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Warnings and tips
Always disconnect the battery ground wire before doing any work on your vehicle. Reconnect the
cable only after the installation is complete and the wiring has been checked to make sure that
there are no problems. If your radio features a code type security system, be sure you know the
code before disconnecting the battery!
Your a/d/s/ PowerPlateTMshould be installed in 12V negative ground vehicles only. Connection to
other types of electrical systems may cause damage to the vehicle or the amplifier.
Wear Eye and Ear protection when using power tools.
Before cutting or drilling carefully inspect the area to make sure there is no electrical wiring, fuel
lines or brake lines which could be damaged. Sometimes these components may be hidden
between double-walled panels, so be very careful.
Do not bypass or modify the fuses, or replace with one of a higher rating. The fuse should not fail
under normal operation. Repeated blowing indicates a problem with the amplifier or improper
installation.
An additional power supply line fuse (not supplied) must be installed on the 12V supply line and
located as close as possible to the battery in order to protect the wire in the event of a short
circuit.
Make sure the system is turned off when making or breaking any connections.
Do not use your PowerPlateTM with speakers which have either terminal connected to the speaker
frame or to the vehicle chassis.
symptom possible cause action to take
distorted output (cont’d) speakers are blown check system with known
working speakers and repair or
replace as needed
poor bass response Speakers wired with wrong check speaker polarity and
polarity causing cancellation repair as needed
at low frequencies
crossover set incorrectly reset crossovers referring to the
multi-crossTMcrossover
configuration section of this
manual for detailed instructions
battery fuse blowing impedance load to amplifier check speaker impedance load,
too low if below 2Wstereo or 4Wmono
rewire speakers to achieve a
higher impedance
short in power wire or incorrect check power and ground
power connections connections and repair as
needed
fuse used is smaller than replace with proper fuse size
recommended
too much current being drawn check speaker impedance load,
if below 2Wstereo or 4Wmono
rewire speakers to achieve a
higher impedance
check power and ground
connections and repair as
needed
amplifier fuse blowing too much current being drawn Check speaker impedance load,
if below 2Wstereo or 4Wmono
rewire speakers to achieve a
higher impedance and replace
with recommended fuse size
check power and ground
connections and repair as
needed
fuse used is smaller than replace with proper fuse size
recommended
Mounting locations
PowerPlateTMin a place that protects it from the elements. In addition, mount the PowerPlateTM on
a stable, flat mounting surface. Whenever possible, pre-drill the mounting holes. Remember to
check behind the panel for hidden dangers in the form of hoses, fuel or brake lines or electrical
wiring. Use a marking pen or awl to mark the hole locations and pre-drill using a 1/8" bit.
Passenger compartment mounting
All PowerPlatesTMhave been designed with a low profile to make under
seat mounting possible. Regardless of where you choose to mount your
PowerPlateTMbe sure to keep a minimum of 1" of clearance around the
amplifier for adequate airflow to prevent overheating.
Trunk compartment mounting
The most common mounting location is in the
trunk or cargo compartment. For optimum cooling, mount the Power-
PlateTMchassis vertically with the fins running vertically, or mount the
PowerPlateTMhorizontally with the fins pointing upward. Avoid horizon -
tal mounting locations with the fins pointing downward.
Also, locate the PowerPlateTM where it, and connections to it, will not be
damaged by cargo or tools which may shift during vehicle operation.
Engine compartment mounting
Don’t even think about it! The PowerPlateTM was not designed to endure the
harsh chemical and heat environment of the engine compartment. Failure to
obey this warning will void your warranty.