I have a pair of LM3886 monoblocks in a single enclosure with a single mains inlet. I know that the mains inlet should really be fused, but how do I work out what is a suitable value?
Each amp has a 120VA toroid & 2x 8300uF filter caps, so the total inrush will be for 2x 120VA toroids & 32,800uF of caps.
I'm guessing that even if I push them to their full power (which I never will) the current draw from the mains will likely be less than 1A but obviously the inrush when I turn them on will be a lot more. Would something like a 1.5A timed fuse be enough? Is there a proper way to calculate what I should use?
Each amp has a 120VA toroid & 2x 8300uF filter caps, so the total inrush will be for 2x 120VA toroids & 32,800uF of caps.
I'm guessing that even if I push them to their full power (which I never will) the current draw from the mains will likely be less than 1A but obviously the inrush when I turn them on will be a lot more. Would something like a 1.5A timed fuse be enough? Is there a proper way to calculate what I should use?
If Vmains = 230VAC is applied to the primary of a 120 VA transformer, the max permitted primary current is 0.522 amps RMS. So you'd probably use an 0.6 ampere, time delay / slow blow fuse in each primary circuit.
FYI, I just bought a Triad Magnetics transformer, 80 VA, whose datasheet says:
FYI, I just bought a Triad Magnetics transformer, 80 VA, whose datasheet says:
- Output voltage: 18.0V @ 4.4A
- Recommended fuse** 250V @ 5A, Littelfuse p/n 313 5.0 HXP, slow blow
- ** Fuse must be used on secondary as conditions of acceptability for UL Class2/3 operation
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1x fuse per primary seems like the best approach. Now to decide whether I can be bothered to dismantle the amp enough that I can drill & mount panel fuse holders or whether I just splice in-line holders...
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