[brj]

What is the easiest way to determine the size of power conditioner needed for a given set of components?

Can I simply take the fuse limit of each piece of gear (i.e. 4 amps, 2.4 amps, etc.), multiply them by 120 V (assuming U.S. components) and compare the summed total to the VA rating of the toroid in the power conditioner?  This would seem like a simple way to avoid guessing at the power factors needed to properly figure out watts.

Is there a better, even if more complicated, method?

Thanks!

[JoshK]

If those are slow blow fuses then you may add a 20% headroom on that.  But yeah your idea is clever enough and will work.  If you know the watt rating of your toriod or transformer then factor up at least 20% and that will work too.  

Sources generally don't need a lot of current, generally speaking only amps need very much current, only some of the time.  But then IMO you shouldn't use a PC on your amp.

[mgalusha]

The easiest way is to add up the wattage listed on the back of each component. All commercially produced gear should have it listed on the back. Small botique high end gear may not but in that case you could estimate based on the fuses but this may not be a good indicator. Example, I recently built a Hagerman Clarinet for a gentleman, it uses a 1 amp slo-blo fuse. This would calculate out to 120 watts (120V x 1A) but when running it draws a paltry 24 watts. It only draws additional current as part of the turn on surge.

I disagree slightly with Josh in that I do have my power amps plugged into my BPT units. In my system this makes a substantial difference and as long as the power conditioner can handle the load you should be OK.

Mike