Fused distro blocks? Turn-on lead fuse?

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=24489
Printed Date: July 26, 2025 at 5:37 PM

Topic: Fused distro blocks? Turn-on lead fuse?

Posted By: Paradigm
Subject: Fused distro blocks? Turn-on lead fuse?
Date Posted: January 13, 2004 at 8:45 AM

I just wanted some answers on these subjects.

I saw this in another thread and it got me thinking. Here is what I have:

JL Audio 1000/1 (1000Wx1 RMS)
Kicker ZR120 (30Wx2 RMS)
Kicker ZX460 (30Wx4 RMS)
2 AudioControl EQT's
1 Farad Capacitor
2002 GMC Sonoma ZR2 Highrider

I will be getting a 200A alternator to upgrade from the stock alt. I will be using 0/1 gauge wire from the battery to the distribution blocks (and back to ground). My question is, do I need to use a fused distro block, or a non-fused distro block? In the other thread, someone said as long as the wire size is big enough to handle the current and the amps all have fuses built-in, that a fused distribution block is not needed; it's more for show than anything. Is this true? I already plan on fusing the main wire from the battery (absolutely necessary!!!), just not sure about the distro block.

Another question - since I will be hooking up so many components, I will need to use a relay off of the remote turn-on lead. This site recommends fusing the individual leads off of the relay. Is this true? And if so, what size fuses would I need for the items listed? Or can I just use a single fuse BEFORE the relay to protect everything downstream?

I hope someone out there can help me out. I've basically got everything but the alternator and the wiring/distribution items. Now all I need is the answers to my above questions and I think I'll be ready to put it all together. I might try to take pictures of everything as it's being installed/setup, and post it to a website, if anyone is interested. It'll still be a few months before it's all done, but I think it should turn out really good.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

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VEHICLE: 2002 GMC Sonoma ZR2
Alpine CDA-7940
AudioControl EQT x2
JL Audio 1000/1
JL Audio 10W6 (originals) x3
Kicker ZR120
Kicker ZR460
Polk GXR-6 x4
Polk GXR-4 x2

Replies:

Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: January 13, 2004 at 12:23 PM

I would use a relay to trigger that many turn on leads. I would also fuse the relay itslef. I would imagine that the relay will be in the back of the vehicle with very short wire runs, if this is the case I would not be fusing the individual leads from it. If the relay is up front then I would be fusing the individual leads.

You are bang on with the description about the distro block, you have answered your own question. In some cases sure you can put in a fused distro block, but in most cases it is not necessary.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Posted By: Paradigm
Date Posted: January 13, 2004 at 12:45 PM

Thanks forbidden.

Any clue as to how big of a fuse to use before the relay? 30A be sufficient? Or less/more?

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VEHICLE: 2002 GMC Sonoma ZR2
Alpine CDA-7940
AudioControl EQT x2
JL Audio 1000/1
JL Audio 10W6 (originals) x3
Kicker ZR120
Kicker ZR460
Polk GXR-6 x4
Polk GXR-4 x2

Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: January 13, 2004 at 1:36 PM

A normal cd player has a output voltage of around .5 amp, it is usually enough to drive 2 - 3 amplifiers. With what you have a 3 amp fuse would probably be fine.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.