If you’re looking to upgrade your car audio system with a subwoofer, then it’s important to understand how to wire it properly. One of the most common types of subwoofers is the 4 ohm subwoofer, which can be wired in various ways to achieve different impedance loads. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 4 ohm subwoofer wiring diagram, including how to wire it in series, parallel, and bridged modes.
What is a 4 Ohm Subwoofer?
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, let’s first understand what a 4 ohm subwoofer is. The ohm rating refers to the impedance load that the subwoofer presents to the amplifier. A 4 ohm subwoofer has a resistance of 4 ohms, which means that it requires more power to produce the same amount of sound as a subwoofer with a lower impedance. However, a subwoofer with a higher impedance can be wired in specific ways to achieve the right load for your amplifier.
Wiring a 4 Ohm Subwoofer in Series
Wiring two 4 ohm subwoofers in series will result in an 8 ohm load, while wiring three 4 ohm subwoofers in series will result in a 12 ohm load. To wire a 4 ohm subwoofer in series, follow these steps:
- Connect one positive (+) terminal of the first subwoofer to the amplifier’s positive terminal.
- Connect the negative (-) terminal of the same subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the second subwoofer.
- Connect the negative (-) terminal of the second subwoofer to the amplifier’s negative terminal.
Make sure that the polarity of the subwoofers is correct, so that they’re in-phase with each other. Wiring two 4 ohm subwoofers in series will result in an 8 ohm load, while wiring three 4 ohm subwoofers in series will result in a 12 ohm load. Wiring subwoofers in series will reduce the power that each subwoofer can handle, but it can be a good option if you want to maximize the impedance load of your amplifier.
Wiring a 4 Ohm Subwoofer in Parallel
Wiring two 4 ohm subwoofers in parallel will result in a 2 ohm load, while wiring three 4 ohm subwoofers in parallel will result in a 1.33 ohm load. To wire a 4 ohm subwoofer in parallel, follow these steps:
- Connect both positive (+) terminals of the subwoofers to the amplifier’s positive terminal.
- Connect both negative (-) terminals of the subwoofers to the amplifier’s negative terminal.
Again, make sure that the polarity of the subwoofers is correct. Wiring subwoofers in parallel will increase the power that each subwoofer can handle, but it can also increase the chance of overloading your amplifier. Make sure that your amplifier is capable of handling the impedance load that the subwoofers present.
Bridged Mode Wiring for 4 Ohm Subwoofers
Bridged mode wiring is a method of wiring two subwoofers in parallel to create a single channel with a higher power output. To wire two 4 ohm subwoofers in bridged mode, follow these steps:
- Connect the positive (+) terminal of the first subwoofer to the amplifier’s positive terminal for the first channel.
- Connect the negative (-) terminal of the same subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the second subwoofer.
- Connect the negative (-) terminal of the second subwoofer to the amplifier’s negative terminal for the second channel.
Make sure that the polarity of the subwoofers is correct. Bridged mode wiring can result in a higher power output, but it can also put more strain on your amplifier. Make sure that your amplifier is capable of handling the bridged mode wiring before attempting it.
FAQs
What is the maximum power that a 4 ohm subwoofer can handle?
The maximum power that a 4 ohm subwoofer can handle depends on the model and manufacturer. Check the specifications of your subwoofer to determine its maximum power handling capacity. Overloading your subwoofer with too much power can cause it to blow out.
Can I wire a 4 ohm subwoofer in both series and parallel?
No, you cannot wire a subwoofer in both series and parallel at the same time. Choose one method of wiring that best suits your amplifier and subwoofer setup.
What happens if I connect a 4 ohm subwoofer to a 2 ohm or 8 ohm amplifier?
If you connect a 4 ohm subwoofer to a 2 ohm amplifier, it will overload the amplifier and cause it to overheat or even blow out. If you connect a 4 ohm subwoofer to an 8 ohm amplifier, it will result in a mismatched impedance load that can reduce the power output of the subwoofer. Always make sure that the impedance load matches the amplifier’s specifications.
Conclusion
Wiring a 4 ohm subwoofer can be done in various ways to achieve different impedance loads. Understanding the wiring diagram is essential to get the most out of your subwoofer and amplifier setup. Whether you’re wiring it in series, parallel, or bridged mode, always make sure that the impedance load matches the amplifier’s specifications. With the right setup, you can enjoy high-quality bass from your car audio system.
