Depending on how
you play your system will determine the amount of current you will
need. For example you
listen to your system and low listening levels, then you’ll probably use
less than one-third the rated current draw. If you play your system
loud, then you will use most of the rated current of the
amplifier.
Most alternators
have about a 40 percent reserve capability. Order to determine how many in
ampere of current you will have for your system; you will need to find
out what your alternator is rated at. If you’re not sure of the
total amperage of your alternator, a good place to look is on the
alternator itself. Most
alternators have a metal tag stating the total average available. If you can’t find the tag, check
with the manufacture to find out the rated amperage. Once rated current
of the alternator is determined, you need to multiply this number by .40
in order to determine the reserve current available for use with your
power amplifier.
For Example:
Alternator = 80 Amps 80 x
.40 = 32 Amps
Please keep
in mind this is an estimate only not exact science. It is best to get your
electrical system tested by a professional to determine electrical
systems true capabilities.
By using the
fuse value of the car amplifier you can get a rough idea of the amount of
current draw the will be used under full output power. Although the full output rating
is good to determine the total amperage draw in the system, it does not
represent the true continuous or averaged amperage draw in the system.
Listed below is a simple way in order to determine the approximate
continuous current draw of your amplifier.
1.) Determine
fuse value of the amplifier.
2.) Divide the
RMS power Rating by the Peak power rating.
Example:
50Watts RMS
Divided by 100 Watts Peak Power = .50 (50%)
Once you figure
the percentage of RMS vs. Peak power, you multiply the fuse value of the
amplifier by the RMS percentage.
Example:
If the
amplifiers fuse value was 30A, then 30A multiplied by 50% would be 15A
of continuous current draw.
-
Upgrading your Electrical
System
Depending on
systems current requirements vs. your electrical systems capabilities,
you may need to upgrade your electrical system. For example, if you find
that you headlights dim when you have your system cranked up when you
are driving at night, this is a sign you should upgrade your electrical
system.
There is several
different ways order to accomplish this; one way is to upgrade the
alternator so that it has higher amperage output. Another way is to
purchase a Capacitor. We recommend to consult
your Car Audio Retailer to determine what is best for your
system.
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