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

 

[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]

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 ...