Wiring a car audio system can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the game. One of the most popular ways to wire a subwoofer or multiple subwoofers is the 2 ohm wiring method. This method can be confusing for beginners, but with a little guidance, you’ll be able to successfully wire your car audio system without any issues.
What is 2 Ohm Wiring?
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, let’s first define what 2 ohm wiring means. Ohms, in simple terms, is a unit of measurement for electrical resistance. The lower the ohm rating, the less resistance there is in the circuit. 2 ohm wiring means that the speaker or subwoofer is wired in such a way that the total resistance in the circuit is 2 ohms.
When you wire your subwoofers in 2 ohm, you can get more power out of your amplifier. With the lower resistance, the amplifier can deliver more power to the subwoofer. This results in louder and clearer bass.
The 2 Ohm Wiring Diagram
The 2 ohm wiring diagram is actually quite simple. You only need a few components to get started:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Subwoofer | 1 or more |
| Amplifier | 1 |
| Speaker wire | As required |
Once you have these components, you can begin wiring your subwoofers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the 2 ohm wiring diagram:
Step 1: Determine the Total Impedance of Your Subwoofers
The first step is to determine the total impedance of your subwoofers. This is important because it will help you determine how to wire your subwoofers. If you’re wiring multiple subwoofers, you’ll need to know the impedance of each individual subwoofer and the total impedance when they’re wired together.
For example, if you have two 4 ohm subwoofers, and you wire them together in parallel, the total impedance will be 2 ohms. If you wire them in series, the total impedance will be 8 ohms.
Step 2: Connect Your Subwoofers to Your Amplifier
The next step is to connect your subwoofers to your amplifier. To do this, you’ll need to connect the positive terminal of the first subwoofer to the positive terminal of the amplifier, and the negative terminal of the first subwoofer to the negative terminal of the second subwoofer. Repeat this process for any additional subwoofers you have.
Step 3: Connect Your Amplifier to Your Car Battery
Once your subwoofers are wired to your amplifier, you’ll need to connect your amplifier to your car battery. This is typically done using a power cable and a ground cable. You’ll also need to connect a remote turn-on wire from your head unit to your amplifier.
Step 4: Enjoy Your New Car Audio System
With your subwoofers wired in 2 ohm, and your amplifier properly connected, you’re ready to enjoy your new car audio system. Be sure to adjust the settings on your amplifier to get the best sound possible.
FAQs
What is the benefit of wiring subwoofers in 2 ohm?
Wiring subwoofers in 2 ohm allows your amplifier to deliver more power to the subwoofers. This results in louder and clearer bass.
Can I wire subwoofers with different ohm ratings in 2 ohm?
No, you should avoid wiring subwoofers with different ohm ratings together. This can result in an uneven load on the amplifier, which can damage the amplifier and/or the subwoofers. Stick with subwoofers that have the same or similar ohm ratings.
What happens if I wire my subwoofers in a way that creates a higher impedance?
If you wire your subwoofers in a way that creates a higher impedance, your amplifier will not be able to deliver as much power to the subwoofers. This results in less volume and less bass.
Can I wire my subwoofers in 2 ohm if my amplifier doesn’t support it?
No, you should only wire your subwoofers in 2 ohm if your amplifier is rated for it. If you try to wire your subwoofers in 2 ohm with an amplifier that isn’t rated for it, you can damage your amplifier and/or your subwoofers.
Is it better to wire subwoofers in series or parallel?
It depends on your specific setup and preferences. Wiring subwoofers in parallel can result in a lower total impedance, which can allow your amplifier to deliver more power to the subwoofers. Wiring subwoofers in series can result in a higher total impedance, which can be better for certain amplifiers. Experiment with both methods to see which one works best for you.
Wiring your subwoofers in 2 ohm can be a great way to get more power out of your car audio system. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be able to wire your subwoofers like a pro in no time.
