Tapping into wires?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

I'm still new to car audio, and I'll be attempting my first install next weekend. I'm unsure how I should tap into the factory wiring on my vehicle. I'll be tapping in for speaker level inputs and also the power wire. I know it is best to solder the connection, and I have access to the needed materials. However, I have no experience soldering, and I'm hesitant about cutting into the wiring. There are other types of wire taps I've seen, but I'm not too sure how these will work out. What do you guys suggest? This will be a single sub running 150 watts, so not a big system. Any input is greatly appreciated.

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[Jh8909 10+ year member]

if its just a little system like that and you want the install to be simple just use splice taps.

Amazon.com: TERM SPLICE TAP 18-14AWG: Home Improvement

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

Yea, those are just what I had in mind. I'm hoping they will be sufficient, because I'm really not comfortable soldering (also don't want a "permanent" install). Here are the ones I'll likely be getting:

Wire Tap-In Squeeze Connectors (7-Pack) - RadioShack.com

Should work, right?

 

[Jh8909 10+ year member]

yeah make sure you just get the right gauge for your application. these are good if your install is not going to be permanent.

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

get posi-taps. much better then those cheap wire tappers

Posi-Tap- No Crimp Tap

 

[DukeNut 10+ year member]

I'm still new to car audio, and I'll be attempting my first install next weekend. I'm unsure how I should tap into the factory wiring on my vehicle. I'll be tapping in for speaker level inputs and also the power wire. I know it is best to solder the connection, and I have access to the needed materials. However, I have no experience soldering, and I'm hesitant about cutting into the wiring. There are other types of wire taps I've seen, but I'm not too sure how these will work out. What do you guys suggest? This will be a single sub running 150 watts, so not a big system. Any input is greatly appreciated.

When you say 'power wire' do you mean the + for the amp or the turn on wire for the amp? If its for the +, this will be way too small, you need to run 4 or 8 gauge from the battery. If you think you will upgrade amp power in the future run the 4 gauge or even better use 0/1 gauge, this will allow you to upgrade amps without needing to run new wire

 

[Jh8909 10+ year member]

yeah I didn't catch that last time. how are you planning into splicing a power wire? do you mean remote turn on?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

Sorry guys, I meant remote turn on. I'm running 8 gauge from the battery for the actual power wire. I may upgrade in the future, but it would be several years down the road and to maybe a ~500 watt setup, still nothing major. I can get those posi taps, are they really that much better? I was hoping to install this coming weekend, not sure how quickly I could get those if I had to order online.

 

[Joseph K 10+ year member]

Just get some t-taps or something