Amps and cold weather

Willis Vanderberg · From: Petoskey Mi

How low a temperature can amps stand? I live in northern Michigan and we can go to 40 below zero. I need to store a few amps in cold storage but don't know for sure how much cold they will take. It seems as though auto radios and CD player and such do ok in the very cold.Aircraft set outside in this kind of weather also.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I don't think storage is a problem.
The problem arises when you take the equip. in from the cold and turn it on.
I have some PA systems and I remember the last time I brought an amp in from the cold and turned it on.
It let out a screech until it had a chance to warm up.
After that experience, I let the equip. warm up some before I put it to use.

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

I live in Vermont. In the cold, I've had trouble with amps that use pin and barrel connectors. Seems the pins expand and contract leaving them less than tight fitting at some point. Even though annoying, the fix is easy - tighten the split barrels with a pair of needle nose pliers.
Most gear can handle the temperature extremes, however the potential for developing moisture is higher if the temperature varies alot. If you can, put the amps in a tied off garbage bag with a decescnet thrown in. Decescent can be purchased at a hardware store. It's a bag of moisture absorbing material.

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

The primary risk is from condensation, as the amp warms up water can collect on the circuit board and cause undesirable things to happen. Best to let the gear warm up as much as possible before applying power.

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