[Elecraft] K3 KPA500 power on 24/7

[Don Wilhelm]

Jack,

 From what I know about solid state electronics, it does not make much 
difference in the life of the gear.  The Mean Time Between Failure for 
any component is so great (mostly 100,000 hours or more) that it is only 
a minor consideration.

Of greater concern is "what can happen during idle periods" - such as a 
lightning or other static event that can cause damage.  That can happen 
whether the equipment is powered or not.  So, when the transceiver is 
not in use, switch the antenna connection to a dummy load is a good 
preventative measure.  Yes, lightning surge paths can be other than the 
antenna, they can come in on the AC power lines or the telco line (read 
as computer connections), but a connected antenna is the most likely 
'gatherer' of lightning and static charges.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/17/2014 6:16 PM, W4GRJ wrote:
> My question is technical not financial.... I just wanted opinions of  which is best for the equipment on 24/7 or not.... Maybe the answer is it doesn't matter.
> Jack
> W4GRJ
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