Fault/thermal considerations – Ampeg PF-350 User Manual
Page 18
PF-350 / PF-500 / PF-800 Bass Guitar Amplifier
18
Fault/Thermal Considerations:
As an amplifier works, it produces heat.
The higher the signal level, the louder
and hotter it gets. It is important to
dissipate the heat as quickly as possible.
This results in increased reliability and
longevity for the amplifier.
The amplifier module is mounted on a
large heatsink, which is cooled by
convection where cool air is drawn
through its fins, carrying the heat away.
In order for this convection cooling to
work efficiently, it is important to provide
adequate airspace behind and to the
side or above the amplifier. When
positioning the Portaflex, we recommend
leaving at least six inches of air space
behind it.
In the unlikely event of the amplifier
overheating, a built-in fault switch will
activate, muting the signal and lighting
the thermal LED. When the amplifier has
cooled down to a safe operating
temperature, the fault switch resets
itself, and the Portaflex resumes normal
operation.
If the fault switch activates frequently, try
turning down the volume control a notch
or two to avoid overheating the
amplifier. Be aware that direct sunlight
and/or hot stage lights may be the
culprit of an amplifier overheating.