Use switched outlet or no? (1 Viewer)

[Mark Hedges]

I was wondering what the thoughts are on using switched outlets on recievers. I am currently using the outlet on my Sony DA4ES to power my 100W subwoofer. Is this something I should get away from?

I do it because the sub has no auto-power on feature. Is it bad to leave a sub on all the time, other than the possible hit on my electric bill?

Mark

 

[Bill Kane]

Go and unplug that sub amp right now! It cud easily overheat that receiver outlet and/or blow an internal fuse if there IS one. Note the power consumption plate at these rcvr outlets. These outlets typically max at 100W but are designed for lower-power components such as DVD and CD players around 15W.

Obviously, the sub amp wont be pulling 100W all time but this is a gamble. You dont have a surge protector/power center in which to plug the sub cord?

It's probably OK to leave the sub amp ON 25/7; it cud be in some sort of standby when no signal is passing (manual?)

bill

 

[Jonathan M]

As Bill has said, the switched power outlets on the back of receivers are designed with a limited current draw in mind. This is due to a couple of things: First, it limits the amount of power that the receivers' cable needs to supply (Usually not much of an issue), secondly it is switched using a relay whose contacts are only rated for a specific amount of current draw.

What's the worst that could happen? The relay could fuse on and/or a fuse could blow (Unlikely).

I suggest that you plug your sub into a wall socket and leave it on - a class A/B sub amp should not drain too much power being always on.