ESP P3a protection?

[roger-k]

Frome ESP P3a webpage:

"Note that like the original, there is (still) no output short circuit protection, so if speaker leads are shorted while the amp is working with a signal, there is a very real risk of the transistors being destroyed."

If I use a fuse or two on the speaker terminal, will this be enough protection for the output transistors, if I get a short circuit?

[Jan Dupont]

If your amp has a correct V/I limiting circuit this should protect your amp, but a fuse may also do the trick......

[roger-k]

OK, I will use some fuse then.
Thank for the reply.

[mikeks]

Originally posted by ACD
......but a fuse may also do the trick......

No

[Jan Dupont]

mikeks;

Yes if it's small

[mikeks]

No

[Jan Dupont]

mikeks;

Let me hear your arguments

[roger-k]

Yes, Let us hear your arguments

[AndrewT]

Hi,
a fuse is too slow to protect semi cons.

Putting in a smaller speaker fuse to speed up the cut off will make the distortion even worse.

A far better protection system is fast acting IV limiting for near DC conditions and slower acting to allow the transients through.
Then put in supply rail fusing for longterm overload to prevent the heatsink overheat taking out the current limited transistors.

[Jan Dupont]

but a fuse may also do the trick......

mikeks and roger-k;

A small "F" fuse may protect the output....
Please note the may in my respons in post 2