and once it is depleted, the battery is no longer useful, and the amp will either shut off or blow from clipping like crazy. So the question you're really asking is, based on my duty cycle will my equipment last if I put a 3000 watt amp on stock electrical? The answer is no, and your amp will not put out anywhere near what it is rated at either. Do it right the first time or you will pay later.

 

[smoka 10+ year member]

I'll agree. A large stock alt with upgraded batts you might get away with 2kw, but you'll probably want to upgrade your alt if you go higher than 2kw.

 

[Bobby322 10+ year member]

Ill have 2k and 2.5k at most. Wired at 1 ohm. Lets say a pretty efficient amp..comparable to a saz-2k. Big 3, 2 big batteries, 2 power/grounds, and stock alt isn't enough for 2k?

 

[smoka 10+ year member]

I have nearly the same setup. I dip to around 13.0v min at a stop light. Dimming is barely noticeable.

I was just saying that if you go with any more power then you'll probably have some issues.

 

[Bobby322 10+ year member]

Okay cool