An XFR amplifier needs a few things to be happy in a car : Ventilation and a “clean” source of power.
VENTILATION
Is important with any mobile amplifier. An amplifier can generate a considerable amount of heat
when driven hard, and car interiors can get quite hot in the summer. Be careful when choosing a spot to mount the
amplifier. Make sure there is enough airflow along the hetasink of the amplifier.
CLEAN POWER
Power connections are often overlooked as a source of noise and other frustrations in a mobile
installation. Since mobile amplifiers are powered by a low-voltage car battery, the current required to reach max
output power can be very high and the resistance of the power wires becomes very critical in minimizing power
losses. Since the car’s electrical system is powered by an inherently noisy alternator, you need a low-resistance
ground to keep the high-powered mobile audio system “quiet”. To reduce power loss, power wiring should be
made directly to the battery, using proper gauge copper wire. For safety reasons an inline fuseholder with the rec-
ommended fuse rating needs to be installed within 18 inches of the battery. The heavier the wire, the less chance
there is for power loss. Also, keep wire lenghts as short as possible.
The ground lead serves double-duty. In addition to handling all the power (as much as the positive power lead),
the ground is responsible for keeping noise to a minimum. The less the ground resistance, the less noise.
We recommend the same guage ground wire as the power wire. Ensure you have a single point of ground for the
entire audio system to avoid groundloops and inducting noise into the system. Use the Power Wiring Selection
Chart to determine the minimum wire guage for a given power output and length. Remember, there is no such
thing as too little resistance!
Power wiring selection chart:
Total ouput power Vs length of positive power wire
Length
100W
150W
200W
300W
600W
1000W
>1000W
5 ft.
10 AWG
10 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG
1 AWG
10 ft.
10 AWG
10 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG
1 AWG
15 ft.
10 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG
0 AWG
20 ft.
10 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
4 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG
0 AWG
25 ft.
10 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG
1 AWG
2x 1 AWG
30 ft.
10 AWG
8 AWG
8 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG
1 AWG
2x 1 AWG
Minimum recommended American Wire Gauge sizes for power and ground connections.
XFR series
Life Amplified