the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

Amplifier, Alternator Power


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
tnwagn 
Member - Posts: 1
Member spacespace
Joined: January 22, 2007
Location: United States
Posted: January 22, 2007 at 7:39 PM / IP Logged  

To start here is the amplifier I have. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-bxEvOAaPI3Q/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=ap2000&i=489AP2000

I have it hooked up to two DVC subs hooked up at 2 ohms each.  The amplifier outputs 480 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms

In the Crutchfield Guide to Car Stereo Installation there is a section which describes how to estimate the current demands of an amplifier.  It first says to multiply the number of channels of the amplifier by the RMS watts per channel (2 x 480= 960).  Double that number (960 x 2= 1920).  Then divide by 13.8 (1920 / 13.8= 139.13)

This is the system’s approximate current draw in amperes; let’s just call it 140 Amps.

To estimate the reserve current capacity, the guide says to take the alternator’s amp rating and multiply by 40%.  My alternator is rated at around 80 Amps.  When the math is run (80 x 40% = 32) it shows that there are around 32 Amps left to power my audio system. 

This is REALLY low compared to amount of power that the amplifier should be able to pull.

My question is Will this make any real difference?  I know that capacitors can help in some cases, but in this instance the difference between the alternator and the draw of the system seems quite big.  Other than upgrading the alternator, is there anything else I can do?

Also, Can this under powering cause any damage to the components?

Thanks for any help in advance.

jeffchilcott 
Platinum - Posts: 2,483
Platinum spacespace
Joined: April 11, 2002
Location: United States
Posted: January 22, 2007 at 7:56 PM / IP Logged  
yes underpowering can cause damage to the amplifier and also to speakers do to cliping.
But based on the amp you have I dont think you will have any problems, but you will want to read the "Big 3" sticky at the top of the fourm and follow te direction on that upgrade
2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Friday, May 3, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer