Installation – JBL CS50.4 User Manual
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INSTALLATION
WARNING: Playing loud music in an
automobile can hinder your ability to hear
traffic and permanently damage your
hearing. We recommend listening at low or
moderate levels while driving your car. JBL
accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily
injury or property damage resulting from the
use or misuse of this product.
IMPORTANT: To get the best perform-
ance from your JBL CS Series amplifiers, we
strongly recommend that installation be
entrusted to a qualified professional.
Although these instructions explain how to
install CS amplifiers in a general sense, they
do not show specific installation methods
that may be required for your particular
vehicle. If you do not have the necessary
tools or experience, do not attempt the
installation yourself. Instead, please ask
your authorized JBL car audio dealer about
professional installation.
INSTALLATION
WARNINGS AND TIPS
• Always wear protective eyewear when
using tools.
• Turn off the audio system and other
electrical devices before you start. Discon-
nect the (–) negative lead from your vehi-
cle’s battery.
• Check clearances on both sides of a
planned mounting surface before drilling
any holes or installing any screws.
Remember that the screws can extend
behind the surface.
• At the installation sites, locate and make a
note of all fuel lines, hydraulic brake lines,
vacuum lines and electrical wiring. Use
extreme caution when cutting or drilling in
and around these areas.
• Before drilling or cutting holes, use a utility
knife to remove unwanted fabric or vinyl to
keep material from snagging in a drill bit.
• When routing cables, keep input-signal
cables away from power cables and
speaker wires.
• When making connections, make certain
they are secure and properly insulated.
• If the amplifier’s fuse must be replaced,
use only the same type and rating as that
of the original. Do not substitute another
kind.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
AND MOUNTING THE
AMPLIFIER
Choose a mounting location in the trunk
or cargo area where the amplifier will not be
damaged by shifting cargo. Amplifier
cooling is essential for proper amplifier
operation. If the amplifier is to be installed in
an enclosed space, make sure there is
sufficient air circulation for the amplifier
to cool itself.
When mounting the amplifier under a seat,
ensure that it is clear of all moving seat
parts and does not affect the seat adjust-
ments. Mount the amplifier so it is not dam-
aged by the feet of backseat passengers.
Make sure that the amplifier is mounted
securely using nuts and bolts or the
supplied mounting screws.
Mount the amplifier so that it remains dry –
never mount an amplifier outside the vehicle
or in the engine compartment.
POWER CONNECTIONS
The CS amplifiers are capable of delivering
extremely high power levels, and require a
heavy-duty and reliable connection to the
vehicle’s electrical system in order to per-
form optimally. See Figure 1 for connection
location. Please adhere to the following
instructions carefully:
Ground Connection
Connect the amplifier’s Ground (GND) termi-
nal to a solid point on the vehicle’s metal
chassis, as close to the amplifier as possi-
ble. Refer to the chart below to determine
minimum wire-gauge size. Scrape away any
paint from this location; use a star- type lock
washer to secure the connection.
Power Connection
Connect a wire (see chart at right for appro-
priate gauge) directly to the vehicle’s posi-
tive battery terminal, and install an appropri-
ate fuse holder within 50cm of the battery
terminal. Do not install the fuse at this time.
Route the wire to the amplifier’s location,
and connect it to the amplifier’s Positive
(+12V) terminal. Be sure to use appropriate
grommets whenever routing wires through
the firewall or other sheet metal. Failure to
adequately protect the positive wire from
potential damage may result in a vehicle
fire. When you are done routing and con-
necting this wire, you may install a 40A fuse
at the battery.
Remote Connection
Connect the amplifier’s Remote (REM)
terminal to the source unit’s Remote Turn-On
lead using a minimum of 1mm
2
wire.
NOTE: If your source unit does not have a
remote turn-on connection, connect the
amplifier’s (REM) terminal to the vehicle’s
accessory circuit.
Speaker Connections
Refer to the application guides on the pages
that follow. Speaker connections should be
made using a minimum of 1.5mm
2
wire.
Wire Gauge Chart
Amplifier
Maximum
Minimum
Model
Current Draw
Wire Gauge
CS50.4
40A
#10mm
2
CS200.1
42A
#10mm
2
These recommendations assume 1,5m à
2,5m wire runs. If your installation differs
markedly, you will need to adjust the wire
gauge accordingly.
Figure 1. Terminal connection end plate.
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