Fuse keeps popping

[bobjob]

So I didn't have this problem when I first hooked it up, and it only started to happen about 2 months ago. When my volume is up loud and the bass is hitting real loud, my fuse pops. I calculated about a 195 amp load on both amps together, but I doubt that it's using both at 100%

I drew a diagram of my current setup

Click to read more...

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Drop the cap. Get a big 3 kit. Also the fuse needs to be bigger. It protects the wire not amps but sounds like your drawing more power than the fuse can handle

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

So I didn't have this problem when I first hooked it up, and it only started to happen about 2 months ago. When my volume is up loud and the bass is hitting real loud, my fuse pops. I calculated about a 195 amp load on both amps together, but I doubt that it's using both at 100%

I drew a diagram of my current setup

As from what I've heard, the capacitors are more harm than good. Start by eliminating the capacitor.

 

[bobjob]

Drop the cap. Get a big 3 kit. Also the fuse needs to be bigger. It protects the wire not amps but sounds like your drawing more power than the fuse can handle

Ok, so I just need to put 2 distribution blocks for the positive and negative? And my wires are all 4 gauge, will 0 gauge make a big difference?

 

[brian84corvette 10+ year member]

that 4 guage wire is acting like a small coffee straw stuck in to a thick milk shake. try and drink - it will take alot of effort to **** that shake thru.

thats exactly how your amps feel trying to pull power thru that little 4 guage wire :/

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

Well depends on what amps you have... but chances are if you're running two amps, you'll need 0 gauge. If you run CCA 0 gauge, you need a 250a fuse. If it's OFC, you need a 300a fuse. As said above, you fuse for the wire, not the amps.

Get rid of the capacitor. It doesn't do any damage, but it's not going to help anything. Sell it, and put the money towards wiring for your Big 3, and new wiring for your amps.

What amps do you have?

 

[bobjob]

Well depends on what amps you have... but chances are if you're running two amps, you'll need 0 gauge. If you run CCA 0 gauge, you need a 250a fuse. If it's OFC, you need a 300a fuse. As said above, you fuse for the wire, not the amps.Get rid of the capacitor. It doesn't do any damage, but it's not going to help anything. Sell it, and put the money towards wiring for your Big 3, and new wiring for your amps.

What amps do you have?

Ok, I'll get rid of the capacitor and wire for the big 3.. was it obvious that I didn't have it already? What will having my battery ground at 8 gauge or so default, do to my system?

 

[Side Show 10+ year member]

always have the same size ground as your pwr wire (bigger is better)

 

[bobjob]

Ok I am going to upgrade my positive and negative wires to 1/0 gauge wire. If my 4 gauge wire was rated at 75 amps, how was my 180 amp fuse popping?

 

[bobjob]

bump ^^

 

[garychurch84 10+ year member]

What AMPS DO YOU HAVE for the second time?

 

[bbeljefe]

Ok I am going to upgrade my positive and negative wires to 1/0 gauge wire. If my 4 gauge wire was rated at 75 amps, how was my 180 amp fuse popping?

Fuses blow from heat as well as overcurrent. You're using wire that's not large enough to support the current draw you have so everywhere there is a connection, you're developing heat. Since there are multiple connections at the fuse terminal, it heats up more than anywhere else and, as it's supposed to do, the fuse blows. Also, if you have true 4g wire, it should be good for ~150 amps.

You've not shared what amps you have but it sounds like you're running enough power that 4 gauge is too small. I recommend building the electrical supply heavier than necessary, as that will always ensure that your amps get all the current and voltage they need without strain on anything.

 

[bobjob]

Fuses blow from heat as well as overcurrent. You're using wire that's not large enough to support the current draw you have so everywhere there is a connection, you're developing heat. Since there are multiple connections at the fuse terminal, it heats up more than anywhere else and, as it's supposed to do, the fuse blows. Also, if you have true 4g wire, it should be good for ~150 amps.
You've not shared what amps you have but it sounds like you're running enough power that 4 gauge is too small. I recommend building the electrical supply heavier than necessary, as that will always ensure that your amps get all the current and voltage they need without strain on anything.

I thought it was a heat issue, thank you!