Installing Power Capacitors?

**DLe** · 09-05-2004, 12:59 PM

Hey guys,

This is a total newb question but I just bought a 1 farad power capacitor but I'm not sure how to install it. I know that I need to feed a wire from the 12v+ to the 12v+ prong on the power capacitor, but what is the other prong on the capacitor for?

I don't believe that it is for the 12v- (negative) terminal on the battery, but I'm not really sure because it could be.

I was thinking that it the other prong was the output to the amplifier and the + was the input for the 12v+ terminal of the battery.

Please help me!

Thanks guys.

**TWBarrett** · 09-05-2004, 01:06 PM

The Capacitor needs a power and ground just like your amplifier does. Feed it a 12v+ from your battery, ground it, then run a second wire from the 12v+ lead to your amplifier/distribution block/etc.

Hope this helps!

**DLe** · 09-05-2004, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by TWBarrett

The Capacitor needs a power and ground just like your amplifier does. Feed it a 12v+ from your battery, ground it, then run a second wire from the 12v+ lead to your amplifier/distribution block/etc.

Hope this helps!

THANKS TWBarrett! When you say "ground it" you mean to the chassis right?

**TWBarrett** · 09-05-2004, 01:25 PM

Yes, to the chassis.

**DjBac** · 09-05-2004, 05:41 PM

Don't forget to place the capacitor as close to the amp you can.. (the wire that goes from the capacitor to the amp should be really short)!!

**WhiteRabbit** · 09-05-2004, 10:59 PM

and dont forget to charge it the first time, capacitors are dead shorts when they are completely uncharged, so you cna cause a HUGE spark, weld, or even make your cap explode if you dont add some resistance in there teh first time! we usually use a light bulb. when hte light goes out, the cap is charged!

**TWBarrett** · 09-06-2004, 11:17 AM

Err yea, two good points. Rule of thumb is, what, 18" max from cap --> amp? And you can use like a $4 test light from Shucks or any auto parts store to charge it.