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POWER - GROUND - REMOTE
All Crossfi re amplifi ers work within 11 volts to 16 volts DC. Therefore, as a precaution, the vehicle’s electrical system should be
checked for correct voltage supply with the help of a voltmeter. First, connect the test leads of the voltmeter to the battery termi-
nals with the ignition of the vehicle in the off position. The voltmeter should read no less than 12 volts. Next, check voltage of the
battery with the engine running between 1500 and 2000 rpms. The voltmeter should now read between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If
your vehicle’s electrical system is not up to these specifi cations, we recommend having it checked by an automotive mechanic
before you further the installation.
POWER WIRE AND FUSE
The proper wire size is very important for an amplifi er capable of these power levels. The following are the minimum recom-
mended fuse values and wire gauge for lengths up to 20ft.
POWER
Power wires need to be connected directly to the battery using the wire requirements listed above. Never use the fuse box or any
other wire as a source for the power for an amplifi er. Before you start, choose the easiest and safest path to run the wire from
the battery to the amplifi er. Generally, try to keep the power wire on the driver’s side of the vehicle (See Signal Inputs & Outputs
for explanation). Follow the rules below for running the power cable through the vehicle:
1. Use grommets when passing the power wire through any metal wall of the vehicle.
2. Avoid sharp corners or sharp body parts that may easily cut through the insulation on the wire.
3. Avoid running the power wire over engine components and near heater cores.
4. Avoid the gas, brake and clutch pedals and their mechanisms.
5. Use an inline fuse at the battery to eliminate the risk of a fi re caused by a short in your power wire.
6. Connect the fuse holder as close to the battery positive terminal as possible.
GROUND
The wire used for ground should be of the same gauge as the power wire. Make sure to choose a different color (generally black)
so that you do not reverse the polarity at the amplifi er terminals. Follow the rules below for connecting the ground wire properly:
1. Avoid using seat bolts, seatbelt bolts, and fender wells for ground.
2. Choose a metal area close to the amplifi er that appears to be a good source of ground, such as the fl oor.
3. Investigate the area you wish to use for electrical wires, vacuum lines, and brake or fuel lines.
Directions for connecting the ground wire to the vehicle:
1. Find a nut and bolt to fi t the ring terminal you have chosen.
2. Drill a hole just large enough for the bolt to fi t through at the source of ground.
3. Use either a wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate unwanted paint around the hole you have drilled as to supply a better contact
for your ground.
4. Terminate the ground wire to the ring terminal and attach it to the bare metal using the nut and bolt. It is very important for this
connection to be solid.
5. Spread silicon over the screw and bare metal to prevent rust and possible water leaks.
REMOTE TURN-ON
Between the power and ground of the amplifi er is a remote turn-on terminal. This terminal must be connected to a sw12
volt source to make the amplifi er operational. Typically, remote turn-on leads are provided at the head unit that will turn on and
off the amplifi er in correspondence with the source. This means you will most likely have to remove the head unit from the dash
to fi nd the 12V output wire.
Once the head unit is pulled from the dash, fi nd the remote turn-on located in the wiring harness of the head unit. The majority of
vehicles will be using an after market head unit when installing an after market amplifi er. These after market head units generally
use a blue or blue/white colored wire as the remote turn-on lead. In most cases the blue/white lead is usually the remote turn on
lead. However, when using a factory radio, the power antenna wire may be used as a turn-on lead. You must fi rst test this lead to
make sure that it remains energized regardless of the source the head unit is switched to. The antenna lead will energize when
switched to the tuner mode, but turn off when the unit is switched to tape/CD player. Only if a lead is not available at the source,
a sw12 volt supply, such as a toggle switch should be applied. Use a minimum of 18-awg wire to connect the amplifi er to
this lead. Connect this lead to the head unit using a mating terminal or by soldering the three points together, but be sure to heat
shrink the connection. If possible run this wire along side of the power wire using the same precautions.
