Amp install question?

Question

ok I have 2 12" 600 watt subs trying to hook up a 1000 watt amp when i hook it up the green power light comes on then the red protection light comes on. Does that mean the amp is junk or could it be something in the wiring or something else? The wiring kit has been in my truck for quite awhile I had to 10" subs with an amp hooked up yesterday and they worked fine so as of then the wiring was fine. Any ideas or help would be great thanks so much

Answer 1

You could have a couple problems.  First are the subs in good working order? Make sure the voice coils are ok.  Second what resistance are they rated for? If they are dual 2 ohm subs and you have two hooked up you could potentially be showing the amp a .5 ohm load.  Hardly any amp is gonna operate that low.  

If the wiring is truly fine, and I mean checking the ground too, then maybe the amp is just over heating.  Some amps will go into thermal protection if they get too hot.

I'd check all the wiring again, touch the ground while it is running and make sure it's not too hot to touch. Use at least 8 gauge wire from and to the amp.  Mount the amp in a well ventilated area.  And hook the subs up to a 4 ohm mono load, if you can't figure out how to do that just check a wiring diagram online.

Answer 2

double check the way your speakers are wired to the amp but most likely you are overloading the amp.

Answer 3

Not enough wattage mabey, to 12' 600 watts. The protection light comes on cos your working the amp too hard.