Variac Vs Bulb Limiter newb question

[Hiwatt25]

I recently purchased my first chip amp kit from Chipamp.com and I've been learning a lot here. I've read that a light bulb limiter should be used when powering up an amp for the first time and I'm wondering if I can use my Variac instead. Will I achieve the same results or must I use a bulb limiter?

Thanks in advance.

[gmphadte]

U should use the light bulb as it limits the current in case of a short circuit and glows bright indicating the fault condition.

Gajanan Phadte

[Original Burnedfingers]

If your variac also has an ammeter in circuit there is no reason why you couldn't use it provided that you monitor the current draw on the load.

[cliffforrest]

Originally posted by burnedfingers
If your variac also has an ammeter in circuit there is no reason why you couldn't use it provided that you monitor the current draw on the load.

I have done this for years, with an analog (AVO) ammeter on the 1A range: wind up slowly with a DVM on a DC rail and watch ...