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How hot is too hot?

I run a Creek Classic 5350 SE integrated that gets up to around 105 degrees or so in the cabinet. It's not an ideal cabinet, for sure, but I'm dealing with it as a constraint. Does anyone know how hot is too hot? I know that servers and computer equipment really should not be run that hot if you expect them to last. What about audio amps?

Thanks.
tjnindc
chuck
203 posts
 
TJ,

Here is my rating system

normal is to be able to keep your hand on the heatsink as long as you want to.

Warm is when you can only leave your hand on the heatsink for a few seconds before it becomes uncomfortable.

Too hot is when you cannot leave your hand on the heatsink for more than a second.
extra_action
52 posts
 
55 deg C or 30 above ambient is the rule of thumb for Class A. 100 deg F is nothing to worry about.
cathode
72 posts
 
105 F is no problem at all. 105 C is a big problem.
tjnindc OP
91 posts
 
thank you all. that is what i guessed, but it was hard to find the info. that's why we all love the 'gon...
undertow
1,033 posts
 
105 degrees ? Thats nothing, celcius yes, but I can guarantee the amp would not be working.. I would guess most amps get well into the 110 plus for normal operating temps...
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