ARC Audio FD2100 - Manual (Page 4)

6 7
Installation Instructions
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the car battery. Tape up the end
so it is isolated form the battery.
2. Run an 8 AWG power wire (4 AWG min. for FD4150 or if you are using
multiple amplifiers) from the battery to the amplifier. Plan this part of
the installation carefully. This cable will carry very high current. If it
should short to the body and it is not properly fused it could catch fire.
3. Connect the power wire to the battery using a fuse capable of the
total current load of all amplifiers connected. Don’t install the fuse
yet. Wait until the end. Locate the fuse as close as possible to the
battery. If the fuse is further that 18 inches (wire length) from the
battery you should reevaluate the wire and fuse placement.
4. Find the closest clear metal area to the amp for a ground. Sand,
grind or scrape all paint and undercoating from the body and screw
the ground securely to the body.
It is advisable to test the ground with an ohmmeter between the
ground cable and the negative battery cable to insure a good low
resistance connection. Some alloys used in modern cars do not
offer the best ground. If you believe this is the case consult with the
vehicle manufacturer.
5. Run the speaker wire to the speakers. It is advised that you leave
some extra wire at this point. You can “clean it up” later.
6. If you haven’t already done so, mount the amp now.
7. Connect the power and ground to the amplifier.
Only after this step should you install the fuse at the battery.
8. Connect the remote wire from the head unit to the amplifier. Now
is a good time to turn on the amp for the first time. Make sure it
turns on properly and does not go into protect.
9. Connect the speaker wire to the amp and speakers (make sure
the amp is off first). Make sure the polarity (+ and-) is correct.
10. Connect the RCA’s to the amp.
11. Double check the amplifier controls at this time. Make sure
everything is set correctly for your system.
12. Now you’re ready to play it for the first time. It is best to leave the
gain all the way down at first. Start with the head unit volume low
and work your way up.
13. Now you can tune the amp. Take your time and make only one
adjustment at a time. It may take some time to get the system
fully adjusted. During this time the amp is drawing current from
the battery. You should check the battery voltage from time to time
and re-charge it if it gets low. Battery voltage can affect the way
the amplifier performs.
14. You’re done. Now have fun.