Yes, please read this manual thoroughly. We wrote it to help ensure that you get
the most from your investment in your Zapco amplifier. If you find, after reading
the manual, that you still have questions please feel free to give us a call at
1(800)47-FORCE, or, drop us a note at
Power and Wire Gauge
The wire you use for the power and ground connections of your amplifier are
absolutely critical. The plain simple fact is that it takes power to deliver power. If
you do not provide the proper amount of 12V power to your amplifier, you will
never reach the full power potential of your amp. Take a look at the chart below.
If you want to have any respectable amount of power for your amp, you need an
4-gauge wire to the trunk as a bare minimum. If you are running any Zapco ZX-
series amp in you trunk you need at least a 0 gauge wire.
Read, Use, and Enjoy
www.zapco.com
Up to
20 A
35 A
50 A
60 A
85 A
105 A
125 A
150 A
Recommended Wire Gauge
4 Ft
14
12
10
8
4
4
4
2
7 Ft
12
10
8
8
4
4
4
2
10 Ft
12
8
8
4
4
4
4
2
13 Ft
10
8
4
4
4
2
2
2
16 Ft
10
4
4
4
2
2
2
0
19 Ft
8
4
4
4
2
2
0
0
22 Ft
8
4
4
4
2
2
0
0
28 Ft
8
4
4
2
0
0
0
0
You can certainly save money by buying cheap small gauge wire, but
remember...It will cost you in power and may even damage your car by passing
too much current and causing shorts or even fires. Protect your investment in
Zapco amplifiers by using high quality, proper gauge wire.
And remember...
Current in the amplifier runs in a complete circuit from the
battery to the amp and back to the battery through the chassis and frame. The
ground wire us just as important as the power input wire.
Positive and Negative
connections must always use the same gauge wire.
Installation Guidelines
Mounting your Reference Amplifier is easy. Keep in mind the following
guidelines:
The amplifier may be mounted in any direction, on wood, metal or carpet.
The metal case of the amplifier may be grounded or left isolated.
The amplifier requires adequate ventilation. Position the amplifier with
sufficient surrounding area for proper cooling. Keep fan and vent
endplates clear for proper internal cooling.
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