How did you ground your amplifier?

[brick75]

Most likely going to have to install an amp, and I'm wondering how those of you that have them grounded them? I was originally thinking I would just run it back to the engine and ground it there. But after reading the manual for the amp I'm looking at, it says to keep the ground wire as short as possible. In fact they say 24 inches or less. Running it back to the engine would likely result in 18'-20' of wire.

So I'm thinking that a better option would be to ground it up under the dash along with some of the other insturmentation up there. Problem is, I'm not sure if that's a good idea or where specifically to ground it. Any advice?

I know this technically isn't specific to wakeboarding, but figured that more people with amps would likely be in this forum than in the electrics forum.

 

[ofhs85]

Re: How did you ground your amplifier?

I just installed a amp on my boat and I ran mine all the way back to the battery. The only way to keep your ground wire 24 inches or less is to install the amp near the battery. If you find a ground under the dash it most likely runs all the way back to the battery anyway

 

[kyle f]

Re: How did you ground your amplifier?

You want to use a heavy gage wire to ground... at least that of you power wire.

To that, mine is located close to the battery and is probably no longer than 24", connected directly to the negative battery post on my deep cycle, and the power is connected directle to the positive terminal of the deep cycle.

I have a dual battery set up with a switch, but I always have the stereo pulling from the deep cycle battery. Don't want the starting battery have a chance to get drained.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: How did you ground your amplifier?

grounding as close as possible only applies to vehicles with a steel structure, aka a car. In a boat environment, the post above is correct, at least as large as your positive wire. It is a MUCH better option to run longer rca's/speaker wires, and keep your battery wires short by mounting the amp close. AC current travels much better than DC.

Also, grounding to an existing point in the console is NOT an option, don't even think about it! All you are doing is riding off an existing small gauge ground wire, with numerous connectors.

 

[brick75]

Re: How did you ground your amplifier?

Great info. guys, thanks for the input.

Hey Kyle, so your amp is mounted back in the engine compartment? I was thinking of doing that, but was a little worried that there would be excessive heat back in there from the engine. You not having any problems with that?

Also, do you have a marine specific amp? I was hoping to avoid having to pay a bunch extra for one of those since I had a very dry location for it. But I would assume the engine compartment would also be prone to moisture.

 

[kyle f]

Re: How did you ground your amplifier?

I have a Marine specific amplifier (JL Audio M6600), and I suggest you should get one too. They handle high humidity and moisture much better than automotive amplifiers, but are not submersible.

My amp is mounted under the glovebox up front behind the swing out door, mounted vertically. The batteries are under the first seat cushion back from there in the floor.

My boat is a V-Drive with wrap around seating for refrence. This moutning location would be difficult in normal boats.