Question about power wires coming off a fused distro...

[rscecil007]

Small probably insignificant question. I plan on eventually running two amps, one under each seat, and running 1.0g wire to the back to a fused distro, then 4g to each amp. Now I know that the fuse in the distro for each wire is to protect the wire when it steps down in size, but can also the protect the amp in most instances.

Here's my problem. My distro's will be under the back seats in the storage compartment of my truck. so one 4g coming off the distro will probably be about 5' or 6', and the other will be 7' or 8' (estimating here). I MIGHT be able to run it under the carpet down the main channel which would shorten both pieces, but unsure about that.

Will I need to fuse the amps again within 18" to protect the them, since the 4g run is so long? Or will the fuses in the distro suffice, despite the wire length?

If this makes no sense, sorry, been a long week and very little sleep.

[str3atwarrior]

If a short happens, the fuse in the distribution block will blown for sure, so you're protected. Just be sure to get the right fuse for your system.

[rscecil007]

If a short happens, the fuse in the distribution block will blown for sure, so you're protected. Just be sure to get the right fuse for your system.

That's what I'm thinking, but just want to make sure that is safe and acceptable. There's always that "fuse with 18 inches of the amp" rule if the amps in question aren't internally fused.

I think the min fusing for 4g is 150 amps (could be wrong, that's off the top of my head), and the amps would both be 60 or 80 amps. So throw say two 80amp fuses in the distro, and the 4g cable is protected as are the amps.

[ttocs]

you need one fuse with in 12 inches of the battery, this fuse is to protect the 1/0 and should be fuse accordingly. The fuses in the dist block will help to not only protect the 4 awg, but the amps as well.

I have almost the same setup in my stang with the dist block in the consol. You can see it mounted half way down.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2395420/6

[rscecil007]

Yup, the one 12", 18" whatever from the battery is a given. I think mine's like 15" just b/c of where I had to mount the fuse. But it's there.

Thanks for the conf on me doing it correctly. I like the idea of putting the distro in the console and doing a fake floor, but I dont' think I can fit both my Ti distro's in there.

Maybe my two Tantrum distro's though, they have a bit smaller footprint. Hmmmm......I will have to look into this, however I hate to not use my Ti's.

[eulogious]

Are your amps fused already, ie have fuses builtin?

Amps like the ti's that don't have fuses built into them need to be fused SEPARATELY and within 18" of the amp, if your run is longer than 18" going to the amp, at least according to the manual. So you would have a fuse block, then 4awg going to the another fuse/circuit breaker, then 4awg going to the amp.

That's to do it "proper" and only if your amps don't have fuses built into them, and the way I would wire in my ti400.2 if it was farther than 18" from my distro/fuse block.

If your amps are have fuses in them already, then this is a moot point

[ttocs]

I know the origina ZX amps had fuses but they were mounte to the board under one of the windows. Isn't the Ti amps the same way? I have not lookes inside my octane LE for some to time but thought it was in there..

[AAMP217]

The "fuse within 18" of the battery" is part of competition governing rules. When you are using a fuse on you main power lead its going to protect the wire from a dead short and a burnt up car. When using a fused distribution block the objective is to blow the fuses in the block before the ones in the amp to avoid strain on the amplifier in cases where there is a dead short or unfavorable condition. Everything that ttocs is exactly as it should be.

[rscecil007]

I know the origina ZX amps had fuses but they were mounte to the board under one of the windows. Isn't the Ti amps the same way? I have not lookes inside my octane LE for some to time but thought it was in there..

The Ti's aren't fused, I don't think.

[ttocs]

would anyone have a few dozen Ti's around just to confirm? I thought there was one but it has been so long since I took the cover off of mine and looked at it. Just curous....

[eulogious]

I am curious about this as well. I am going to be picking up a ti, and it would be good to know if they are fused already or not...

[rscecil007]

I'm 99% sure the Ti's aren't fused like the old ZX's. I know they don't have a fuse under the window at least.

The few Ti manuals I glanced through just say to fuse the amp within 18" of the battery, and the fuse rating depends on the load you run on the amp.

[eulogious]

The few Ti manuals I glanced through just say to fuse the amp within 18" of the battery, and the fuse rating depends on the load you run on the amp.

Yup, that was what I read as well. So as long as you follow that, all should be well.

In my distro/fuse block I am just going to put a 60amp fuse in and I should be fine for now, once I get my 400.2. I will probable get a breaker to install between the distro and the amp here soon, just to make sure that the amp is protected from anything that could happen. Might be overkill, but I would much rather be safe than sorry. A fuse/breaker isn't that much, so it's worth the money, IMHO.

When I get my 400.2, well actually 2 of them, I will look at both and see if there is a fuse or not. I am getting them this sunday so ya...

[12voltjunky]

I have never opened my amps up but
none of my Ti amps have onboard fuses that I
am aware of.