How to plan car audio ELECTRICAL system wiring - Is the alternator big enough?

What size wire do we need? Is the alternator big enough for our car audio system? In this video I plan out an install for my Jeep Grand Cherokee build.

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Here at Car Audio Fabrication I teach you how to Master Car Audio in an effort to Design, Build, and Install your ideal car audio system. Whether you are a hardcore basshead or a HiFi focused audiophile I would love to have you subscribe and join our community!

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Car Audio Fabrication – Master Car Audio – Design, Build, Install

[riveralley]

First.
This video is a video that will probably help a lot of people.
Like if you agree.

[Veritas-invenitur]

Few years ago my boss wanted his “portable electrical supply house” (box truck) to have a fridge/freezer, microwave, 2 120v 20amp circuits for power tools, and a 3000w audio system. He told me he didn’t care how much it cost and how long it took but to get it done and handed me his credit card. Two weeks and 12800$ later it was done. An absolute work of art. Two 500amp alternators, battery isolators, battery banks, capacitor banks, pure sign wave inverter/charger, shore power, and a controls system and panel that would make nasa proud. When he first saw it he lost his fucking mind, he wanted to kill me. He did not understand low voltage DC. I showed him my CAD drawings and my calculations. He understood then. He never realized how complex of a task he gave me or how expensive a project like this would be. He continues to push the system hard today without issues. Last summer he even ran 2 SDS max hammer drills at the same time without issue. I honestly wonder when the trucks engine is going to blow. That poor engine is always under heavy load.

[awensalphonse]

As an engineer, I can definitely appreciate the content of this video. All of your videos have quality info. Tight work!

[deankay]

Mark, I am a car guy or ASE MASTER TECH since 1978. Alternators have limits in the amp area, but system voltage is effected by a few things. 1st, 12.8 Vdc -14.3 Vdc voltage is the industry normal but the high voltage results from colder ambient temperatures. The colder it is, the higher the system voltage goes. If the older Delcotron had a wire wound resistor on the end housing between the regulator and diode trio. Newer vehicles use duty cycle but the air intake thermistor is an input into the PCM. It controls the output.
A good battery is tested with new technologies as well. A company called “Midtronic” developed a method of sending an A/C sine wave thru the battery and judges it’s state-of-health plus calculated everything else. But, GM for example, in 2005 started using software and amp clamp on positive, later negative. Either the dash or now PCM changes how the alternator functions. Going to “alternatorman.com” has many upgraded products for higher amperage. Note; Regardless of what alternator is employed, the diodes do the work and get hot. These will fail first but ducting into the back, providing a large ground on the back housing to the battery, engine & chassis depending on glued panels, fiberglass, carbon fiber or galvanic action creates issues. The back end housing is where ground is created, much less the RED terminal that goes to a battery. A good battery uses less than 0.5 amps to 0.2 going down the highway. Just a thought. Buy a really good DC Amp Clamp! Then work it.

[darioism]

Should you take into account the amount of current the rest of the vehicle uses when deciding if your alternator is big enough? Ignition, headlights, fans, etc.

[elirick]

Dude, killer content, awesome explanations, and great attitude. Definitely subscribing, great channel for newbies or old pros alike. Been out of it for ten years since my kids were born, decided to jump head first back into it, forgot a crap ton, but found this channel for a great way to brush up on almost forgotten info. Thanks man!

[tylerbrice]

Brilliant video! BUT- Can you please do another one that you do the same thing but with rca’s, speaker wire, small bass cancelling capacitors(for an active system)? Because I really want to know how it is all meant to connect to the dsp! Please!

[MC-rhfc]

Another great video. The audio system is only one thing to consider when sizing the alternator. My Jeep Wrangler also has an air pump, winch, lights, etc. just make sure you include your entire electrical load.

[WAKEFIELDRides]

Another great real-world informative video about a certain aspect of the install. This should help a number of people. :)

[brewermoe]

Another great video Mark!

Something else to keep in mind about the alternator is the accessories, A/C, Lights, etc ... if the vehicle was designed with a 90A alternator and you drop in a 45A stereo ... you could really be taxing that alternator. Mark could you explain how adding capacitors and extra batteries (designed for this application) can assist in this transient load?

[henrynorrisjr]

I am blown away at the depth of education you provide! I'm a definite new member subscriber. Thank you so much! I have a 7th Gen Si Hatchback. I have been researching and slowly gathering parts to build my dream "Daily Driver"! Thank you so Much!

[stephendverner]

Upgrading my system to add a second amp and sub. Needed some help determining my power load and this video really helped. Placed my first order with KnuKoncepts, and told them in the notes it was because of watching your channel.

[eldonchris]

Wow just wow. You have no idea how much I look at the past videos you have uploaded ! Thanks a lot brother ! You liked my comment yesterday omg !!

[earljordan]

I know my comment on this video is a bit late but i only saw the video a few weeks ago. That said. This was so helpful i have seen a lot of videos on YouTube with one or more amp connection but both the power wires are going to the battery. Your explanation is awesome and so simple anyone can do the math. THANKS A BUN3

[JacobFrey]

I just planned out all of my power and ground distribution with a "drawing" in Google docs. It really helped me get a clear picture of my goal and understand what equipment I'll need for wire, distro, and fusing. Thanks for the inspiration, Mark!

[ZEROBLOOM]

Mark, although this is not a simple subject, this is great info not only for the beginner but for anyone! Thank you

[RYDENROAM]

i love the Knu Koncepts wiring i bought a few of them for my power wire 0/1 AGW. nice colors and very flexible for their thickness

[samsmith]

Another way to work it out is by simply looking at the fuses on the amps....you can't use more power than that....
I also use an app called electrodroid. It will tell you what size cable is rated to how man amps and also the voltage drop over distance....super useful for so many electrical jobs.

Any chance you could do a video on "ghost bass". When the subs start booming without any music playing, or when the speakers have a matching hum to the cars revs?

[oadmhernandez]

Mark, first and foremost I want to thank you for these awesome videos. You are living the dream. I'm just getting back into installing systems. You have inspired me to go back to what I love doing the most and just wanted to take a minute to you let you know that I appreciate you.

[CasaDelMandar]

I blast sine waves on my way to work every day. Thanks for the heads up. ;)