Note that the bulb and bulb cage are not included
We all know the temptation to rush home and plug in our "new" old amplifier, receiver, radio, or other gear. However thats always a good way to have a bad time. There's always a chance of a short in the cord or circuits, a failed capacitor or transistor, drifting resistor, or other serious problems or failures that are not evident to the naked eye. Powering the gear up unprotected could potentially damage expensive, unobtainable, or irreplaceable parts, create further failures in the gear or worse, causing a fire.
A dim bulb tester is an effective and simple tool that allows for safe startup even in the case of a serious problem, such as a short and keeps the magic smoke where it belongs. The dim bulb tester places an incandescent light bulb between you new "old" gear and the AC power in the wall. This way, if your gear has a short circuit or other issue which could result in excessive current draw, it will simply light up the bulb rather than further damaging and of the electronics.
To use simply:
If there is no short or issue causing excessive current draw, the bulb may light upon power up then dim to a low level glow or completely dim to the point where no light is being produced (See Photo 9). This indicates that the devices should be safe to plug in directly to the power outlet.
However, if there is a short the bulb will not dim and will continue to glow brightly (see Photo 10). This indicates that there is a serious issue with the gear and that repairs need to be preformed. Turn the switches to the off position quickly.
All dim bulb testers are tested prior to shipping to ensure full functionality.
BULB NOT INCLUDED
Improved Dim Bulb Tester Current Limiting Test Fixture w/ Bulb Preheat Feature
$189.95
Dim Bulb Current Limiter - Guitar Amp Test Fixture Cable (Bulb NOT Included)
$23.95
Dim Bulb Tester/Current Limiter for Amplifiers, Stereos, Receivers, Guitar Amps
$37.00
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