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Why is my amp so hot?

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=75464
Printed Date: July 14, 2025 at 11:44 AM


Topic: Why is my amp so hot?

Posted By: timmyjimmy5150
Subject: Why is my amp so hot?
Date Posted: March 31, 2006 at 4:44 PM

Okay...

I have a JL 450/4 amp pushing 4 sets of component speakers in my F-150 truck.  The amp is located under the rear bench.....

Today, I had the radio turned up pretty loud --- probably 3/4 the way up..... I started to smell a "hot" electrical type smell from the rear of the truck........  I turned the radio down and later felt the amp --- It was very hot.

What causes this?  Is it lack of air movement or something wired incorrectly?  Please help with any advice.

TJ




Replies:

Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: March 31, 2006 at 4:51 PM
what is the impedence load on the amp?

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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979




Posted By: timmyjimmy5150
Date Posted: March 31, 2006 at 4:53 PM

I'm sorry... I'm an amateur......

Please explain to me what this means?  Could this maybe be the problem?

The amp even seems to run "warm" at low volumes...





Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: March 31, 2006 at 7:22 PM
An amp is designed to get hot, heat is a natural byproduct of amplification. Your amplifier is a class ab amp. This in easy to understand terms means that it may be on a good day, 65% efficient at producing power, the other 35% is heat. The longer and louder something is played, the higher the heat signature of the amp. If one has a bad ground or is using the wrong guage power and ground wire, the heat signature of the amp will be higher. If the load is being ran at lower impedences, then the heat signature of the amp is going to rise as well. If it is in an area with little to no movement of air, the heat signature will rise. So heat is going to be there to stay, make sure you have good airflow to keep the amp cool, ensure that you have a proper ground, use the right guage power and ground wires and finally ensure that the gain is set properly.

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





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