Black Box PS186A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
OCTOBER 2000
PS186A SP198A
PS187A-R2 SP199A
PS188A SP211A
PS189A SP215A
SP187A SP216A
SP197A SP217A
SP218A
19" Rack Mount Power Strips
and Surge Suppressors
48", 70", 77" Vertical Power Strips
and Surge Suppressors

1
FCC STATEMENT
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
The PS187A-R2 is UL listed, CSA certified, and can be used in any normal power-
strip application. All of the other products described in this manual are CSA
certified and are recognized under the UL components program as suitable for
permanent mounting in UL listed enclosures or racks only.

2
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

3
NOM STATEMENT
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

4
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
National Electric Code is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection
Association.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ......................................................................................................6
2. Introduction ......................................................................................................13
2.1 About Your Power Strip (PS186A, PS187A-R2, PS188A, or PS189A)....13
2.1.1 19" Rack Power Strip (PS186A) ......................................................13
2.1.2 70" Vertical Power Strip (PS187A-R2) ............................................14
2.1.3 Rack Power Strip, Switchless (PS188A) ..........................................14
2.1.4 Rack Power Strip, Front Access (PS189A)......................................14
2.2 About Your Surge Power Strip (SP187A) or Surge Suppressor
(SP211A or SP215A) ................................................................................15
2.2.1 19" Rack Surge Power Strip (SP187A)............................................15
2.2.2 400-Volt Rack Mount Surge Suppressor, Switchless (SP211A) ....15
2.2.3 Premium Rack Mount Surge Suppressor (SP215A)......................16
2.3 About Your Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip ..........................................16
2.3.1 Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip (SP197A, SP198A, SP199A) ......17
2.3.2 Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip (SP216A, SP217A, SP218A) ......17
3. Installation ..........................................................................................................19
3.1 Installing Most Models..............................................................................19
3.2 Installing the PS187A-R2 or Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip ................19
4. Troubleshooting..................................................................................................20
4.1 Calling Your Supplier................................................................................20
4.2 Shipping and Packaging ..........................................................................20

6
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
1. Specifications
PS186A (19" Rack Power Strip)
Compliance — FCC Class A, IC Class/classe A, UR recognized, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Control — (1) Front-mounted ON/OFF switch (lights when ON)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (6) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — 1.8"H x 19"W x 2.8"D (4.6 x 48.3 x 7.1 cm)
Weight — 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg)
PS187A-R2 (70" Vertical Power Strip)
Compliance — FCC Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A, UL listed, CSA certified,
UR recognized
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has side-mounted resettable breaker)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (11) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — 70"H x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (177.8 x 3.8 x 3 cm)
Weight — 3.5 lb. (1.6 kg)

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
PS188A (Rack Mount Power Strip, Switchless)
Compliance — FCC Class A, IC Class/classe A, UR recognized, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (6) Rear-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — 1.8"H x 19"W x 2.8"D (4.6 x 48.3 x 7.1 cm)
Weight — 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg)
PS189A (Rack Mount Power Strip, Front Access)
Compliance — FCC Class A, IC Class/classe A, UR recognized, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Control — (1) Front-mounted ON/OFF switch (lights when ON)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (6) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs, rotated 90˚ from normal in order to
support wallmount transformers
Size — 1.8"H x 19"W x 2.8"D (4.6 x 48.3 x 7.1 cm)
Weight — 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg)

8
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
SP187A (19" Rack Surge Power Strip)
Compliance — FCC Class A, IC Class/classe A, UR recognized, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Protection — Surge suppression:
Type: Single-stage;
UL 1449 clamping category: 400 volts peak transient voltage;
Actual clamp voltage: 336 volts peak;
Maximum surge-energy resistance: 13,000 amps;
EMI/RFI resistance: Up to 40 dB
Control — (1) Front-mounted ON/OFF switch (lights when ON)
Indicator — (1) Front-mounted Protection LED (goes dark when unit’s protection
circuitry has absorbed surge and been destroyed)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (6) Rear-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — 1.8"H x 19"W x 2.8"D (4.6 x 48.3 x 7.1 cm)
Weight — 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg)

9
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
SP211A (400-Volt Rack Mount Surge Suppressor, Switchless)
Compliance — FCC Class A, IC Class/classe A, UR recognized, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Protection — Surge suppression:
Type: Single-stage;
UL 1449 clamping category: 400 volts peak transient voltage;
Actual clamp voltage: 336 volts peak;
Maximum surge-energy resistance: 13,000 amps;
Fail safety: Unit automatically shuts OFF power to its outlets if surge suppression
fails;
EMI/RFI resistance: Up to 40 dB
Indicator — (1) Front-mounted Protection LED (goes dark when unit’s protection
circuitry has absorbed surge and been destroyed)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (6) Rear-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — 1.8"H x 19"W x 2.8"D (4.6 x 48.3 x 7.1 cm)
Weight — 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg)

10
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
SP215A (Premium Rack Mount Surge Suppressor)
Compliance — FCC Class A, IC Class/classe A, UR recognized, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Protection — Surge suppression:
Type: Four-element, four-stage hybrid;
UL 1449 clamping category: 330 volts peak transient voltage;
Actual clamp voltage: 260 volts peak;
Maximum surge-energy resistance: 33,000 amps;
EMI/RFI resistance: Up to 60 dB
Indicator — (1) Front-mounted Protection LED (goes dark when unit’s protection
circuitry has absorbed surge and been destroyed)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — (6) Rear-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — 1.8"H x 19"W x 2.8"D (4.6 x 48.3 x 7.1 cm)
Weight — 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg)

11
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
SP197A (48" Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip), SP198A (70" Vertical Surge
Suppressor Strip), and SP199A (77" Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip)
Compliance — FCC Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A, UL listed, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 15 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Protection — Surge suppression:
Type: Single-stage;
UL 1449 clamping category: 330 volts peak transient voltage;
Actual clamp voltage: 312 volts peak;
Maximum surge-energy resistance: 13,000 amps;
EMI/RFI resistance: Up to 40 dB
Indicator — (1) Front-mounted Protection LED (goes dark when unit’s protection
circuitry has absorbed surge and been destroyed)
Input — (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — SP197A: (10) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs;
SP198A: (11) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs;
SP199A: (12) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — SP197A: 48"L x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (121.9 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm);
SP198A: 70"L x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (177.8 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm);
SP199A: 77"L x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (195.6 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm)
Weight — SP197A: 3.46 lb. (1.57 kg);
SP198A: 4.42 lb. (2 kg);
SP199A: 4.96 lb. (2.25 kg)

12
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
SP216A (48" Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip), SP217A (70" Vertical Surge
Suppressor Strip), and SP218A (77" Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip)
Compliance — FCC Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A, UL listed, CSA certified
Power — 120 VAC
Rated Current — 20 amps (has front-mounted resettable breaker)
Protection — Surge suppression:
Type: Single-stage;
UL 1449 clamping category: 330 volts peak transient voltage;
Actual clamp voltage: 312 volts peak;
Maximum surge-energy resistance: 13,000 amps;
EMI/RFI resistance: Up to 40 dB
Indicator — (1) Front-mounted Protection LED (goes dark when unit’s
protection circuitry has absorbed surge and been destroyed)
Input — (1) 15-ft. (4.6-m) 14/3 (14-AWG, 3-conductor) cord with NEMA 5-15 male
plug
Outlets — SP216A: (10) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs;
SP217A: (11) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs;
SP218A: (12) Front-mounted NEMA 5-15Rs
Size — SP216A: 48"L x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (121.9 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm);
SP217A: 70"L x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (177.8 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm);
SP218A: 77"L x 1.5"W x 1.2"D (195.6 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm)
Weight — SP216A: 5.22 lb. (2.37 kg);
SP217A: 6.3 lb. (2.86 kg);
SP218A: 6.66 lb. (3.02 kg)

13
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
WARNING!
Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to install or
operate your Rack Mount Power Strip or Surge Suppressor. If you don’t,
you might be injured or your equipment might be damaged.
For your safety, plug the 3-prong grounding plug of the unit’s power
cord into a 3-prong grounded receptacle only. You could be shocked if
you modify or bypass the grounding pin for use in a non-grounded
receptacle. All the units conform to, and should be installed and
grounded in compliance with requirements of, the current National
Electric Code®or codes administered by local authorities.
The PS187A-R2 is UL®listed and CSA certified. All other models are UR
recognized (as permanently mounted component fixtures) and CSA
certified. Use your unit in interior, dry locations only. Do not use near
water, baths, or washing systems.
Do not attempt to take the unit apart. It contains no user-serviceable
parts; you will void the warranty; and you could very easily hurt yourself
and/or damage the unit. If the unit is defective, call your supplier as
described in Chapter 4.
When you unpack the unit, inspect it carefully for any damage that
might occur during transit. If anything is damaged, return the unit
immediately, but call your supplier first as described in Chapter 4.
2.1 About Your Power Strip (PS186A, PS187A-R2, PS188A, or PS189A)
The Power Strips are designed to provide extra outlets wherever you need them.
Each unit is 100% tested before packaging.
NOTE
The Power Strip units are electrically rated at 15 amps, 120 VAC, and 60 Hz.
15 amps is the maximum current for the entire unit, not individual outlets.
2.1.1 19" R ACK P OWER S TRIP (PS186A)
The PS186A is a rackmountable power strip for standard 19" racks. It has 6 outlets
on its rear panel, as well as these features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button (but no other surge
protection).
• Lighted power switch.

14
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
2.1.2 70" V ERTICAL P OWER S TRIP (PS187A-R2)
The PS187A-R2 is a rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 11 outlets on its front panel, as well as these
features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button (but no other surge
protection).
• No power switch; devices plugged into the strip can’t be accidentally turned
off.
2.1.3 R ACK P OWER S TRIP , S WITCHLESS (PS188A)
The PS188A is a rackmountable power strip for standard 19" racks. It has
6 outlets on its rear panel, as well as these features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button (but no other surge
protection).
• No power switch; devices plugged into the strip can’t be accidentally turned
off.
2.1.4 R ACK P OWER S TRIP , F RONT A CCESS (PS189A)
The PS189A is a rackmountable power strip that fits in a standard 19" rack. It has 6
outlets on its front panel; these outlets are rotated 90˚ to accommodate wallmount
transformers and large power supplies. It also has these features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button (but no other surge
protection).
• Lighted power switch.

15
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.2 About Your Surge Power Strip (SP187A) or Surge Suppressor (SP211A or
SP215A)
The Surge Power Strip and the Surge Suppressors are designed to protect
equipment that is sensitive to the destructive effects of power-line transients and
noise on electronic and electrical circuitry. However, they are not lightning
arrestors and do not protect equipment in the rare instance that lightning actually
strikes the site’s service entrance or antenna.
Each unit is 100% tested before packaging.
NOTE
The Surge Power Strip and Surge Suppressor units are electrically rated
at 15 amps, 120 VAC, and 60 Hz. 15 amps is the maximum current for the
entire unit, not individual outlets.
2.2.1 19" R ACK S URGE P OWER S TRIP (SP187A)
The SP187A is a rackmountable power strip for standard 19" racks. It has 6 outlets
on its rear panel, as well as these features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button.
• UL 1449 400-volt clamping category (actually clamps at 336 volts).
• Resists EMI/RFI up to 40 dB.
• LED goes dark to show that the unit has done its job—it has taken
a major surge, sparing the attached devices—and should be replaced.
• Lighted power switch.
2.2.2 400-V OLT R ACK M OUNT S URGE S UPPRESSOR , S WITCHLESS (SP211A)
The SP211A is a rackmountable power strip for standard 19" racks. It has 6 outlets
on its rear panel, as well as these features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button.
• UL 1449 400-volt clamping category (actually clamps at 336 volts).
• Resists EMI/RFI up to 40 dB.

16
RACK MOUNT POWER STRIPS AND SURGE SUPPRESSORS
• Automatically cuts off power if its surge-protection components fail.
• LED goes dark to show that the unit has done its job—it has taken a major
surge, sparing the attached devices—and should be replaced.
• No power switch; devices plugged into the strip can’t be accidentally turned
off.
2.2.3 P REMIUM R ACK M OUNT S URGE S UPPRESSOR (SP215A)
The SP215A is a rackmountable power strip for standard 19" racks. It has 6 outlets
on its rear panel, as well as these features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• Protective circuit breaker with front-panel reset button.
• UL 1449 330-volt clamping category (actually clamps at 260 volts).
• Resists EMI/RFI up to 60 dB.
• LED goes dark to show that the unit has done its job—it has taken a major
surge, sparing the attached devices—and should be replaced.
• No power switch; devices plugged into the strip can’t be accidentally turned
off.
2.3 About Your Vertical Surge Suppressor Strip
The Vertical Surge Suppressor Strips are designed to protect equipment that is
sensitive to the destructive effects of power-line transients and noise on electronic
and electrical circuitry. However, they are not lightning arrestors and do not
protect equipment in the rare instance that lightning actually strikes the site’s
service entrance or antenna.
Each unit is 100% tested before packaging.

17
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.3.1 V ERTICAL S URGE S UPPRESSOR S TRIP (SP197A, SP198A, SP199A)
NOTE
The SP197A, SP198A, and SP199A units are electrically rated at 15
amps, 120 VAC, and 60 Hz. 15 amps is the maximum current for the
entire unit, not individual outlets.
The SP197A is a 48" rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 10 outlets on its front panel.
The SP198A is a 70" rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 11 outlets on its front panel.
The SP199A is a 77" rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 12 outlets on its front panel.
Vertical Surge Suppressor Strips SP197A, SP198A, and SP199A all have the
following features:
• Electrical and mechanical grounding.
• UL 1449 330-volt clamping category (actually clamps at 312 volts).
• Resists EMI/RFI up to 40 dB.
• LED goes dark to show that the unit has done its job—it has taken a major
surge, sparing the attached devices—and should be replaced.
• No power switch; devices plugged into the strip can’t be accidentally turned
off.
2.3.2 V ERTICAL S URGE S UPPRESSOR S TRIP (SP216A, SP217A, SP218A)
NOTE
The SP216A, SP217A, or SP218A units are electrically rated at 20 amps,
120 VAC, and 60 Hz. 20 amps is the maximum current for the entire unit,
not individual outlets.
The SP216A is a 48" rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 10 outlets on its front panel.
The SP217A is a 70" rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 11 outlets on its front panel.
The SP218A is a 77" rackmountable power strip that mounts from top to bottom in
the rear of standard 19" racks. It has 12 outlets on its front panel.