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Switching on and off amplifiers that have no on/off switch

z-adamson

z-adamson

Addicted Member
For a while now I have been pondering the best way to do this.

Plugging in and unplugging is a option but sometimes I see an arc at the socket as I plug in and that results in pitting of the plug. Not good.

I thought about making something out of a 2gang plastic box, a light switch and a receptical. Still pondering this one.

Then I came across this...

switch.jpg
Anyone ever use one of these before? I wonder how well it would hold up to the inrush of current on power up. It is rated to 15 amps at 120 volts. I am guessing this is very similar to the switch found on many residential power strips.

What do you think?
 
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That looks flimsy to me. I think your idea to make something out of an electrical box would be much better.

I have though about that too. Haven't done it yet, but I would use a metal square box, the kind with the rounded corners, and a metal cover. One side of the box would hold the switch, the other side a heavy duty duplex receptacle. You can get pre-made pig tails with a male plug on one end, to plug into the wall outlet, and bare wires on the other end. And a switch rated for at least 15A, if not 20A. That type of switch could handle lots of on/off arcing. If the switch ever fails it would be easy to replace.


EDIT: here is the type of switch I was thinking of. This one is rated 20A and 277V. Around $6. Would be much more rugged and durable than the switches in the device shown in the original post or the various power strips.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Eaton-20-Amp-Single-Pole-Ivory-Toggle-Light-Switch/3569172
032664559051.jpg
 
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It would seem to me that if a manufacturer didn't add an on/off switch they meant for the device to be continuously powered. Remember, any device you can turn on with its remote was never fully turned off in the first place.
 
Like Phase Linear 400 for example....

It was meant to be turned on and off via the preamp ac out.

But, if the preamp used is not the matching Phase Linear preamp and the ac out can't handle the amp, then something else needs to be used.
 
z-adamson said:
Like Phase Linear 400 for example....

It was meant to be turned on and off via the preamp ac out.

But, if the preamp used is not the matching Phase Linear preamp and the ac out can't handle the amp, then something else needs to be used.
Click to expand...

Are you using a Phase Linear 400? If not what are you using? If it happens to be a Class D amp be advised they consume little to no electricity when idling.
 
JoeESP9 said:
Are you using a Phase Linear 400? If not what are you using? If it happens to be a Class D amp be advised they consume little to no electricity when idling.
Click to expand...
Phase Linear 400, hafler dh200 with on/off switch bypassed and some preamps and crossovers in the same situation.
 
I use 15 amp switches like posted pic. And similar three prong switches. Use on subwoofer, coffee pots etc.
 
I use an Iot Relay hooked to the 12v trigger output of my Denon AVR. It works very well and will use from 3-48VDC and 12-120VAC as the trigger input. This means it will work from a USB port as well as just about any AC adapter or trigger output from a receiver or preamp. I like the fact that the line in to it is an IEC / standard PC cord so I can use the length needed.
Iot Relay.jpg
Amazon carries them, but I believe I got mine elsewhere for about $10 cheaper.
 
z-adamson said:
Phase Linear 400, hafler dh200 with on/off switch bypassed and some preamps and crossovers in the same situation.
Click to expand...

What was wrong with the power switch on the Hafler? Bear in mind I have a DH-220 on a shelf in a closet. I also have a DBX 223-SX crossover. I just leave it on all the time.
 
JoeESP9 said:
What was wrong with the power switch on the Hafler? Bear in mind I have a DH-220 on a shelf in a closet. I also have a DBX 223-SX crossover. I just leave it on all the time.
Click to expand...
I ran into a couple flakey switches out of the 7 dh200/220 that are in my posession. I looked around online and there have been many others in the same position so I decided to bypass them. If I come up with a good solution with an external switch, I will likely bypass them all.
 
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I've used this GC Electronics 15 amp circuit breaker model 3280 ,with master and individual outlet switches. Don't know if still made.
Can't find online.
 
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Why not get one of these, plug the preamp into the master, amps into the controlled, when the pre is turned on it automatically turns on the controlled receptacles. I use several of these to make things easier on the little lady, one button turns all on lol.

UTC8MS.jpg
 
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