Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 07, 2025, 09:56:14 am
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed  (Read 2334 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jackplug1

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 79
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed
« on: February 25, 2022, 01:36:01 pm »
In my amp build I have a separate filamant transformer to supply the heaters, what fuse should I choose to protect the transformer and valves
I supplies two 12ax7 and one 6v6gt so 1.05a at 6.3v  so only 6.6watt.
it is a 12va transformer operating at 250V should I opt for a 250v 50ma fuse or should I take surges into account and go higher?
I can't find any lower than 50ma.

Offline uki

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1015
  • Hot Tube Hot Sound
    • Uki's Guitar Trip
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2022, 01:53:08 pm »
This link have solid info !!

http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/fuses.html
Theory is when everyone knows everything but nothing works, practice is when stuff works but nobody knows why !!!
https://soundcloud.com/ukiuki
http://tribonow.wixsite.com/tribonow

Offline jackplug1

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 79
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2022, 04:02:48 pm »
btw - I have seen that but I'm refering to a fuse on the primary side, mains input not the secondary winding
« Last Edit: February 25, 2022, 04:05:16 pm by jackplug1 »

Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2022, 04:17:51 pm »
I would use 1/10th amp fast.
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline PRR

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 17082
  • Maine USA
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2022, 04:59:07 pm »
I have seen a very small transformer not hold (unloaded) on less than a 1/4A fuse at 117V, due to cheap design and excess reactance current. So there is a bit of suck it and see.

Fusing small radio parts is not a precision job. What's the worst can happen? A 5A fuse will blow before the carpet is set on fire. I'm not inclined to "fuse for the transformer" because if the transformer is sick, why protect it? A 12VA tranny won't make a lot of smoke or flame.

(I just got a 10-port USB charger which feels SO cheap that I am afraid to plug it in again. Maybe if it was a nosehair trimmer I would risk it, since it would be in my hand in use; a USB charger is sucking while we are sleeping.)


Offline trobbins

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 307
    • Tim's projects and info
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Filament transformer fuse specification advice needed
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2022, 06:53:43 pm »
Can you measure the primary current with suitable accuracy and safety?

 


Choose a link from the
Hoffman Amplifiers parts catalog
Mobile Device
Catalog Link
Yard Sale
Discontinued
Misc. Hardware
What's New Board Building
 Parts
Amp trim
Handles
Lamps
Diodes
Hoffman Turret
 Boards
Channel
Switching
Resistors Fender Eyelet
 Boards
Screws/Nuts
Washers
Jacks/Plugs
Connectors
Misc Eyelet
Boards
Tools
Capacitors Custom Boards
Tubes
Valves
Pots
Knobs
Fuses/Cords Chassis
Tube
Sockets
Switches Wire
Cable


Handy Links
Tube Amp Library
Tube Amp
Schematics library
Design a custom Eyelet or
Turret Board
DIY Layout Creator
File analyzer program
DIY Layout Creator
File library
Transformer Wiring
Diagrams
Hoffmanamps
Facebook page
Hoffman Amplifiers
Discount Program


password