Peavey PV 3800 User Manual
Page 9

Unpacking
Connecting Power
Upon unpacking, inspect the 
amplifier. If you find any damage, 
notify your supplier immediately. 
Only the consignee may institute a 
claim with the carrier for damage 
incurred during shipping. Be sure 
to save the carton and all packing 
materials. Should you ever need to 
ship the unit back to Peavey, one 
of its offices, service centers or the 
supplier, use only the original fac-
tory packing. If the shipping carton 
is unavailable, contact Peavey to 
obtain a replacement.
Because of the complexity of the de-
sign and the risk of electrical shock, 
all repairs must be completed only 
by qualified technical personnel. 
Mounting
The PV® 3800 amplifier will 
mount in standard 19" racks. Rear 
mounting ears are also provided 
for additional support, which is 
recommended in non-permanent 
installations like mobile or touring 
sound systems. 
The PV 3800 amplifier power re-
quirements are rated at 1/8 power 
(typical music conditions) and 1/3 
power (extreme music conditions). The 
maximum power current draw rating is 
limited only by the front panel circuit 
breaker. Consult the specifications in 
the Specification section for figures on 
the current that each amplifier will de-
mand. Make sure the mains voltage is 
correct and is the same as that printed 
on the rear of the amplifier. Damage 
caused by connecting the amplifier to 
improper AC voltage is not covered by 
any warranty. Unless otherwise speci-
fied when ordered, Peavey amplifiers 
shipped to customers are configured 
as follows:
Option 1
North America
120VAC / 60 Hz
Option 2
Europe, Asia
230/240VAC / 50 Hz
Option 3
Australia
240VAC / 50 Hz
Option 4
South America
120VAC / 60 Hz or 240VAC / 50 Hz
Operating Precautions
Make sure the mains voltage is correct and the same as that printed on the rear of the amplifier. Damage caused by connect-
ing the amplifier to improper AC voltage is not covered by any warranty. See the Connecting Power section for more informa-
tion on voltage requirements.
Although the PV 3800 amplifier has RAMPUP
™
circuitry, which raises the signal level gradually after the output relay closes,
remember to have the gain controls turned down during power-up to prevent speaker damage if there is a high signal level at 
the inputs. Whether you buy or make them, use good-quality connections, input cables and speaker cables, along with good 
soldering technique, to ensure trouble-free operation. Most intermittent problems are caused by faulty cables.
Consult the Wire Gauge Chart to determine proper gauges for different load impedances and cable lengths. Remember that 
cable resistance robs amplifier power in two ways: power lost directly to resistance (I
2
R loss), and by increasing the total load
impedance, thereby decreasing the power demanded of the amplifier. Also, make sure the mode switch is correctly set for the 
desired application. See Sections on Stereo, Parallel and Bridged Mono Mode for more information.
Installation
Always turn off and disconnect the amplifier 
from mains voltage before making audio 
connections. Also, as an extra precaution, turn the 
attenuators down during power-up.
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Cooling Requirements
The PV 3800 amplifier uses a 
forced-air cooling system to main-
tain a low, consistent operating 
temperature. Air is drawn into the 
amplifier by fan(s) on the rear panel, 
courses through the cooling fins of 
the tunnel-configured channel heat 
sink(s), and then exhausts through 
the front panel grille. If either heat 
sink gets too hot, its sensing circuit 
will open the output relay, discon-
necting the load from that particular 
channel. The PV 3800 utilizes one 
common heat sink and a single fan, 
but retains the separate circuitry. 
NOTE: Maintain an adequate air 
supply at the back of the amplifier 
and enough space around the front 
of the amplifier to allow the cooling 
air to escape. If the amp is rack 
mounted, do not use doors or 
covers on the front of the rack; 
the exhaust air must flow without 
resistance. If you are using racks 
with closed backs, use fans on the 
rear rack panel to pressurize the 
rack and ensure an ample air supply.
Make certain that there is enough space around the front and rear of the amplifier to allow the heated air 
to escape. 
Suggestion: In racks with closed backs, allow at least one standard-rack-space opening for every four 
mounted power amplifiers.
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