Audio Systems: juan romero, spst relay, awg wire

Question
I HAVE A KENWOOD KAC-8104D AMP HOOKED UP TO 2 12" KENWOOD SUBS. MY PROBLEM IS MY AMP OVER HEATS AFTER A WHILE AND GOES INTO PROTECT MODE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND COMES BACK ON.IM WONDERING WHATS COUSING THIS.A FRIEND TOLD ME I NEED BIGGER GOUGE WIRING KIT.

Answer
I would recommend 4 AWG for power and ground. The final impedance load to the amp shouldn't be less than 2 ohm. The amp should also have adequate air flow to keep it cool.

You can install one or two 12 volt DC brushless computer fans to blow acrosss the cooling fins if room for the amp is an issue. You can control the fans and the amp by removing the REM wire from the amp and connecting it to one side of the coil on an automotive SPST relay and ground the other side of the coil. Run a 14 awg wire from the power connection of the amp to the COMMON terminal of the relay. Run the same wire from the NO (Normally Open) terminal to the REM on the amp AND the (+) side of the fan(s) and ground the (-) of the fan(s).

Be sure to use insulated crimp on spade connectors on the relay and mount it securley. Use zip ties to secure the wires so they won't come off the relay and short somethin out.

The SPST on a realy means Single Pole Single Throw. A 10 ampere relay is quite adequate for the job. If you can find a smaller one, use it. The total current draw for the amp's REM connection and fans won't even be 1 ampere.