How to Wire Your Skar RP 1200.1: Wiring Diagram, Tables and FAQ

Are you looking to upgrade your car’s sound system? The Skar RP 1200.1 is a powerful and popular choice for car audio enthusiasts. However, wiring your amplifier can be a daunting task if you’re not familiar with car electronics. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive wiring diagram, tables, and frequently asked questions to help you install your Skar RP 1200.1 with ease.

Wiring Diagram

The Skar RP 1200.1 is a monoblock amplifier, which means it has one channel to power your subwoofers. Here’s a wiring diagram to help you connect your amp to your car’s sound system:

Wire Color Description
Red Power wire (+12V)
Black Ground wire
Blue Remote turn-on wire
Green Speaker wire (+)
White Speaker wire (-)

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to wire your Skar RP 1200.1:

  • Wire cutters/strippers
  • Crimp connectors
  • Fuse holder
  • 12-gauge power wire
  • 16-gauge speaker wire

Power Wire (+12V)

The power wire is the most crucial wire in your amplifier’s wiring system. The Skar RP 1200.1 requires a 12-volt power source to function. You’ll need to connect the power wire to your car’s battery. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate your car’s battery.
  2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal to prevent any accidents.
  3. Measure the distance from your battery to your amplifier’s location. You’ll need to purchase enough power wire to reach your amp.
  4. Run the power wire from your battery to your amplifier’s location, following your car’s factory wiring harness or an existing wire routing hole. Be sure to avoid any hot or moving parts such as exhaust systems and suspension components.
  5. Connect the power wire to your amplifier’s positive (+) terminal using a crimp connector.
  6. Insert a fuse into the fuse holder and connect it to the power wire as close to the battery terminal as possible. This will protect your amplifier and car’s electrical system from any short circuits.
  7. Reconnect the battery negative (-) terminal and test your amp to ensure it powers on correctly.

Ground Wire

The ground wire is as essential as the power wire. It provides a return path for your amplifier’s electrical current. You’ll need to connect the ground wire to a stable metal surface in your car, such as the chassis. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Choose a spot to mount your amplifier. You’ll need to find a flat surface that’s clean and sturdy enough to hold your amp securely.
  2. Use a wire brush to remove any paint or rust from the chosen surface. This will ensure a good connection between the ground wire and metal surface.
  3. Measure the distance from your amplifier’s ground terminal to the chosen surface.
  4. Run the ground wire from your amplifier’s ground terminal to the chosen surface using a crimp connector.
  5. Use a screwdriver to fasten the ground wire to the chosen surface tightly.

Remote Turn-On Wire

The remote turn-on wire is responsible for turning your amplifier on and off. You’ll need to connect the remote wire to your car’s head unit, which will send a signal to your amp to turn on when you power up your sound system. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate the remote wire on your car head unit, usually a blue wire with a white stripe or a solid blue color.
  2. Measure the distance from your head unit to your amplifier’s location.
  3. Run the remote wire from your head unit to your amplifier’s location, following your car’s factory wiring harness.
  4. Connect the remote wire to your amplifier’s remote terminal using a crimp connector.

Speaker Wire (+/-)

The speaker wire carries the audio signal from your amplifier to your subwoofers. You’ll need to connect the speaker wire to your amp’s speaker terminals and your subwoofers. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Measure the distance from your amplifier’s location to your subwoofers.
  2. Cut the speaker wire into two equal lengths.
  3. Strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of each speaker wire.
  4. Connect one end of each speaker wire to your amplifier’s speaker terminals, matching the colors (green to positive and white to negative). Use crimp connectors to secure the wires tightly.
  5. Run the other end of each speaker wire to your subwoofers, matching the colors to the corresponding terminals.
  6. Use crimp connectors to secure the wires tightly.

FAQ

Why won’t my Skar RP 1200.1 turn on?

If your amplifier won’t turn on, the first thing to check is your wiring. Make sure you’ve connected the power wire to your car’s battery and the ground wire to a stable metal surface. Also, ensure that you’ve connected the remote turn-on wire to your head unit’s remote wire. If your wiring is correct, check your amplifier’s fuses and make sure they’re not blown.

Why is my Skar RP 1200.1 overheating?

Overheating can damage your Skar RP 1200.1 and cause it to malfunction. It’s crucial to ensure that your amp has proper ventilation and airflow. Make sure the amp is not placed in an enclosed space or near any heat sources. You can also install a cooling fan to improve your amp’s heat dissipation.

What size fuse do I need for my Skar RP 1200.1?

The recommended fuse size for the Skar RP 1200.1 is 100 amps. However, check your owner’s manual or contact Skar Audio for specific fuse size recommendations.

What’s the RMS power output of Skar RP 1200.1?

The Skar RP 1200.1 has a RMS power output of 1200 watts at 1 ohm. Make sure your subwoofers’ impedance matches your amplifier’s output for optimal performance.

What’s the warranty policy for Skar RP 1200.1?

The Skar RP 1200.1 comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase. Skar Audio also offers a 60-day return policy for their products.

Conclusion

Wiring your Skar RP 1200.1 can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools and guidance, you can do it yourself. This article provides you with a comprehensive wiring diagram, tables, and frequently asked questions to help you install your amp with ease. Remember to always follow safety precautions and consult professional help if you’re unsure about anything. Happy wiring!