Is adding a capacitor to a 400 watt car amplifier a good idea, or unnecessary ?
I just bought a 400 watt Rockford Fosgate amp for my car. I’m not that skilled at wiring, but with online instructions, I don’t think it should be too difficult. I’m just wondering if adding a capacitor will make electrical problems less likely, or is it "overkill" for a 400 watt amp.
A capacitor does not do what your thinking it does. It does not add electricity to your car. Think of it as like a little battery. Since all it is going to do is add yet another piece of electronics to your electrical system. It does not stop your lights from dimming what so ever. For that you would need to do the big 3 upgrade. Rule of thumb for caps is this: 1.0 farad per 1000 watts rms that you run. Max watts means absolutley nothing.
its a little over kill, i have a 580 watt and have never had any problems. but if you don’t have a good battery i would recommend getting 1 deep cycles are the best
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Definitely overkill for something like that. I have 2800wrms of power in my car and still have no need for a capacitor (no light dimming etc). I owe this to ample wiring as well as upgrading "The Big 3" and a good alternator/battery setup. Personally I believe capacitors are a band-aid for a broken arm type case, although I know people who swear by them.
Ben
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A capacitor does not do what your thinking it does. It does not add electricity to your car. Think of it as like a little battery. Since all it is going to do is add yet another piece of electronics to your electrical system. It does not stop your lights from dimming what so ever. For that you would need to do the big 3 upgrade. Rule of thumb for caps is this: 1.0 farad per 1000 watts rms that you run. Max watts means absolutley nothing.
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yeah go with ben. ive had about 1600 on a stock electrical system and i had some dimming but could get voltage to stay above 13.6 so after about 1000 watts you might need electrical work. no cap tho man
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me