Ameritron ICP-120 Inrush Current Protector
Best surge protection for owners of legacy tube-type amplifiers.
Safeguard your legacy tube-type amplifier with the Ameritron ICP-120 Inrush Current Protector. This device prevents damaging high current draw during startup by limiting current through a resistor before bypassing it with a relay. It's a simple plug-and-play solution that extends the life of your amplifier's power supply components and tube filaments. The ICP-120 also includes built-in varistors to absorb harmful AC line voltage spikes, offering comprehensive protection. It's designed for legacy tube-type amplifiers and is not recommended for solid-state models.
$104.29
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
13
/ 770
#13 in Power Control Units
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Protector Line Voltage
120
/ Vac
Who it's for
- Home operators tired of tripped breakers during amplifier startup
- Owners looking to maximize the longevity of expensive radio gear
- Users wanting easy protection without modifying their existing equipment
Who should skip it
- Owners of modern amplifiers with built-in soft-start circuitry
- Operators with limited desk space or strict cable management needs
- Users running heavy-duty commercial equipment exceeding twenty amps
Performance breakdown
Startup Surge Suppression
Effectively mitigates high-current spikes to protect sensitive vintage tube filaments.
Installation Simplicity
True plug-and-play design makes setup effortless for any radio operator.
Voltage Spike Protection
Integrated varistors provide a reliable barrier against unexpected AC line fluctuations.
Component Longevity
Significantly reduces thermal stress on aging power supply capacitors and transformers.
Build Robustness
Sturdy construction designed specifically for the demands of legacy amplifier setups.
Current Handling Capacity
Handles 20 amps of continuous current with ease during heavy operation.
Key Specs
Protector Line Voltage
120 Vac
Line Cord Length
6.00 ft.
Line Cord NEMA Plug
120 Vac, 5-15P
Protector NEMA Receptacle
5-15R
Limits current to 12 amps during heavy draw inrush periods
Continuous operating current
20 amps
Built-in Varistors for spike absorption
Compatibility
Legacy tube-type amplifiers
Features
- Protects legacy tube amplifiers from startup surges
- Extends component and tube lifespan
- Simple plug-and-play installation
- Bypasses limiting resistor after startup
- Absorbs AC line voltage spikes
- Prevents power surges and light flicker
- Designed for 120 VAC systems
What customers say
The Ameritron ICP-120 is overwhelmingly viewed as an essential safeguard for high-power amateur radio amplifiers. Users consistently report that this protector flawlessly eliminates destructive inrush current spikes, stopping blown fuses and jarring startup thumps. The build quality is praised as robust and professional grade, instilling confidence in its long term reliability. While an added expense, customers agree the ICP-120 is an excellent investment, easily justifying its cost against potential amplifier repairs. It delivers exceptional functional performance and peace of mind, making it a highly recommended, necessary protective measure within the community.
Know before you buy
Tube amplifiers often draw a massive surge of power when first turned on, which can stress internal components and shorten the lifespan of your tubes. The ICP-120 limits this initial current draw to prevent damage and reduce light flicker in your home.
No, the ICP-120 is specifically engineered for legacy tube-type amplifiers. It is not recommended for solid-state models, which have different power supply requirements.
Once the initial startup period is complete, the ICP-120 automatically bypasses the internal limiting resistor using a relay. This allows your amplifier to run at its full, continuous operating current of up to 20 amps without restriction.
Yes, the ICP-120 features built-in varistors designed to absorb harmful AC line voltage spikes. This provides an extra layer of protection for your equipment beyond just managing startup current.
Not at all. It is a simple plug-and-play device that sits between your wall outlet and your amplifier's power cord, requiring no complex wiring or modifications to your gear.
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