Cap Saver

The Cap Saver is a device that delays the application of high voltage to the amplifier circuit until the power tubes have had time to heat up. Before the cathodes in the power tubes are hot, they do not draw current. When high voltage is applied to the circuit before the tubes are drawing current, the voltage is much higher than normal operating voltage. In some amps, such as Leslie amplifiers, the voltage can exceed the capacitor voltage rating and cause damage to the capacitors.