My amplifier has a strangely low Maximum Current Draw of only 14 amps.
Does this mean that when I put a fuse on the power lead to my
amplifier, that a 15 amp fuse would be fine? If not, how do you
determine the fuse rating?

Mister.Lull

"Does this mean that when I put a fuse on the power lead to my amplifier,
that a 15 amp fuse would be fine?"

Yes.

"If not, how do you determine the fuse rating?"

The fuse on the power lead wire is protecting the wire. In other words, if
the wire shorts to ground the idea of the fuse is to break the circuit so
the wire doesn't overheat and cause a fire. Any part of the wire between
the fuse and the battery is left unprotected...thus the reason fuses are
meant to be put near the battery. If you had two amplifiers hooked up to
the same power wire you would add their current draws together to determine
the size of the fuse. So if you had two of your particular amplifiers
instead of one then you could use a 30 amp fuse.

Also, since the fuse is protecting the wire (not the amplifer - that's what
its internal fuse is there for - assuming it has one) then using a 15 amp
fuse in your specific example is not crucial. You would want a 15 amp fuse
at the MINIMUM so it wouldn't be blown by the 14 amps drawn by your
amplifier. You could very easily put in a 20 or 30 amp (or higher) fuse
inline. But 15 should be fine.

Tony


--
2001 Nissan Maxima SE Anniversary Edition
Eclipse CD8454 Head Unit, Phoenix Gold ZX475ti, ZX450 and ZX500 Amplifiers,
Phoenix Gold EQ-232 30-Band EQ, Dynaudio System 360 Tri-Amped In Front and
Focal 130HCs For Rear Fill, 2 Soundstream EXACT10s In Aperiodic Enclosure

2001 Chevy S10 ZR2
Pioneer DEH-P9600MP Head Unit, Phoenix Gold Ti500.4 Amp, Focal 165HC
Speakers & Image Dynamics ID8 D4 v.3 Sub

Thank you, thank you!

Mister.Lull