Can a 12v battery run a 1000w stereo system?
There is quite a bit of information needed to provide an accurate answer, so I’ll assume a few things. Assuming you are talking about a car stereo, and assuming a real 1000W of amplifier output (to the speakers) and ignoring any efficiency losses we are already at 2000W input power to the stereo. This is because amplifiers dissipate at LEAST as much heat (power) internally as they are driving to the speakers. Again, this assumes perfectly matched impedances.To find the current needed, we use Watts law, and divide 2000Watts by 12V. (let’s assume 12V, and not 13.2 or thereabouts with engine running. Also, a fully charged car battery will be over 12V, but let’s round it down.) This formula gives us 167 amps.A large automotive (not truck) battery will be able to drive this for 10 minutes or so before it starts losing enough power to affect the sound quality or power output. If you really want to kill the battery, you can probably run it for 30 minutes or so, but you won’t be able to start your engine with that battery. Depending on the age of the battery, I’d let this run no more than 10 minutes, or you will start seriously cutting into the useful life of your battery. If you have the engine running, and have a high current stock alternator, that is probably capable of helping with possibly as much as 100 amps (keep in mind the alternator is also supplying power for the engine, computer, etc.) Even with the engine running, you will be depleting your battery, and this assumes your amplifier is 100% efficient, which is impossible.Automotive batteries are made to supply a LOT of current very quickly, but for just a few seconds. They are not designed for deep discharges like this stereo would be requiring. For that you would want a “deep cycle” battery.
How long can I run my car's stereo system before I drain the battery? Assume the typical battery in a typical new mid-sized sedan on auxiliary power.
Surprising, not very long. Most newer vehicles come with undersized batteries, just enough for a few starts in the worst of conditions.Your car radio doesn’t require much power assuming you are not trying to piss off your neighbors, however it does require constant power when on, so while your starter is a huge draw on the battery, it only draws for ~3 second then the alternator immediately starts to recharge the battery, your radio sucks the power without the benefit of the alternator replenishing the spent power while the car is off…in short, I would think if your vehicle in newer, with a factory battery, all in good condition, and you are listening at a reasonable volume (not trying to impress the rest of the world with your factory base) you are likely safe for an hour IF all othe accessories are turned off.Ok, so you forgot your radio on and you come back to your vehicle and suspect you ran down your battery, what do you do now. Shut the radio off, and let the battery rest as long as possible before trying to start it. A half hour minimum an hour is better. If it starts, after the resting period your not done… leave all the accessories off and running your engine for 5 minutes at a driving rpm (~2000–2500 if you have a tach), then take it on the best nearby highway for at least a 15 minute drive if you can leave off all accessories, 30 minutes if you require headlights or blower, even longer if you can’t get up to at least 40 mph without constantly using the brakes (brake lights use a surprising amount of power if not LED) … Assuming your battery was in good health before you drained it, then this charge cycle should be enoungh, otherwise, you might need to replace your tired, undersized, battery with a new one… should you have to replace it, it is always better to purchase a more powerful battery than what came with your vehicle, but that is an answer for another question…
Car battery dying from amplifier/sound system. What can I do ?
Hi, I have an 03 mustang GT that I take up to school with me. I leave it in a parking garage and sometimes go for a week or more without driving it. I also have a sub box in the back and a fairly powerful amplifier used to power it. Recently my battery has been draining so fast from not using the car regularly that its getting to the point where I can't even start my car anymore. I know the battery is good (less than a year old) and its a quality brand (optima red top). I heard that there is something I can buy that I can attach to the wiring leading to my amp that will stop this slow drain of power and make the battery last longer. Does anyone know what these are called, and where I can buy one for the cheapest price. Thanks in advance.
Why is my sound system draining my battery?
I had the same problem, my car wouldn't start but it turned out that my ground wire from the battery to the engine block was fried !!! This happens with high power amps ! All of your connections should be clean and tight or the battery wont charge correctly and your system wont perform correctly! If you really want a slammin system make sure you have a good ground from the battery to the engine, a good ground from the engine to the car chassis, and a good ground to your amp( i suggest attaching your amp ground wire under one of your seats to one of the seat hold down bolts) If you dont kill your battery all the way then you dont need a new one just charge it and fix all your connections!!!!!!!!!!!! Also stif caps are junk dont waste your time.
What could cause a car battery to drain? The battery is new, I started the car a few times and it ran fine. I went to start it again, and it didn't work. If the alternator is powering the car while it runs, why is the battery not charging?
First, look for some light, door, trunk or other thing that is on and draining the battery. This may be an electronic accessory, like a GPS system, entertainment system, etc. We had a battery being drained by an early model XM satellite radio.Modern cars have lots of lights and different modes and options, so if you don't find anything in the daytime, look again at night for lamps, lights, etc. like a trunk lamp or glovebox lamp that does not go off.Now, if you don't find anything obviously stuck in the ON position, you need to take to a place that does electrical service.You may have a bad voltage regulator, rectifier, or other issues besides the alternator.
How to stop my capacitor from draining my battery when parked?
I have a 40 farad Tsunami capacitor installed to try and help from my lights dimming when my stereo is pumped, which it does a bit. I have noticed that ever since i had it installed that if I dont drive my car for a day the battery is dead. I can only assume that the capacitor is draining the battery. Is there any way of stopping this or shutting the power connection off? I have seen things that if you have 2 batteries installed it stops one battery from raining the other, would this help?
Does turning on the car radio often shorten the car battery's life over time?
Ummm… Well, kinda, sorta, it depends…Let’s start with this…. An automotive battery is unique, it is not built to be regularly discharged below 80% of capacity. Leave your lights, or radio on and flatten it to the point it won’t start even as few as four or five times, and the battery is pretty well toast. Batteries that can be regularly discharged to 50% of capacity are called “deep cycle” or “Marine” batteries.Define radio! Are you quietly listening to talk radio, or, are you tickling the tweeters and whoomping the woofers? Does your sub-woofer have it’s own amp?Loud volume needs lotsa power… lotsa power..A typical car battery holds 80 to 100 amp / hours of reserve capacity. one hour ( or less ) at a 100 amp draw, 100 hours ( or less ) at a 1 amp/ hour draw. Also, if you have to have the key in the “accessory” position, you’re powering more than the radio.So, basically, it’s math. How long at how many amp/hours draw? If you’re only draining the battery 5% to 10 % down from full, then no, it won’t noticeably shorten the life of the battery. If , however, you’re listening to it loud for an extended period of time, then yes, it will shorten the life of the battery.
Radio, power locks not working... alternator???
Hi, this morning when I left for work, I started my car and my stereo didn't turn on... I drove to work and when I got out and tried to lock my doors (power locks) they didn't lock. I started my car again to see if it would even start (I thought the battery might be going dead?), and it started... but it sounds like it's running on very little power... as if it could just die at any time. Someone at work said it sounded like my alternator. Does anyone know what this might be.... and how much this is going to cost to fix? Thanks in advance!
Kenwood Radio Battery Drain?
You asked this question two days ago and chose a best answer. Why are you asking again?