The recommended fuse size for my subwoofer amplifier is 100 amps so that is what I used. I noticed the other day the fuse and fuse holder near the battery are melted. What should I do to keep the next one from melting? I was thinking maybe a larger fuse but I have never even heard of this happening so I'm not sure what to do. I tried to add pictures to this post but it won't work.

 

Did you keep the fuse within 1 foot of the battery? And what are the specs on the amp and sub? Also is the fuse near anything under the hood that generates a lot of heat? And what gauge wire are you using? Sorry for all the questions but it'll make finding the problem easier.

 

The fuse is eleven inches from the battery, it's not close to anything that would generate that much heat, and I'm using 4 gauge wire. The output of the amplifier is 2230 watts peak and 250 per channel at 2 Ohms and each of the two subwoofers is 900 watts peak and 50-300 RMS. The are both dual voice coil and I have them wired at 250 watts RMS at 2 Ohms.

Would the fuse holder have melted if I was supplying the amplifier with too little power? My battery gauge in the dash is usually below 14.4v while I'm using the amp, and 14.4 is the input for the amplifier. I also do not use a capacitor, if that makes a difference.

 

Not from too little of power, but that's way to big of a fuse for that size amp. To give you an idea I'm using a 60 or 70amp fuse, can't remember right now on a amp that'll do 1200rms at 1 ohm which is over what your's is putting out. It sound's like it's been drawing more power than it needs and instead of blowing the fuse it just melted it because it wasn't enough to blow it if that makes sense. And majority of amps take a 14.4 volt input and even if it's seeing less it'll just translate to less rms power to the subs. And capacitor's are just about worthless unless your running a huge system or you want it to look cool.

 

I understand what you are saying but I didn't think that was the problem since it says on Crutchfield that the fuse rating is 100 amps.
Here's the link: http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_675F...ures_and_specs

 

Well for one thing if that's the amp you have it only does 125rms per channel at 2ohms. Do you have the subs wired to each individual channel?

 

What does "Power at 2 Ohms" mean then? On each sub I have the two voice coils wired in parallel with each other into one channel, so yeah, each sub is in its own channel.

Also, I thought the "RMS Power Output" was the power output at 4 Ohms.

 

If I had to guess that's the peak power a 2 ohms. Where it says peak power of 1115 watts that's most likely for the 2 channels bridged seeing 500rms at 4ohms. So I'm assuming by what you said each sub is a dual 4 ohm right?

 

Nevermind that, I looked up the specs on rockfords site for it, the 125rms is at 4ohms, and it is 250rms at 2ohms so it's not an improper ohm load causing it to overdraw. For now the only thing I can think of is the fuse is just too big even though it does call for a 100amp fuse.

 

Yes. I just have them wired at two Ohms.
Subs:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SWS1...ures_and_specs
Wiring:
http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchf..._4-ohm_2ch.jpg

 

Oh okay. I suppose I might as well try an 80 amp fuse. If I get the right fuse holder, I can try an 80 amp fuse but still go back to 100 if necessary, correct? I contacted Crutchfield and I'm waiting to see what they tell me about this problem.

 

Fuse holders melt because of high resistance or bad connections. Some fuse holders are just cheap crap. Make sure the 4 gauge is tightly secured at each end and is not oxidized. Make sure the fuse fits securely and is not dirty on the ends. The fuse at the battery end is NOT for the amp so 100 is fine. This fuse is to prevent your truck from burning down if the 4 gauge should get rubbed or cut and hits the chassis ground.

 

Alright thanks for the help. I'll order a new fuse and fuse holder today and hope this doesn't happen again.

 

What he said.

At the battery you fuse for the capacity of the cable not the amp(s).

 

Correct!