How To Install A Capacitor To Two Amps? Best Guide

Image source Freepik

You have just bought two amplifiers and would like to install them in your vehicle. Since you want to get the best performance from the amps, your next move is to install amplifiers. Connecting a capacitor to one amp is quite an easy job. The challenge is when you have two amps involved. How do I do this easily? Or do I need another capacitor so that they become two?

It is possible to have two amplifiers connected to one capacitor. Read on as we explain how you can do this without causing any damage.

Step 1: Know the size of the capacitor

Before you even proceed with the connection, it is important to know the size of the capacitor that you want to connect to the two amplifiers. The size should be directly correlated to the power rating of the two amps that you want to connect.

Usually, the size of the capacitor will determine if it has the capacity to supply adequate power to the amps. The good news is you can easily calculate the expected size of the capacitor. Just use the Root Mean Square (RMS) wattage of the two amplifiers.

Once you get the RMS wattage, you will refer to the capacitor size chart which will give you the expected capacitor size to use with the two amps.

Why should the size of the capacitor matter? Well, choosing a small capacitor will deprive the amps with the required power On the other hand, an overpowered capacitor will threaten the operation of the amps.

Step 2: Put the capacitor in a perfect position

Now that you know the size of the capacitor the next step is to put it in a perfect position from where you will be able to connect with the two amps. As expected, the mounting position should be near the two amps.

The surface where you place the capacitor should be flat to facilitate stability of the capacitor. The area should also be well-lit and properly ventilated. Ideal mounting locations include the trunk and engine compartment.

The fact that you will have to connect the capacitor to the vehicle’s electrical system means that your capacitor mounting positions should be in line with the vehicle’s wiring. It should also guarantee safety of the other electronic components in the vehicle.

Step 3: Connect the positive terminal of the amplifier 1

Once the capacitor is well-secured, you can now proceed with creating the connections. You should start with the positive terminal whereby you will connect the positive terminal of the first amplifier to the positive terminal of the capacitor. You should use a simple conducting wire to create the connection.

Step 4: Connect the negative terminal

After securing the positive terminal, the next step is to connect the negative terminals. With a simple wire, connect the negative terminal of the amp1 to the negative terminal of the capacitor.

Once you are done with creating this connection, everything should be good with the first amplifier.

Step 5: Connect the second amplifier

Now that we are done with the first amplifier, it is time to connect the second amplifier to the capacitor.

The procedures are the same as with the first amplifier.

Run a wire from the positive terminal of the amplifier to the positive terminal of the capacitor.

Step 6 Ground the capacitor

At this point, we are safe to assume that you know the polarity of the capacitor. The next step is to identify an ideal grounding point on the vehicle and connect a wire running from the negative terminal of the capacitor to this point.

Keep in mind that there should be a separate grounding wire for both the capacitor and the amps.

Step 7: Test the setup

You can now test the whole setup for verification. All you need to do is turn on the amplifiers. If the work properly as expected then it is a sign that the connection is successful. The audio from the amps should be smooth as proof that the capacitor is supplying the voltage needed to power the amps.

If the setup is not producing any sound then you must have done something wrong when creating the connection. You will have to trace back your steps.

FAQ

Here are some of the questions that most people tend to ask with regards to installing a capacitor to two amps.

Can two amps run on one capacitor?

Yes, as we have seen in this article, you can connect the two amps to be powered by a single capacitor. You only need to ensure that the quality of the capacitor being used is high. It should be powerful enough to run the load. Another precaution that you should take is keeping the capacitor ventilated so as to avoid overheating.

How do I connect the capacitor to the amp?

Both the capacitor and the amps have terminals (positive and negative). The positive terminal of the amps should be connected to the positive power source-that is the car’s battery and also to the positive terminal of the capacitor. On the other hand, the negative terminal of the amp should be connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor and the ground.

The car’s main ground cable is connected to a metal chassis, which usually serves as the grounding point.

Which is the best capacitor for the amps?

As we have stated, you should use the RMS of the two amps to find the appropriate capacitor size. The ideal capacitor is one sourced from reputable manufacturers.

Conclusion

Have you been desiring to get the best results out of your stereo system? You should consider installing a capacitor. You will be impressed by the improved quality of the system and the power of the amplifier.

From this article, it is clear that having two amps should not be a hindrance in including the capacitor in the system. Just follow the steps above and you will have the desired results from the two amps.

However, if you are not sure of how to go about with the electronics, it is advisable to seek an expert’s help.

If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:

Electronic Components Distributors In the USA

Electronic Components Distributors In UK

Electronic Components Distributors In China

Electronic Components Distributors In India

Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore

Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia

Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam

Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea

Electronic Components Distributors In Taiwan

Electronic Components Distributors In Hong Kong