1. Product Overview
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation and use of the Audiopipe PK1500SX 8 Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit. This kit is designed to supply power and signal to an aftermarket car audio amplifier for systems up to 1500 watts. Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Image 1.1: All components included in the Audiopipe PK1500SX 8 Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit.
2. Safety Information
Read all instructions carefully before beginning installation. Failure to follow these safety guidelines may result in property damage, injury, or death.
- Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before installing any electrical equipment.
- Ensure all wiring is properly routed and secured to prevent pinching, chafing, or short circuits.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and gloves during installation.
- Never bypass fuses. Fuses are critical safety devices designed to protect your vehicle's electrical system.
- Consult a professional car audio installer if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.
- Verify all connections are secure and insulated to prevent accidental contact.
3. Package Contents
The Audiopipe PK1500SX kit includes the following components:
- 17 ft. 8 Gauge Red Power Cable
- 3 ft. 8 Gauge Black Ground Cable
- 17 ft. RCA Audio Interconnect Cable (Gold Plated)
- 17 ft. 16 Gauge Blue Remote Turn-On Wire
- 17 ft. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire
- AFS Fuse Holder with Fuse
- Gold Plated Ring Terminals (2 pcs)
- Gold Plated Spade Terminals (2 pcs)
- Butt Connectors
- Heat Shrink Tubing
- Zip Ties
- Screws
- Split Loom Tubing
Image 3.1: Coiled power, ground, remote, and RCA cables included in the kit.
Image 3.2: Various terminals, butt connectors, heat shrink, zip ties, and screws for installation.
Image 3.3: The AFS fuse holder, an essential safety component.
Image 3.4: Detail of the gold-plated RCA audio interconnect cables.
4. Installation Guide
This section outlines the general steps for installing your amplifier wiring kit. Refer to your amplifier's specific manual for detailed connection points and settings.
Image 4.1: General wiring diagram for amplifier installation.
4.1. Preparation
- Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of your vehicle's battery before starting any electrical work.
- Plan Wire Routing: Determine the best path for all cables (power, ground, RCA, remote, speaker) to avoid interference and ensure safety. Keep power cables separate from signal cables.
4.2. Power Cable Installation
- Mount Fuse Holder: Install the AFS fuse holder (Image 3.3) within 18 inches of the positive (+) battery terminal. Secure it using the provided screws.
- Connect Power Cable to Battery: Cut a short length of the 8 gauge red power cable to connect from the positive (+) battery terminal to one side of the fuse holder. Use a ring terminal for the battery connection.
- Route Power Cable to Amplifier: Route the remaining 8 gauge red power cable from the other side of the fuse holder through the firewall into the vehicle's interior, towards the amplifier mounting location. Use the split loom tubing for protection where the cable passes through metal.
- Connect Power Cable to Amplifier: Connect the power cable to the amplifier's +12V input terminal.
4.3. Ground Cable Installation
- Prepare Ground Point: Locate a clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle's chassis near the amplifier. Scrape away any paint or rust to ensure a good electrical connection.
- Connect Ground Cable: Connect one end of the 8 gauge black ground cable to the prepared ground point using a ring terminal and a screw. The ground cable should be as short as possible, ideally less than 3 feet.
- Connect Ground Cable to Amplifier: Connect the other end of the ground cable to the amplifier's GND input terminal.
4.4. Remote Turn-On Wire Installation
- Connect to Head Unit: Connect one end of the 16 gauge blue remote turn-on wire to the remote output (usually blue or blue/white) of your aftermarket head unit. Use a butt connector if needed.
- Route Remote Wire: Route the remote wire alongside the RCA cables to the amplifier location.
- Connect to Amplifier: Connect the remote wire to the amplifier's REM (remote) input terminal.
4.5. RCA Audio Interconnect Cable Installation
- Connect to Head Unit: Connect the RCA cables (Image 3.4) to the RCA pre-out jacks of your head unit.
- Route RCA Cables: Route the RCA cables to the amplifier location, keeping them separate from power cables to prevent noise.
- Connect to Amplifier: Connect the RCA cables to the amplifier's input jacks.
4.6. Speaker Wire Installation (if applicable)
- Route Speaker Wire: Route the 16 gauge speaker wire from the amplifier's speaker output terminals to your speakers.
- Connect to Amplifier and Speakers: Connect the speaker wire to the amplifier's speaker output terminals and then to the corresponding speaker terminals. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
4.7. Final Steps
- Insert Fuse: Once all wiring is complete and checked, insert the fuse into the AFS fuse holder.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
- Test System: Turn on your vehicle and head unit to test the amplifier and speakers.
For a visual guide on amplifier wiring kits, consider watching the following video:
Video 4.1: Product overview of an 8 gauge amplifier wiring kit, demonstrating components and their purpose.
Video 4.2: A 360-degree preview of an 8 gauge CCA car amplifier wiring kit, showing various angles of the components.
5. Operating Instructions
Once properly installed, the Audiopipe PK1500SX wiring kit functions passively to deliver power and signal to your amplifier. The amplifier will turn on automatically when your head unit is powered on, via the remote turn-on wire. No direct operation of the wiring kit components is required after installation.
6. Maintenance
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect all visible wiring for signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Ensure all connections remain tight.
- Fuse Check: If your amplifier stops working, check the fuse in the AFS fuse holder. Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating if blown. Never use a fuse with a higher rating.
- Clean Connections: Ensure battery terminals and ground points are clean and free of corrosion for optimal conductivity.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier does not turn on. | Blown fuse in AFS holder. Loose power or ground connection. Remote turn-on wire not connected or faulty. | Check and replace fuse. Verify all power and ground connections are secure. Ensure remote wire is connected to head unit's remote output and amplifier's REM terminal. |
| No sound from speakers. | RCA cables not connected or faulty. Speaker wires not connected or incorrect polarity. Amplifier settings incorrect. | Check RCA connections at head unit and amplifier. Verify speaker wire connections and polarity. Refer to amplifier manual for proper settings. |
| Engine noise (whining) through speakers. | Power and RCA cables routed too close together. Poor ground connection. Faulty RCA cables. | Reroute power and RCA cables on opposite sides of the vehicle. Ensure ground connection is clean and secure. Replace RCA cables if damaged. |
8. Specifications
- Model: PK1500SX
- Power Handling: Up to 1500 Watts
- Power Cable Gauge: 8 AWG
- Ground Cable Gauge: 8 AWG
- RCA Cable Length: 17 ft.
- Remote Wire Gauge: 16 AWG
- Speaker Wire Gauge: 16 AWG
- Fuse Type: AFS
- UPC: 784644751367
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.75 x 2.25 inches (packaging)
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Audiopipe website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Manufacturer: Nippon
Brand: Audiopipe
