Bridging Channels on a Fusion® Amplifier

Bridging channels on a Fusion® amplifier refers to connecting one speaker or subwoofer to two output channels within a single zone on an amplifier. This allows the amplifier to send more power to the speaker than it normally would. This is done in cases where the power from one channel will not meet the RMS or peak power rating of the speaker.

It is important to know a speaker's peak power rating and an amplifier's total rated power output before bridging a speaker so as not to overdrive the speaker or draw too much power from the amplifier, forcing it into critical fault mode. Both can damage the products. See the product owner's manual for information on RMS, peak power ratings, and total rated power outputs.

A speaker is bridged on an amplifier by connecting the positive terminal from the speaker to the positive terminal on one channel of the amplifier, and the negative terminal from the speaker to the negative terminal to another channel of the amplifier. These channels should be sequential, meaning if the negative speaker terminal is connected to the negative terminal on channel 1 of the amplifier, the positive should be connected on channel 2 of the amplifier. If the negative is connected to channel 3, the positive should be connected to channel 4. On a Fusion amplifier, channels 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 are typically each controlled by one zone input from a stereo, so bridging a speaker between channels 2-3 or 4-5 will not work.

This diagram illustrates 2 bridged subwoofers connected to a Fusion Signature Series 4 Channel 1400-Watt Marine Amplifier.