Multi-Amp Wiring Question!
 

Im imstalling 2 amps but obviously i dont need to send both power cables to the battery, so heres my question.

Is there a Y connector or any other connector that will connect the power cables into 1, or do i just have to splice the wires?

There is something called a power distribution block, you'll probably need to run 4 gauge wire to it, and it splits into two 8 gauge wires. Or at least that's what I see in the stores :)

right, there are several combinations, but most have a 4awg input w/four 8awg outputs.

Similar to this:

No way man!

Splice the wires together - twist 'em up well, then secure with duct tape.

Just kidding of course. The distribution block is the best way to accomplish the split, and it will also be fused for extra protection for your amps and car. You will still need to fuse the power wire at the battery, however.

Distribution blocks are also available for your ground wires, and are a good idea for a clean secure install. These are generally not fused.

Here's a pic of my distribution; the top is for power, the bottom for ground. The small wires are 8 gauge, and the white holes above and below the blocks are where the main 4 gauge power and ground enter/exit:
http://www.wagonsport.com/pics/audio...ack wiring.JPG

I MUST ask though - since you were thinking of just "splicing" the wires, what thickness (gauge) of wire are you using for power and ground?? Because I know you wouldn't be thinking that with 4 or even 8 gauge wire - it's just too thick to consider simple splicing. How many watts total from the two amps? I ask because you've got me concerned that you may not be using thick enough wire.

~HH

Thats a very slick looking install. I hope i can do that one day. Right now my amp is screwed onto one side of my subwoofer box :)

Is the dist block for the ground necessary? because I was thinking about just grounding each amp to two of the screws that secure the front seats.

yah blue it makes sense providing equal distribution to the negative current. Plus the more fuses you have less chance of equipment damage. Much easier to replace a fuse then an amp or a deck :)

p.s. these dame blocks are expensive. i checked out a smiliar one that is used in the picture above @ best buy and it was for 79 bucks..canadian tho. Hehe. I was thinking of buying a fuseless block and then use the existing fuse in the wiring kit. I'll do that when i get my 2nd amp.

fuses are good, but too many in a single application is not needed. As they're a week point for current draw. If your going with mucho power and ANL fuse or hi-amp circuit breaker is a better idea than the tradiotional AGU glass fuses. The ANL fuses have more surface area for a better connection and they are screwed to the fuse holder, not just held in place by a spring type clip.
Also, fuses distro blocks for power are really needed either, the main fuse at the battery and the fuses on the amps are plenty adequete.

I use a sloid brass distroblock (non-fused) for both my power and ground.

Check on eBay or www.knukonceptz.com for distro blocks.

NO WAY should you need to pay more than a few bucks - $79 is WAY out of line.

The blocks can simplify installation - but mswest is right that they can be a weak point for current draw if fused. I find one quick advantage is the ability to cut power to the amps right at the block by pulling the fuse - no need to open the hood to get the main fuse out.

Oh, and BTW - my ground block is not fused - it's really unnecessary to fuse the grounds.

You'd probably be fine grounding each amp to a separate point, as long as they are solid grounds. If you install that way and get noise, try a block, or at least grounding both amps to the same seat bolt.

~HH

Multi amp wiring - 1 main large power wire ( 4 guage or bigger, depending on current draw) to distribution block to each amp. Ground through non fused distribution block to bare metal ground using same guage as power wire.