7
Installing and hooking up your amp
A successful installation must begin with planning. There are several things to consider before beginning the installation.
1. Inspect the vehicle's electrical system:
The vehicle's battery and charging system must be in excellent condition before installing the amplifier. If the condition of the electrical
system is in doubt, have it inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
2. Plan the mounting locations for all components:
The only way to determine if your system requires custom work is to decide on a location for each component. Consult with a qualified
custom installer before beginning any custom work. Attempting to modify your vehicle without the proper tools and experience can lead to
damaging the equipment or vehicle.
3. Plan all system cable routes:
When choosing cable routes, make sure there is no chance of interference with the mechanical operation of the vehicle controls such as the
steering wheel, gas, brake, clutch, trunk hinges, etc.
a. Only Art Sound high quality power cables of adequate gauge should be used for amp power supply (see chart below for
reference).
b. Power cables: All main power cables must be fused within 1 ft. of the positive battery terminal. Do not route power cables
near hot engine components such as exhaust manifolds. Power cables must be protected with grommets when they pass
through any metal panels such as the firewall.
c. Signal cables should never run alongside amplifier power cables, other vehicle wiring, or electrical components such as
engine control computers.
d. Speaker cables can run next to electrical or signal cables without interference. However, passive crossover components
may receive interference from electrical cables.
This chart shows appropriate cable gauge depending on system’s power consumption and wire length
4ft 8ft 12 ft 16ft 20 ft 24 ft
100 W 10 10 8 8 4 4
200 W 10 8 8 4 4 4
400 W 8 8 4 4 4 2
600 W 8 4 4 4 2 2
800 W 4 4 4 2 2 2
