Subwoofers are essential for anyone looking to add some serious bass to their car audio system. However, wiring subwoofers can be a confusing and complicated task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. In this article, we’ll be discussing the 1 ohm wiring subwoofer diagrams for 3 subs in detail, and will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Understanding Ohm’s Law
Before we dive into wiring the subwoofers, it’s important to understand Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law states that the current passing through a wire is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance. This means that as the resistance of a wire decreases, the current flowing through it increases.
When it comes to subwoofers, the ohm rating is the measure of the speaker’s resistance. The lower the ohm rating, the more power the subwoofer can handle. However, when wiring multiple subs, the ohm rating becomes more complicated.
Wiring 3 Subwoofers at 1 Ohm
Wiring 3 subwoofers at 1 ohm can be achieved in two different ways: parallel or series-parallel.
Parallel Wiring Diagram
| Subwoofer 1 | Subwoofer 2 | Subwoofer 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
Parallel wiring involves connecting each subwoofer’s positive (+) terminal to the other subs’ positive (+) terminal, and the negative (-) terminal to the other subs’ negative (-) terminal. This creates a single 1 ohm load.
Series-Parallel Wiring Diagram
Series-parallel wiring involves connecting two subs in series, and then connecting the third sub in parallel with the other two.
| Subwoofer 1 | Subwoofer 2 |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Negative (-) |
| Negative (-) | Positive (+) |
Once the first two subs are wired in series, the third sub can be wired in parallel with the other two by connecting its positive (+) terminal to the positive (+) terminal of one of the already wired subs, and its negative (-) terminal to the negative (-) terminal of the other already wired sub. This creates a 2 ohm load. The 2 ohm load can then be wired in parallel with the remaining subwoofer, resulting in a final 1 ohm load.
FAQs
Why Should I Use 1 Ohm Wiring for my Subwoofers?
Wiring your subwoofers to 1 ohm allows them to handle more power, resulting in a louder and more powerful sound. However, it’s important to note that your amplifier must also be capable of handling a 1 ohm load.
Can I Wire 3 Subwoofers at a Higher Ohm Load?
Yes, you can wire 3 subwoofers at a higher ohm load, such as 2 ohms or 4 ohms. However, wiring them to a higher ohm load will result in a lower power output and a less powerful sound.
Can I Use Different Brands of Subwoofers?
It is possible to use different brands of subwoofers when wiring them together, but it’s important to make sure that each subwoofer has the same ohm rating and power handling capabilities. Mixing different brands can result in a variety of issues, including distortion and reduced sound quality.
What Size Wire Should I Use for 1 Ohm Wiring?
When wiring subs at 1 ohm, it’s important to use a wire that can handle the increased power and current flow. We recommend using at least 4 gauge wire, and possibly even 2 gauge wire for larger systems.
Can I Add More Subwoofers to a 1 Ohm Wiring Setup?
It is possible to add more subwoofers to a 1 ohm wiring setup, but it’s important to make sure that your amplifier can handle the increased load. Adding more subs can also result in reduced power output to each individual sub, resulting in a less powerful sound.
Wiring subwoofers can be a challenging task, but following the diagrams and instructions provided in this article should make it much easier. By wiring your subwoofers to 1 ohm, you’ll be able to achieve a powerful and impressive sound that will make your car audio system the envy of all your friends.
