Description
Noise Filter 20 Amp NF 20
PIE Noise Filter 20 Amp NF 20
Method 1: For head unit power
Install the filter on the constant power wire (usually yellow) or the accessory power wire (usually red) that leads to your head unit.
- Locate the power wire: Pull out the head unit and identify the main power wire from the factory wiring harness.
- Cut the wire: Cut the power wire, creating an “input” side coming from the car and an “output” side going to the head unit.
- Connect the filter: Connect the input wire of the noise filter to the power wire coming from the car. Connect the output wire of the filter to the power wire going to the head unit.
- Ground the filter: Connect the ground wire from the noise filter to a solid, metal chassis ground point, such as a bolt on the firewall.
- Secure and test: Wrap the connections with electrical tape, secure the filter to prevent rattling, and reconnect your battery to test the system.ย
Method 2: For amplifier power
If the noise persists and you are sure it’s not a ground loop issue, you can install the filter on the power line feeding your amplifier.
- Locate the power cable: Find the main power cable that runs from your battery to your amplifier.
- Cut and connect: Cut the power cable and wire the noise filter in-line, with the input side facing the battery and the output side going toward the amplifier.
- Use correct gauge wire: Ensure any new wires added to the circuit are the same gauge or larger to avoid signal loss.
- Mount the filter: Securely mount the filter as close to the amplifier as possible and ground it to a clean metal part of the chassis.
- Secure and test: Insulate all connections and test the audio system for the presence of noise.ย
Important considerations
- Proper grounding: Before adding a filter, ensure all your audio components are grounded properly. Incorrect or multiple ground points are the most common cause of ground loop noise.
- Filter is a last resort: A noise filter is often a “band-aid” fix. Proper wiring and grounding practices are the best way to prevent noise in the first place.
- Alternator testing: If a noise filter does not work, you may have a failing alternator with a bad diode. A mechanic can test for this.ย
