Once again, using the F150 site because nobody seems to know anything about amps on explorerforums. So I got one question if you guys dont mind helping me out. I got two 12 inch subs in the back of my explorer, and I wanted to know if it would be possible to install a switch on the ground wire so I could turn off my amp. The reason I need to do this is because often I have to put a lot of cargo in the back and need the room, so I would just take out my subs temporarily. Could I install like a light switch on the remote wire or the ground wire to turn off the amp so I can remove the subs? Thanks for your help

 

If you need to do that buy a SPST (Automotive) Switch and run it inline with the Remote wire.

And you can pick those up at an Advanced Auto Parts or Pepboys.

 

Just pull out the amp's fuse everytime you need to [make sure the amp is OFF when you do this].

 

Yupyup. Do it on a lot of installs myself, nice little thing to have.

 

You could also go with a circuit breaker instead of a fuse at your batt.

 

Thanks a lot, I think I'll try the switch on the remote wire. Thanks

 

I just looked at a SPST switch, and I have one question. What would I be connecting to the switch, since it has 3 terminals? Would I only use 2?

 

An SPST has two. (on-off). A DPST has three. (On - Off - On.)

I would assume the middle and an outside. but some are different. Play around with it. There are only six possible positions.... Yes two.

 

Can't I screw something up sitting there trying different combinations? like blow a fuse?

 

Ummmm.... fyi

SPST = single Pole, single throw = 2 terminals

DPST = double Pole, single throw = 4 terminals ( basically two SPST in one package)

SPDT = single pole, double throw = 3 terminals, middle common,

DPDT = well, you get the idea; = 6 terminals ( basically two SPDT in one pkg)

.

4PST

.

4PDT

.


Some have centre off positions, some don't.

OP - Use an ohmmeter & draw a diagram if you want to be sure.

 

You are just looking at the SPST's with an indicator light built in...the extra terminal is for the light's common...check it out...

I bet the copper colored terminal is for the common. I have a couple rockers in my truck that are the same, so should be the same. BTW you could just use just the 2 terminals, but in that case, you should just buy a reg SPST switch w/no light!

 

But if I'm connecting the SPST switch to the remote wire, what will power the led? It says 12 volt spst switch

 

Oops. I was off when i said DPST. Good call. (unlike Miller Lite...)

 

No, just connecting the 12v and load terminals will not light the switch up. You need to ground that third terminal in order for the light to work, assuming this is a SPST switch with a light.

 

why all the trouble u can cut the power to the amp through your crossover.and i hope you have 2 in line fuse blocks one on each side of the firewall.you could always pull a maxi fuse and cut power to the entire system, and if you do not have a capacitor you might want no you will need one.