it's not an exact science. Assuming you're not playing test tones your amp will rarely, if ever actually draw max current. A 60A fuse can pass 80, even 100A for short bursts. You could run 50A with no problem. Probably even 40, and that would increase your factor of safety a bit. I've been running a 1200w system with an 80A fuse at the battery for 2 yrs.
If you're using 8 ga I'd probably keep it at a 50A main fuse. With 4 ga anything from 60-120 would be fine.
Anonymous
Posted on
Now I am confused should the fuse be bigger or smaller?? smaller sounds more likely.
more than anything the fuse should be no larger than the current rating of the wire, but it can always be smaller
I use bcae1.com's wiring guide. (assuming a wire length of 15') 8 ga = 52A 4 ga = 131A 2 ga = 208A 1/0 ga = 330A
Say, for example you're using 4 ga wire of standard length -- you would want the fuse no larger than 130A, however, if you know your amplifier only has a max current draw of 100A you could easily use an 80-100A fuse.