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Amp Keeps Blowing fuses: Reasons & Solution

Amp Keeps Blowing fuses

If you’re wondering why your amp keeps blowing fuses, there are a few possible explanations. It could be a sign that your amplifier is overloaded, or it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of blown fuses in amps, and provide some tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

We’ll also outline some preventative measures that you can take to help reduce the chances of your amp blowing fuses.

Reasons why amp might keep blowing fuses

Ensure that the fuse and wiring are properly functioning

Ensure that the fuse and wiring are properly functioning

If your car audio amplifier keeps blowing fuses, there are a few things you can check. First, check the fuse type and rating to make sure it is the correct fuse for your amplifier. Second, check the wiring to ensure that it is correctly rated for the amplifier. Third, check the amplifier itself to ensure that it is not faulty.

car amplifier fuse

If you have checked all of these things and the amplifier still keeps blowing fuses, it is likely that the amplifier is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Check for frayed cable connections:

Checking for chafed cabling is one of the first things you should do if your amp keeps blowing fuses. Chafing can happen when the insulation on your cables rubs against something else, causing a short circuit. This is especially common in car audio applications, where wires can rub against metal components.

To check for chafed cabling, first visually inspect all of the cabling in your system. Look for any frayed or damaged insulation. If you see any, carefully tape up or replace the damaged cable. Once you’ve done that, test your system to see if the problem is fixed.

Turn the amp’s gain down:

One of the most common reasons for an amplifier to keep blowing fuses is that the gain is set too high. The gain is the amplification factor of the signal and setting it too high will cause the fuse to blow. To fix this, you will need to reduce the amp’s gain.

Ensure that all ground connections are secure:

Ensure that all ground connections are secure:

If the ground wire is not properly connected, or if there is any corrosion on the connection, this can cause a loss of conductivity. This can lead to a blown fuse. Check all your ground connections and clean them if necessary.

Examine the amp for internal problems:

Examine the amp for internal problems:

If your amplifier is blowing fuses, there may be an internal issue that needs to be addressed. You’ll want to take a look at the amp and see if there are any obvious signs of damage. If you see anything that looks out of place, you’ll need to have the amp repaired by a professional.

Another possibility is that the amp is overloaded. This can happen if you’re trying to push too much power through the amplifier. You’ll need to be careful not to overload the amp, or you may damage it beyond repair.

Grounding of the power cable:

Grounding of the power cable

When you install a car audio system, it’s important to ensure that all the components are properly grounded. If the power wire coming from your amp isn’t properly grounded, it can cause a short circuit, which will result in your fuse blowing.

Incorrect amperage rating:

If you’re using a fuse that isn’t rated for the amount of power your amp is pushing, it’s likely that the fuse will blow. Be sure to check the amperage rating of your fuse, and replace it with a higher-rated fuse if necessary.

How to Fix an Amp That Keeps Blowing Fuses?

How to Fix an Amp That Keeps Blowing Fuses?

If your amplifier keeps blowing fuses, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.

Unplug the amplifier from the power source:

First, remove power from the amplifier by unplugging it from the wall outlet or switch off the breaker if it is hardwired. Once the amplifier is powered off, check all of the cables and connections to ensure that they are tight and secure.

Take off your cover: 

Next, remove the cover from the amplifier so that you can access the internal components. Once the cover is off, visually inspect all of the components for any obvious signs of damage. If you see any burned or charred components, it is likely that they are the cause of the fuse blowing and will need to be replaced.

Locate Blown Fuse:

Locate the blown fuse and remove it from the amplifier. Once the fuse is removed, take a look at it to see if you can determine what caused it to blow. If the fuse looks burned or charred, it is likely that there was an overload on the circuit that caused it to blow.

Change the Fuse:

Once you have determined the cause of the fuse blowing, you can replace it with a new one. Be sure to use a fuse with the same rating as the one that blew.

Reconnecting the Power:

After replacing the fuse, reconnect power to the amplifier and turn it on. If the amplifier blows another fuse, there is likely a more serious problem with the unit and it will need to be serviced by a qualified technician.

FAQ’s

Is it possible to use larger fuses in my amplifier?

If you replace a fuse with a higher amp one it will work but create an unsafe environment. Fuses are designed to protect circuits by breaking the circuit if too much current flows through them. If you put a higher amp fuse in, it’s possible that the circuit could still draw too much current and cause damage or start a fire. So while it might work in the short term, it’s not advisable to do so. Play it safe and stick to the recommended amperage for your fuse size.

How do you know if an amp fuse is blown?

Here are a few ways to tell if an amp fuse is blown: 

There may be a visible gap in the wire. This is usually indicative of a break in the circuit and means the fuse has blown. 

Inside glass, you may notice a dark or metallic smear. This is caused by the metal filament inside the fuse burning up and can also indicate that the fuse has blown. 

If you have an electrical meter, you can check whether or not the fuse is still good by using it to measure resistance across the two leads of the fuse. If there is no longer any continuity, then the fuse is most likely blown and needs to be replaced.

Why does my amplifier shut off when I play at high volume?

There are a few reasons why your amp might be shutting off at high volume. One possibility is that the ground wire is not connected properly. This can happen if the wire becomes loose or if there is corrosion on the connection. 

Another possibility is that the power supply sent to the amplifier is not stable. This can cause unexpected shutdowns, especially at high volumes. The remedy for this is to use a power supply with more stable voltage. 

Finally, it is also possible that the amplifier itself is defective. If you have tried all of the above and your amplifier still shuts down, you may need to get it replaced.

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James Williams, the founder of CarAudioSense and a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional, has been in the industry for over 10 years. He specializes in providing custom solutions to make customers' car audio systems sound amazing.

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