Amps - how hot is too hot

[Cartman]

Any guidelines out there for how hot is normal for an amp and what is too hot and could cause damage.

After about an hour of playing both my amps were warm (I could have left my hand on them easily but if my bare under arm had touched it by accident I would have pulled my arm away, thats the best I can describe the temp) it was 29 deg C (90 deg F) outside which is hot for my area.

I know I can install fans but if the temp that the amps are reaching is normal then I won't bother.

 

[expo5.0]

that sounds like no problem.

my amps stay real cool in my system- but in other cars i've installed i've been able to fry and egg after that much playing time with no ill effects over the course of months and even years.

 

[KPT]

If the amps aren't going into thermal protection all the time you're fine.

 

[expo5.0]

not all amps have such circuitry- what kind of amp is it

 

[KPT]

Originally posted by expo5.0
not all amps have such circuitry- what kind of amp is it

AFAIK ALL amps will go into protection if they get too hot. Think about it, if they didn't, they could catch fire.....

 

[expo5.0]

i don't think one of our older mtx amps has one. it got really hot, didn't shut off and died

 

[Cartman]

They are a MTX 4250D and a MTX 4244, I think they have the protection.

 

[metalhed]

As long as you're allowing some breathing room, I don't think you'll have any problems.

I ran a 4250d at 1ohm for 3 months and listened to it daily.. Never once gave me any problems. That little guy is stout.

And yea, it's only 2ohm stable It would get really hot, but I wanted to see how much abuse it would take. It's a trooper for sure.