Okay, so every install that I have ever done has been one amp only, so I am planning to do a 2+ amp install in the Max and I have a question refering to fuses. I know that the 2 amps I am getting require a 90AMP and a 80AMP fuse for their respective wiring and internals. What size fuse do I use for the wiring from the battery to the distro-block. I don't think that you simply add the two fuses together, or is it that simple. The last question is that a 170AMP fuse is not readily available as far as I can tell. Do I just round up to 200 and call it a day? Just want to make sure I know what's going on, so I don't blow anything up. Thanks guys!!

 

Assuming you get the proper wire gauge (thick enough) for the battery to distribution block, you should be able to just put a big fuse on it.

If the only things you'll have hooked up to the block are those two amps (90 + 80), then I'd personally go on the safe side and round down the fuse to the closest you can get to 170. Like if they have 180 amp and 160 amp, get the 160 amp.

 

Thanks for your thoughts Jesse. Anyone else have any opinions on this subject?? I was also thinking about maybe doing a circuit breaker, because it would be much easier to work on the amps if I could just trip the breaker and no more power to the amps. Anyone no of any down falls to circuit breakers? If I was going to do it, would a 200A be big enough. If I have the 2 amps and I wanted to add another amp, would I have to get a bigger breaker? Thanks for the help!

 

A breaker would work. The downside to a breaker is that they're more expensive for their size. Someone also mentioned that you want a specific type.. I forget the differences. Like magnetic vs something else. One type isn't very safe in the car because it can let too much current pass through before it breaks. I think magnetic is the type you'd want.

A breaker would be more expensive to replace if you added another amp and needed to increase the current rating. On the other hand, you're probably drawing less than your peak amps and could just keep using that until you find that you're tripping the breaker a lot.

 

I think you're right on the magnetic breaker, I have heard that the other breaker can allow too much cuurent through before it trips.

So, let say that I am going to get a breaker. IF I get a 200A, that will cover me for the 2 amps and maybe one more if the draw isn't too much. If I start tripping it, I will have to buy a bigger breaker or switch to the ANL fuses. Sound about right?

Thanks for all your help Jesse! I appreciate it!

 

I use a multi fuse holder it goes near the battery.
The power cable goes in one side and is split into 2 each route has its own fuse for whatever amp is hoocked up to it.

 

Yeah that sounds fine.

I'd also do what supermax recommended, that is, put an appropriately rated fuse near between each amp and the distribution block, as near as possible to the block.

In this case that'd be 80 and 90 amps.

 

I dont think there is a 160A fuse, only 150A and a 200A fuse, I could be wrong.

Just make sure your distro block has the correct fuses in it, otherwise you could have problems.

Good Luck

 

I would recommend a breaker, I have used them before and had good results. Phoenix gold VB200 is the 200 amp and they also have a VB140 that is 140 amps. They usually cost about $26.00.

 

****not that i'm saying fuse rating isnt important but,
ive never had really any trouble with a fuse blowing IF THERE WASN'T SOMETHING ELSE WRONG, the only time i blew a fuse due to to much energy draw was when my friend had one of my hcca amps hooked up to a 12" 2x2ohm DVC ,and it was damaged IT DRAWED an 0.12ohm when bench tested VC was fried ,bad. and it blew a 60amp fuse after playing for about 1/2 hour.