amplifier grounds

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=1357
Printed Date: September 08, 2025 at 9:51 AM

Topic: amplifier grounds

Posted By: DjRDifacs
Subject: amplifier grounds
Date Posted: June 16, 2002 at 8:46 PM

can you use the same ground location for 2 amps? or do you have to use 2 different grounds?

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: June 16, 2002 at 8:53 PM

It is recommended that you use the same grounding point.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: ih8u37
Date Posted: June 18, 2002 at 4:21 PM

Jeff,

You mean it's recommended to ground both amps with the same bolt, at the same point? I was always told this was a big no no, that amps should always have their own isolated ground.

Posted By: ih8u37
Date Posted: June 18, 2002 at 4:22 PM

P.S.

I'm not, at all, saying you're wrong. I was just told otherwise, & want to clear this up for myself. Thanx.

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: June 18, 2002 at 5:00 PM

Hey not a problem, everyone has heard different ways to install amps, speakers, or head units and everyone is entitled to their own installation practices. This is what I've done in the past to ensure no engine noise or igntion noises that eminate from the stereo components. I usually central point ground as a rule , to avoid ground loops and grounding related problems. This way there is no way that the grounding resistance can be anything more than .2 ohms at the amp's ground. If the amps are grounded at two separate points in the trunk, one point may have a larger ohm value than the other which causes ground loops. Just out of curiosity, why would grounding the amps in a central location be a no-no ?

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA