biggest amplifier to electrical system?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 122
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biggest amplifier to electrical system? Hi I'm wondering if a 1000rms amp like say the alpine m1005 would cause too much strain on the electrical system in my 95 ta. I already replaced the alt with a HO 145 amp. And I have a interstate 1000ca or 800cca battery.
Thanks
Thanks
I have run alot more than that on stock alternators for years. Its one of those things where if you use the formulas then you need more power source for it but in a real and practical sense it will work fine most of the time. Of course having a higher supply of power if can help the amp make more power.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Alright thanks
for that alpine m1005 amp it says 4 gauge. Is that big enough? I was also planning somtime to put a small 4 channel for speakers and use a distribution block. Will 4 gauge to the block be enough for the sub amp and small 4 channel. 50 X 4 amp?
Thanks
for that alpine m1005 amp it says 4 gauge. Is that big enough? I was also planning somtime to put a small 4 channel for speakers and use a distribution block. Will 4 gauge to the block be enough for the sub amp and small 4 channel. 50 X 4 amp?
Thanks
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
well, you would first need to figure out the current draw of the amplifier.
p=iv
1000 watts = i * 12.6V
i=79.37 amps.
then you take this number and factor in efficiency of the amplifier. most class D amps are 70-80% efficient. so....
79.37 amps*1.20=95.24 amps
so the amplifier alone would draw around 95 amps. factor in another 45ish for the factory accessories like lights etc, you're looking at 140 amps right there. if you have additional amplifiers or any aftermarket parts that draw more current, you're most likely going over the output in amperage that your alternator can do.
with that said, these are the calculated numbers assuming your amp will be at full tilt, full amperage draw at all times. to know whether or not you will be fine depends on your listening habits, but i'd be willing to be you should be a-ok.
to give a blanket statement like "4 gauge will be fine for this amplifier" is technically incorrect because it depends on the length of your run. if the distance that you're going to be running the cable is around 12-13 feet or more, you might want to consider bumping up to 2 gauge. but i highly doubt that to be the case, so the 4 should be fine for this situation.
p=iv
1000 watts = i * 12.6V
i=79.37 amps.
then you take this number and factor in efficiency of the amplifier. most class D amps are 70-80% efficient. so....
79.37 amps*1.20=95.24 amps
so the amplifier alone would draw around 95 amps. factor in another 45ish for the factory accessories like lights etc, you're looking at 140 amps right there. if you have additional amplifiers or any aftermarket parts that draw more current, you're most likely going over the output in amperage that your alternator can do.
with that said, these are the calculated numbers assuming your amp will be at full tilt, full amperage draw at all times. to know whether or not you will be fine depends on your listening habits, but i'd be willing to be you should be a-ok.
to give a blanket statement like "4 gauge will be fine for this amplifier" is technically incorrect because it depends on the length of your run. if the distance that you're going to be running the cable is around 12-13 feet or more, you might want to consider bumping up to 2 gauge. but i highly doubt that to be the case, so the 4 should be fine for this situation.
