How to Hook Up Multiple Capacitors to a Car Stereo

Capacitors serve a vital role in many powerful car audio systems. Capacitors are installed in the power cable that runs between the car's battery and the system's amplifiers, and store power for quick release when the amplifier is running under a heavy load. In systems with multiple amplifiers, it may be necessary to hook up multiple capacitors to provide extra energy to the amplifiers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Capacitors Twist-on power cable rings Distribution block Power cable Wire cutters/strippers

1. Disconnect the power line running from the battery to your amplifier at the battery end.

2. Cut the power line at the location you'll be installing the capacitors. It's best to install the capacitors within a few feet of the amplifier. Twist a power ring (see additional resources) onto each end of the cut wire.

3. Connect the ends of the wire to the input and output of the distribution block (see additional resources). Loosen the the screws on the distribution block, slide the power rings on and tighten the screws down.

4. Connect a piece of power cable with twist-on power rings on both ends onto the distribution terminals of the distribution block--one cable for each capacitor. Connect one end of the cable to the distribution block and the other end to the terminal of each capacitor.

Resources

• Power rings
• Distribution blocks