If an amplifier has FIVE 30 amp fuses, does mean the alternator that its connected too can't push over the fuses combined 150 Amps, or can the alternator be any size?
Don't look at it as current (amps) being "pushed" from one component to another. Electrical components (the amplifier in this case) DRAW current from the charging system.
It sounds like you have an amp that's around 1500w. An amp that size will, at times, max out most standard alternators and begin to draw current from the battery.
The question is how often will the alt be maxed out, and will there be enough down time to keep the battery charged.
If that's your only amp it might work ok on a fairly strong stock alt and batt, but if you have a 2nd amp of some size, or a smaller alt you may need to look into a high output alternator.
Alright thanks, that's what I figured, but I was having a dumb moment. My stock civic alt is only 70 amps, so I will be upgrading most likely to a 160 amp unit. I just read the 150A fuse rating and thought i'd ask just to be sure. The amplifier is sundowns sae 1200
*A 160A should get it done w/o much trouble, and leave enough slack to add a good amp for some full range speakers.*
That is my plan, sub first then, save up for a nice component set. Would a 160 amp alternator be plenty to power a 1200 w amp as well as maybe a 400 w for speakers, along with the regular car functions a/c ect.?
Could you suggest me some companies the make good quality alternators? I was planning on one from alterstart, but I read some pretty bad stuff about them hardly even working at normal idle speed. There's endless reviews on subs, amps and other parts, but alternators seem to be a bit of a gray area in car audio, I can't much good information on them. Any input would be appreciated
If the sum of the maximum current draw of your amps don't add up to the maximum current limit of the wire I suggest fusing to only what the amps need for a little extra safety factor. Sounds like you're looking at a total current draw of about 200A so there would be no point in fusing the wire at 300A except to give the wire more time to heat up if you ever do get a short.