Switch doesn't handle enough amps
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=78523
Printed Date: April 29, 2024 at 1:49 AM
Topic: Switch doesn't handle enough amps
Posted By: m3xciao6
Subject: Switch doesn't handle enough amps
Date Posted: May 31, 2006 at 1:34 PM
i am installing a deck to a battery using 10ga wire with a 30amp fuse for the contant and ground i dont know wut size wire to use for the Switch + wire and i bought a switch to turn off and on and it only handel 15 amps but the fuse im going to use is 30 , wut do i do?
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: May 31, 2006 at 1:41 PM
What are you trying to use a switch for? And what kind of switch is it? ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: May 31, 2006 at 7:35 PM
Yes, tell us what you're trying to do- what is the switch for, and why are you fusing the ground also? ------------- My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: May 31, 2006 at 8:00 PM
It sounds like you are looking for the wire size to use on the 'red' wire of the deck (switched +). It all depends on the current draw of the switched + wire. Hook up the battery + and - and then use a DMM to measure the current needed by the switched + wire. Once you know the current you can size the wire appropriately. A 30A fuse is WAY too big, I can tell you that now. The 15A switch should be able to handle the current, but I'm not sure why you would install a switch on the wire that is automatically switched by your ignition system. Good luck... ------------- Kevin Pierson
Posted By: m3xciao6
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 2:17 PM
the switch is to turn on the Switch + wire of the head unit if i dont have a switch it will stay on all day and drain the battery ill prob go with a 16 ga wire for the switch + with a 15amp fuse
Posted By: kirktcashalini
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 2:54 PM
your "switch" wire I dont think will even blow a 1 amp fuse. its just to tell the head unit to recieve power form the battery connected one. I believe only a few mA will travel thru your "switched" wire.
-------------
99 Blazer LT. Yellow Top. Big 3. Infinity Kappa Speakers All Around. Jensen CD/DVD flip out. 2 Infinity Kappa Perfect 12DVQs powered by a Alpine PDX600.1 (in one custom box, building a FG box)
Posted By: jeffchilcott
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 3:55 PM
why are you wiring a switched source to the battery. list what type of vehicle you have and we will gladly direct you to a switched ign source so you will not have to use a manual switch at all
-------------
2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place
Posted By: m3xciao6
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 6:15 PM
it not going into a vehicle but a deck stright to a battery
Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 6:44 PM
if the switch is rated for 15 amps you must fuse at 15 amps or less. what is the current draw of the deck?
-------------
Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
Posted By: vinspo
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 6:53 PM
You do not need a switch. The ign. wire is there to prevent battery drain in the event you forget to turn off the stereo, so if you are wiring directly to a battery, you will need to turn the stereo off when not in use by using the switch built into the deck. Why complicate the issue?
Posted By: m3xciao6
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 9:51 PM
i was told i need a switch because the "switch +" is not hooked up to the iggnition. so it would constantly be on all the time so it would potentially drain the battery?
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 9:57 PM
There's nothing wrong with using a switch, just make sure to fuse properly, as state before. There's no need to fuse at 30 amps if your switch won't handle it. You can use a 5 amp fuse and be fine.
-------------
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: jfunk06
Date Posted: June 09, 2006 at 3:14 PM
There is no need for a switch. The reason HU have the ignition wire is so radio goes on and off with your ignition, so you dont have to do it manually. But, if you are going right to the battery, dont worry about it, just use the button on the unit itself. 10g wire is completely un-needed. I would run 16 guage, with a fuse rated about 5 amps higher than your HU(because of power loss in distance, if it is real close to the battery, make it closer to the size of the HU's fuse. Run the wire to the 12v+ AND the Ignition wire of the deck. Then connect the Ground wire of the deck to something metal, or the other terminal of the battery if there is nothing else metal. And you're done. BTW, you are over-thinking this whole thing, wich is making me overthink it. Wich is LAME!  ------------- Govenor of Jimcinati
93' GMC Safari XT
|