I have seen some discussion concerning running damaging subs by running them in cold weather. Is this a problem? If so, how do you prevent damage? I live in New Hampshire, where it gets mighty cold. Any advice?
Replies (6)
swez on 05/23/2006 13:14:33
It could be a problem if moisture is excessive in the area where the sub(s) are located.
The main problem I see, is when the subs are in use, the coils generate some heat. The amount of heat is proportional to the power applied to the subs. When we shut them down for extended periods, the coils cool rapidly and condensation may develop on the sub coils. If enough condesation is present, the coils will frost or freeze up. (rare)
If this happends, just power up the sub(s) at low power until they begin to sound normal again. Then, you can burn off all excess condensation and the coils should be fine again.
Just remember that in very cold weather, many materials get brittle or don't flex well. Same thing applies to speaker cones and plastics. They can fracture if we push them hard, before they warm up and become pliable again. A little breakin time at low power is a smart option to prevent damage.
Swez
bearman on 05/23/2006 13:30:27
Thanks for the advice.
MrBrownstone on 05/23/2006 13:50:40
I had subs in Northern North Dakota, and it got -40C/F (it doesn't matter).
The main concerns are that the surrounds, etc., may become stiff, then brittle when it gets severely cold. Below 0F, it's most likely going to be difficult to get them moving. The old rule of thumb is that if you are OK sitting in the car i.e. it's warm enough for you, the subs should be fine as well.
Consider waiting til the car is decently warmed up prior to banging on them too hard. You can go ahead and turn on the system for a while and gradually increase the volume on them. Once they loosen up, they are fine.
I don't believe I've ever blown a woofer due to cold weather, and when I lived in that God-Forsaken land, I wasn't very easy on my subs either. Of course, in -20F, there isn't exactly any moisture to worry about, as it's all gone.
bearman on 05/23/2006 15:51:11
Cool. That makes me feel better about my investment.
ttocs on 05/25/2006 00:28:53
that, and its almost june nowSMILE........
it was 103 today, not lookin forward to the garage tomorrow.
MrBrownstone on 05/26/2006 18:55:53
Of course, in the Summer (or spring in Arizona), subs are in danger of overheating since the ambient temperature in the trunk is usually 103...so not a whole lot of cooling going on.
:-) In high temperatures, speakers (particularly tweeters) can't take it so much. Tweeters are the biggest victims since they don't have large cooling areas and are not vented.
Replies (6)
swez on 05/23/2006 13:14:33
It could be a problem if moisture is excessive in the area where the sub(s) are located.
The main problem I see, is when the subs are in use, the coils generate some heat. The amount of heat is proportional to the power applied to the subs. When we shut them down for extended periods, the coils cool rapidly and condensation may develop on the sub coils. If enough condesation is present, the coils will frost or freeze up. (rare)
If this happends, just power up the sub(s) at low power until they begin to sound normal again. Then, you can burn off all excess condensation and the coils should be fine again.
Just remember that in very cold weather, many materials get brittle or don't flex well. Same thing applies to speaker cones and plastics. They can fracture if we push them hard, before they warm up and become pliable again. A little breakin time at low power is a smart option to prevent damage.
Swez
bearman on 05/23/2006 13:30:27
Thanks for the advice.
MrBrownstone on 05/23/2006 13:50:40
I had subs in Northern North Dakota, and it got -40C/F (it doesn't matter).
The main concerns are that the surrounds, etc., may become stiff, then brittle when it gets severely cold. Below 0F, it's most likely going to be difficult to get them moving. The old rule of thumb is that if you are OK sitting in the car i.e. it's warm enough for you, the subs should be fine as well.
Consider waiting til the car is decently warmed up prior to banging on them too hard. You can go ahead and turn on the system for a while and gradually increase the volume on them. Once they loosen up, they are fine.
I don't believe I've ever blown a woofer due to cold weather, and when I lived in that God-Forsaken land, I wasn't very easy on my subs either. Of course, in -20F, there isn't exactly any moisture to worry about, as it's all gone.
bearman on 05/23/2006 15:51:11
Cool. That makes me feel better about my investment.
ttocs on 05/25/2006 00:28:53
that, and its almost june nowSMILE........
it was 103 today, not lookin forward to the garage tomorrow.
MrBrownstone on 05/26/2006 18:55:53
Of course, in the Summer (or spring in Arizona), subs are in danger of overheating since the ambient temperature in the trunk is usually 103...so not a whole lot of cooling going on.
:-) In high temperatures, speakers (particularly tweeters) can't take it so much. Tweeters are the biggest victims since they don't have large cooling areas and are not vented.
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