Melting fuses

[sirhk100]

I've got a Kenwood 4X50watt RMS amp (or so Kenwood claims). It's a real old amp just like my Fosgate, probably about 6 years old so maybe it's just at the end of it's life. Here's my preblem, about once a month I get the distinct toxic sweet smell of melting plastic. Low and behold, I pull out the 20AMP fuse in the amp and it's litterally melted and one or both of the metal prongs are crispy and black. Last night was the first time it actually blew and the fuse was by far the worst melted and fried one I've replaced so far. Is this just signs of the amp getting old or what? It still works great and sounds great other then the replacing of a fuse about once a month because it's literally melted.

 

[leenjen]

it sounds like it's just about dead (unless you are putting the wrong load on it). a couple years ago i had an amp that i was going to throw out, so i decided how long it can last @ 1 ohm mono. surprisingly, it played for about 10 minutes with the volume cranked. but then the fuses started melting (not like you describe, just got warm and soft) then popped. the amp was only stable to 4 ohms mono.

if you're running the correct impedance, then i'd say the amp is done.

you havent had much luck with your audio equipment lately, huh

 

[sirhk100]

Well, really it's not been bad considering all the stuff I've been having problems with has been problem free for at least 5 years and installed in 4 different vehicles. I'd really say the only thing I had problems with was the Audiobahn sub. Honestly I was stoked with the performance and think I just happened to get a bad one outta the bunch. If I'd kept the damn reciept it would've been great!! The only reason I din't get another one is cause I figured my last RFP sub did last 5 years so I figured I couldn't go wrong with another one. You know what's funny. I bought this kenwood used for $100 5 years ago with a pair of Boston 6.5s. It's been melting fuses for about 6 months now about once a month. Just pop out the old mangled distorted one and put in a new one. Last night was the first time it actually shut off cause usually once I start to smell the melting fuse I pull it out and replace it before it actually cooks so bad that the contacts fry and turn crispy black. I don't know the Kenwood model but it's real old and it's only powering the stock JBL door speakers. I'm assuming it's got the right load in it. You know what, it's been frying fuse longer then 6 months cause I remember it doing it in my Cherokee and I sold that thing at least 9 months ago. In the cherokee it was powering stock rear hatch speakers and infinaty kappas in the front doors.