My amplifier is overheating, its a rockford fosgate 551x its powering 4 speakers rated at 60 rms i have 9 gage power cable and 5 gage ground, its on the floor in the back seat. I am wondering why it would be overheating, could it be the gage of wire?

How do you know that amplifier is overheating?

Based on the stats for the amp (75W x 4 @ 4 Ohms, 140 W x 4 @ 2 Ohms), the maximum current your amp will draw is about 30 amps.

10 gauge wire is rated to deliver up to 100 amps @ 12V, so 9 gauge wire is plenty. 5 gauge wire is more than plenty.

In any event, if the amp is overheating, it's because you are either demanding too much current (i.e. cranking it too loud) or it's not getting enough cooling air circulation.

Did you install it UNDER the carpet in the back seat floor? That would probably do it. Generally, you need 1"-2" of airspace around the amp to allow cooling air to circulate.

Good luck.

Comments

i believe its overheating because when i play it at loud volumes the amp turns off.
its on top of the carpet not under it, shouldnt the amp be able to play at loud volumes without overheating, i figured i could blow the speakers before the amp overheated?
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by surf_life on January 3rd, 2008
It may not be an overheating issue. It sounds more like you are exceeding the amp's current limits and its protection circuits are kicking in. When it shuts off, does it turn back on within a few seconds or does it take a few minutes?
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by Old School on January 3rd, 2008
it takes a few seconds, then it turns back on...is the amp broken?
- Report
by surf_life on January 3rd, 2008
That sounds like the current protection circuits are kicking in. I don't think it's overheating.
- Report
by Old School on January 4th, 2008

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My amplifier is overheating, its a rockford fosgate 551x its powering 4 speakers rated at 60 rms i have 9 gage power cable and 5 gage ground, its on the floor in the back seat. I am wondering why it would be overheating, could it be the gage of wire?

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My amplifier is overheating, its a rockford fosgate 551x its powering 4 speakers rated at 60 rms i have 9 gage power cable and 5 gage ground, its on the floor in the back seat. I am wondering why it would be overheating, could it be the gage of wire?

Answers. Showing one answer.

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