Last Updated on: October 7, 2022
The remote turn-on wire is one of the most typical amplifier installation concerns we see. The latter is in charge of turning on and off your amplifier. Usually, the blue and white wire is the remote turn-on.
Knowing how and where to connect the amp remote wire is just as critical as knowing how and where to connect the power wire and ground wire.
So…
If you’re not sure where to connect your amp’s remote wire, you’ve come to the perfect spot. We’ve got you covered.The content below will provide you with all of the information you require.
Remote Turn-On Wire Purpose
The remote turn-on cable merely creates a positive 12 volts when the head unit is turned on.
When the ignition is turned on, the factory electrical system sends a 12v DC signal to the remote turn-on wire.The remote turn-on wire sends this signal to the amplifier turn-on circuit, which detects the voltage and turns the amplifier on.When there is no voltage in the wire (the vehicle’s ignition is turned off), the amp likewise shuts off.
Due to auto-turn-on technology that detects the signal coming from the head unit through the RCA or speaker level inputs, certain newer amplifiers don’t require a remote turn-on cable.If your amplifier doesn’t have that feature, then you’ll need to connect the remote turn-on wire.
5 Ways To Professionally Connect Remote Wire Amp
First and foremost, even if your head unit does not have a remote turn-on wire, there are various options for getting your amplifier to switch on and off remotely.
Running a jumper wire from the power terminal to the remote turn-on terminal is one of the simplest and cheapest methods.
This method, however, is not recommended since it will keep your amp running until the battery is depleted. Running a jumper wire from the electricity to the remote turn-on is not a long-term solution.It may, however, be used as a temporary workaround to switch on and off your amplifier without using the head unit’s actual remote.
Put a toggle switch up front, run one wire to the power supply, and the other wire to where the remote wire is meant to be for another simple workaround to turn an amp on and off remotely.The disadvantage of this method is that you must turn off your switch every time you exit the vehicle; otherwise, the amplifier will continue to operate and deplete the battery.
Luckily, there are several far superior approaches to completing this task correctly and professionally:
1. Tap Into The Fuse Box
Another place to connect the remote wire for the amplifier is the automobile fuse box. There are likely to be vacant spaces in the fuse box.Use a fused output terminal that receives electricity when the automobile is switched on.
However, accessing the fuse box may need some technical knowledge. Consult your automobile handbook if you’re not sure where the fuse box is. You may also use a fuse diagram to figure out where to begin. Simply verify that the fused terminal is only activated when your automobile is turned on.
You may use a voltmeter to test the fuse box slots to see which ones are only energized when the car is switched on.
Set the voltmeter to DC for this. Connect the black test lead to a correct grounding position. Fill one hole with the pointed red lead. After that, put it in another hole. Continue until the voltmeter shows 12 volts when the car is switched on and no voltage reading when the car is turned off.To that switched accessory fuse location, connect the remote cable.
2. Connect It To The ACC Wire
Always-on, ACC, and Ignition are all part of a normal automobile circuit.
The term “always-on” refers to a condition in which the circuit is energized regardless of whether the automobile is on or off.Always-on is perfect for keeping the clock set, preserving preset radio stations, custom settings, the vehicle alarm, and other data that requires a constant power supply.
Engine electronics are driven to crank the engine through the ignition, on the other hand.The engine is turned off in the ACC (accessory) position, but the power windows, wipers, and head unit are. When you start the car, the ACC circuit is disabled.
The remote wire for the amplifier should be connected to the ACC circuit. Tapping into the ACC electrical wire is one of the simplest techniques of attaching a distant wire to the ACC circuit. A tap connection is required for this.
Clamp the remote and tap wires into the tap connection. There is no splicing or cutting with this procedure.When the car is powered on but the radio is turned off, you may need to put a toggle switch along the remote line to turn off the amplifier.
Alternatively, you may use a relay to have the amp switch on and off with the turn of the key. When connecting many amps to the head unit, a relay is extremely important.
3. Tap Into Any Switched 12V Power Source
The remote turn-on wire isn’t the only way to get your amp to switch on and off automatically. Almost any 12v switching source will suffice.If your amplifier is in the trunk, for example, then you may link its turn-on wire to the fuel pump wire.
4. Use A Power Antenna Wire
Another good place where to connect the remote wire for the amp is to the power antenna line. Your automobile must have a powered antenna wire for this to operate.Ensure that the antenna cable also powers additional head unit modes such as AUX, SD, and CD. In that manner, the amp will be turned on regardless of the audio source.
When the radio is turned on, the power antenna wire produces 12 volts.
5. Use A Turn On Module
You may also use a turn-on module to connect the remote wire. The module is a device that gives a turn-on signal to the amplifier.Most modules require a power supply of at least 0.8 volts to turn on. If that’s the case, then you can use the speaker wire to switch on the module.
When the module detects electricity from the speaker wire, it sends 12 volts to the amp, which turns it on. A module can be connected to supply numerous amps.Furthermore, utilizing a module is straightforward and inexpensive.
Wiring And Accessories Needed
There is no wiring supplied with car amplifiers. Power and ground wiring, an inline fuse, a remote turn-on wire, RCA cables, and speaker wires are all required.
1. Power And Ground Wires
The power wire and ground wire must be thick enough to satisfy the amp’s electrical current needs, or the amp will not function correctly or output its rated power. The size of wire to use is specified in the amp’s specifications. Remember to measure all distances first so you know how much wire you’ll need.
2. Fuse
The in-line fuse on the major power wire, placed within six inches or so of the battery connection, is essential in preventing a severe fire in the event of a short circuit. For a standard 16- to 20-foot run, you’ll be good with a:
- 10-gauge wire and a 25-amp fuse
- 8-gauge wire with a 60-amp fuse
- 4-gauge wire and a 100-amp fuse
- 1/0-gauge wire and a 250-amp fuse
3. Amplifier Wiring Kit
An amplifier wiring kit, which includes matching power, ground, turn-on wires, and a fuse, is the simplest method to obtain these components.
4. RCA Cables And Speaker Wire
Signal wiring is frequently left out of amp wiring kits. RCA cables are used to connect your amplifier to the receiver’s output. Stereo RCA cables are available in a variety of lengths. For connecting stereo amplifier cables from your amplifier’s output to the speakers, any size wire from 18 to 14 gauge would suffice.Subwoofer wires should be 16 to 12-gauge.
Thin wires equate to a lower gauge number.
Pro Auto Thought: Sometimes you would want to test run your amp without connecting it to your car and the reasons for doing this are varied. For DIY people like you, however, you might be curious if your car amp could still run using home electricity instead. If you want some questions answered, then read our post to learn more — How To Connect A Car Amp To A Wall Plug.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to connect the remote wire to my amp?
Yes but the wire is not included with a vehicle amplifier. The amp will require power connections, circuit board fuses, remote switches, and speaker cables.
What fuse can I connect my remote wire to?
A fuse tap with fused switches for the remote switch and an OEM fuse should be utilized. For your remote, a one-volt fuse would be sufficient.
How do you connect the remote wire to the head unit?
Connect a second blue primary wire to the blue wire in the wiring harness and return the primary wire to the amplifier, terminating the remote turn-on terminal.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are several methods for attaching the remote turn-on wire for the amplifier.By connecting the remote wire for the amplifier, your amp will only turn on when the car is switched on and off when the car is turned off with the car key.This prevents it from draining your car battery while the engine is shut off.
Do you have other methods to connect the remote wire for the amplifier? Write in the comment box below!
