• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Surge protector?

Sir Sly Ry

Guest
May 21, 2013
279
29
Right now I just have my amp plugged into the wall (unplugged when not in use), but I want to add a couple of pedals to my repertoire in the near future.

Would something like this be sufficient to plug my amp (SVT4 Pro) and 2-4 pedals into? Would all that current being drawn possibly "overload" the power strip in some way? I had my amp and an EHX pedal (that I sent back) plugged into a power strip at the same time, didn't have any problems, just checking to be sure.
 
I'm looking and looking and can hardly find a surge protector that can handle 20 amps, unless you're getting into really pricey rack mounted stuff.

Maybe two separate 15 amp strips then? I just worry that the SVT4 Pro will need to draw more than 15 amps. What happens if the power strip is only 15 amps?
 
I'm looking and looking and can hardly find a surge protector that can handle 20 amps, unless you're getting into really pricey rack mounted stuff.

Maybe two separate 15 amp strips then? I just worry that the SVT4 Pro will need to draw more than 15 amps. What happens if the power strip is only 15 amps?

It would trip just like the 15 amp breaker it's likely plugged into?

I don't have any amps as big as the 4-Pro but I have run a 300-400 bass amp + 400 watt powered mixer + a passive mixer + another 500-600 watt poweramp of a single 15amp circuit plenty of times before. Maybe not the best way to do it :) but nothing tripped ever.

Effects pedals draw very little current.
 
I thought I read somewhere that someone's SVT4 Pro was pulling 15.4 amps, but maybe they were having a problem with it. Most 20 amp surge protectors aren't going to have a plug you can put into a wall outlet anyway, it seems. I think a lot of them have the one prong at a 90 degree angle to the other.
 
@1600 watts 4 ohm the amp draws 11.6 amps... Do you plan on using 1600 watts continuously, like hitting multiple notes and running through a compressor to limit it up to 0dbu? I've run 3200watt pa system class a/b, plus lights, mixer, outboard, etc.. on a 15 amp breaker. Never tripped it. Never turned up louder than -10 dbu either. The spaces I ran like that weren't large enough for more volume. When I play larger gigs, or use more lights/amps, then I may seek out a 20 amp.
 
I'll probably just get the thing I posted at the top then. Pretty sure I've had it plugged into a surge protector before anyway and didn't notice a problem. I have the gain and the master around 1:00. I could probably go louder if I ever play out some place but that's what I use for jamming at home. I also have the minus -15db switch engaged because I'm using an active bass and the manual says that's what you should do...

edit: I hit multiple notes though, all the time. I'm just flying solo so my songwriting style kind of compensates for the lack of other instruments. But I guess I've been overthinking things, I'll probably be fine with a 15 amp surge protector.