[Elecraft] How much power can a KPA500 handle in bypass?

[Andy Durbin]

According to the KPA500 Owner's Manual you can input 200 W in standby (page 16).

"A related question, what if I accidentally put the 200W in in operate? Just covering all my bases here."

Put some money away for the repair bill.  I think the theory is that that KPA500 will switch in 3 dB attenuation then fault and drop to bypass but I have seen a least one report of a KPA500 damaged with 100 W drive.  It's not worth the risk.

Design your station so the KPA500 cannot be keyed if transceiver power setting is more than about 40 W.  At that power input the 3 dB attenuator should protect the KPA500.

73,
Andy, k3wyc