Question regarding powering an amp

[Steve1978]

Hi All,

Looking for some input. i havejust bought this amp TS 400x4 | Taramps

I have some 6x9 speakers and a set of 6.5 inch. nothing crazy, just a bit of aftermarket.

The questio i have is around power for the amp. I would love to take a live feed from behind the Android head unit (there is one there) slip it in to a Wag, pop a 15 or 20am fuse cable in and power the amp up from there. I have no subs, nothing mad. is this safe?

I think the correct way to do it would be to run a 4mm power from the battery all the way to the amp. but i just dont think i want to!! any ideas or thoughts?

 

[Howzat]

If it hits 400w that's be 33amp. I'd say not safe.

 

[Steve1978]

Thanks pal. I will find a way to the battery!!

 

[Notintheclique]

Thanks pal. I will find a way to the battery!!

Where is the amp? There will probably be a feed under the passenger seat that OEM leisure batteries use.

 

[Steve1978]

I have a 2+1 Starline, i don't think there are any feeds (that I have seen) under there. plus i don't have a leisure battery. I am thinking of feeding under the scuttle panel, had a little nose and its a tough one to pop up but I think i can get it done with a metal coat hanger or something.

Amp is going to go behind the head unit although i do have seperate concerns around the heat in there all a bit tight really!

 

[Howzat]

There's probably aready a grommet with wiring going through the scuttle up top from the battery. That's what I used to feed the DC charging feed from SB to LB inside.

 

[Steve1978]

Yeah I spotted a couple of posts on here showing that route. I’ll dig the battery out later and have a good look.

I tried hooking the amp up directly to the loom behind the head unit, when I crank up the volume the power appears to actually switch off. The head unit reboots so I’m guessing the power drop must be to great. Going to keep fiddling and having fun.

Just bought that 13 inch head unit from Amazon to have a play with!

 

[Steve1978]

Ok thank you all for your help so far..

Battery is out, gromet under scuttle is out and cable is fed, I had to drill a small hole to get from the battery to the scuttle as I just couldnt fit the 6mm cable through the other bung.

So I (of course) have a couple of questions. This 4mm cable that I am running, its a decent size cable. I have some inline fuses but they are only 2.5mm So

Q1 size fuse should i use bearing in mind you have said 33amp
Q2 will the very short 2 or 3 cm cable (very close to battery)of 2.5mm with the fuse be safe or will i be melting the 2.5mm cable?

Many many thanks again.... Legends!

 

[Howzat]

A2. You fuse the cable, not the amp.
A2. 2.5mm is inadequate. 8AWG (3.3mm) and a 50 amp fuse at those lengths is the miniumum for your amp. You can go higher, say 6AWG and an 80 amp fuse to play utterly safe.

Fuse goes as close to the battery as poss.

 

[Steve1978]

Ok thanks. Some pics of the stuff so far attached. I’ll review the fuse. I’ve used a 30amp so will purchase a 50amp with some thicker 4mm cable.