2. tech-talk
  3. 174470-13640

Protection needed for amp?

I live in N. CA, where power outages have become more frequent.

As a result, we've had a propane back-up generator installed that comes on automatically when the there's an outage.

Question: If my system is running and power is suddenly cut off due to an outage, then suddenly restored by the generator, does this pose any danger to the amp?

My recently purchased Hegel H390 is the most expensive component I've ever bought and I'd prefer not to replace it.

If it sounds like I know nothing about electricity, it's because I don't. 

When I power up the amp, there's always a delay, then a loud click, before it's ready for use, whatever that might suggest. 

Thanks in advance! 

 

 

stuartk
erik_squires
16,144 posts
 

Hey there OP.

Yes, you should have surge protection. I recommend a whole house unit which will bring your home up to the 2020 National Electric Code standards and a unit for your wall outlet. I recommend any Furman unit with LiFT and SMP. They also include under-voltage protection.

For less valuable, less noise sensitive electronics Tripp Lite Isobar.

 

To answer your question more directly, in addition to lightning strikes surges can come from the utility company.  We had a situation in a building where at a certain point of the day every surge protector in the building would fry at the same time due to scheduled switching at the plant and bad equipment.  We can't assume that the power company switching the power off and on in a controlled fashion will always be without incident, and not every power outage is controlled.

 

Best,

 

Erik

imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,205 posts
 

This outlet adapter requires the user to press the reset button after the initial plug-in or a power outage.

ELEGRP single GFCI adapter

stuartk OP
2,892 posts
 

@erik_squires:

Thanks for your response. I'm sorry but it's not clear to me whether you're saying  every system needs surge protection as a general rule or whether it's particularly apropos in my case. Could you please clarify? Thanks!  

 

@imhififan:

Thanks for the suggestion. 

stuartk OP
2,892 posts
 

@erik_squires:

 

Would something inexpensive like this work or do I need to spend more? 

https://furmanpower.com/product/15a-8-outlet-surge-suppressor-w-smp-lift-evs-and-2-filtered-banks/

More to discover