Stereo Installation Wiring Advice

[leeccoll]

I will be installing a stereo at some point in the next few months, and trying to get ahead of it. I installed stereos in cars when i was in high school, but those days are long gone. I wouldn't remember anyways.

I am uncertain how to wire the head unit and amp to my '87 228G.

Videos and literature I see suggest getting power and grounding directly to aux battery. Is that advisable, or to an unused accessories bus at the helm fuse box? Want to make sure it's grounded correctly, and surge protected with a fuse. Avoiding connections that will draw on the batteries when not in use.

I don't think it's too difficult, but again looking to do it correctly.

So please let me know how you did a fresh install.

Thanks!!

 

[seasick]

Wiring directly to the battery may be the manufacturer's suggestion to cover themselves from power issues due to the extra drain.Then again they may be telling you that separated feeds are necessary The variables here are the stereo's current drain, the size and capacity of the existing distribution panel and the existing demand.
Some of the more powerful sets can draw a significant amount of current and your existing DC panel service may not be up to snuff.

If you wire to the battery, you should connect the +12v at the battery switch so that when he switch is off the radio is not powered. You will also need to provide over current protection within a foot or so of that connection. That would be a fuse or a breaker. Some radios also require a small gauge fused feed directly from a battery to maintain the preset station settings.

My recommendation is to see what fusing the manual calls for including the head end if powered separately and the amp if separate and also powered separately.
For arguments sake, if the required fuse is small like 5 amps, just use the existing power bus at the helm,. If on the other hand, the fusing needed is more like 30 or 40 amps, it's more likely that new runs would be advisable. It's the requirements in the middle that are a bit tougher to address. A lot depends on what you currently need to power and the size of the existing accessory service.

I would also add that just adding a new positive (12v) wire while using the existing ground bus at the helm is not a good idea. If you need to power the new system separately, you need to do both the positive and negative.

 

[leeccoll]

Makes sense seasick. Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail. Appreciate it!!

Lee

 

[Fishtales]

I'd wire it to the fuse box and either install an inline fuse or use one of the empty ones on the box itself. As Seasick says, the manufacturers are basically covering themselves. If you are replacing a stereo, I'm sure the feeds you have are fine. You may want to add an inline fuse for protection per the specs of the radio. The biggest thing is to ensure the wiring is tied down and if near anything that can cause the insulation to chafe, protect it with a cable sleeve or foam jacket.

 

[leeccoll]

Thanks Fishtails!
It's a fresh install, wanted some advice with wiring to fuse block at helm or direct battery. I understand the manufacturers covering themselves, shocking don't you think?
Seems everyone is protecting their corporate posterior these days.

 

[SkunkBoat]

as stated, instructions always tell you to run to the battery because no one can know what you're existing distribution panel can handle.
They can know that if you wire it directly to the battery with the proper gauge wires and their fuse, it will work.

We can't know for sure either.
So its up to you to determine if your panel can handle it.

If its an $89 stereo at 25w or 50w, you'll probably get away with it...if you don't already have too many things connected.
The proof will be if you can crank it up and turn on everything (including pumps) and not get "low voltage" alarms on your gps/ff.

If its a $400-$1600 "Performance" stereo with a 400w-1600w amplifier, don't even think about connecting it to the panel.

 

[leeccoll]

Hey SkunkBoat,
It will fall into your "Performance" category, so direct to the battery it shall go.
Never was too savy on electrical wiring, so thanks!!
Now how many beers are left in that 6-pack~ I can handle that one ~

 

[SkunkBoat]

Hey SkunkBoat,
It will fall into your "Performance" category, so direct to the battery it shall go.
Never was too savy on electrical wiring, so thanks!!
Now how many beers are left in that 6-pack~ I can handle that one ~

I hope you have 2 batteries.

My 265 had a basic Sony stereo with 2 box speakers in the hardtop.
I couldn't stand trying to talk over Tom Petty, who got repeated every hour on the classic rock station..
My brother constantly left it on when fishing at the dock at night. Didn't switch off batteries...
Ripped it out and didn't look back

 

[leeccoll]

I hope you have 2 batteries.

My 265 had a basic Sony stereo with 2 box speakers in the hardtop.
I couldn't stand trying to talk over Tom Petty, who got repeated every hour on the classic rock station..
My brother constantly left it on when fishing at the dock at night. Didn't switch off batteries...
Ripped it out and didn't look back

LOL! Have 2 batteries.
I keep complaining to my kids that all the local radio stations play the same stuff as when I was in high school.