How to Hook Up Subwoofers to a Power Cable

If you want better bass in your car audio system but wish to keep the installation as simple as possible, a powered subwoofer is the answer. One of the crucial tasks in installing and setting up your subwoofer is connecting it to the power cable. Without power, the subwoofer is just a box in your trunk. Connected to a power cable, it'll be a dynamic part of your car audio system.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Power cable Powered subwoofer Cable spade connectors

1. 
    
   Finding the power connection on your powered subwoofer

   Find the power terminal on the powered subwoofer. Look for set screw connections labeled "+" or "Power in" or "Battery +". Loosen the set screw.

2. 
    
   Spade connectors

   Strip the insulation off the end of the power cable so that a half inch of bare wire is visible. Be sure the power cable is not "live" when you do this. Remove the fuse in the line or disconnect it from the battery first. Put a spade connector on the end. Use "twist on"-style connectors--they're simple to use (just twist them onto the wire) and they're dependable.

3. Insert the spade connector under the set screw and tighten down the set screw to complete connecting your power cable to the powered subwoofer.