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toggle switch installation question

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by gdb619, May 9, 2014.

  1. gdb619

    gdb619 Member

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    I just got speakers for my motorcycle it cam with a 100 watt amp and I hooked up a toggle switch to the battery using primary wire I hooked the positive up and when I connected the negative the wires melted I thought it wasn't the right type of wire so I asked someone at a hardware store he said I was using the right wire my speakers still work thank god can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong lol
     
    gdb619, May 9, 2014
    #1
  2. ManBot13

    ManBot13 Well-Known Member

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    What gauge wire are you using? 100W/12V = 8.5A. According to quick google search, you'd need at least 20 gauge wire, but you might want to have a larger gauge for safety margin.

    Wire Gauge Specs

    Are you sure the Alternator can handle the extra load? I'm sure someone will chime in here on that front, but it is always a consideration when adding load to these old systems.

    Finally, you should really fuse any new wiring. If you have replace your fuse panel with one with extra slots, this is a perfect addition to that. And size your fuse accordingly. If something is shorted, the fuse will pop before the wires melt.
     
    ManBot13, May 9, 2014
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  3. gdb619

    gdb619 Member

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    How would I find out what size fuse to use
     
    gdb619, May 9, 2014
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  4. ManBot13

    ManBot13 Well-Known Member

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    I'm just giving you general advice, you may need to look for more specific advice as far as wiring audio.

    For instance, you 100W amp likely requires even more power. You should look up what it's rated for.

    I'd fuse according to your expected load and wire gauge. However, the alternator will be a limiting factor.
     
    ManBot13, May 9, 2014
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  5. gdb619

    gdb619 Member

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    I don't think I used the right gauge because if I hook the speakers to the battery it's fine I think it was a 16 or 18
     
    gdb619, May 9, 2014
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  6. bensalf

    bensalf Well-Known Member

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    hang on here, are you coupling 12v from the battery ,directly to the speakers ?. this is not right, 12v would power the amp,the speakers couple to the amp output.
    100wats divided by 12v =8.3 amps, for your fuse value.
    stu :?
     
    bensalf, May 9, 2014
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  7. gdb619

    gdb619 Member

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    So I didn't realize that it came with a power button I don't need the toggle switch thank you for ur help tho
     
    gdb619, May 9, 2014
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  8. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    Amps arn't measured for input, they measure output. But unless he has audiophile
    Grade stuff there's no way to know if it's 100w rms or pp into 8 ohms or 4
    Or even 2. Even so, unless it was turned up all the way it wouldn't smoke a wire.
    I think maybe he crossed some wires
     
    Polock, May 9, 2014
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