Essential Audio Tools Mains Multiplier 6+ User manual

User Manual
Rev 2.1 July 2021
Mains Multiplier 6+
Mains Multiplier 8+
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Mains Multiplier 6+
Mains Multiplier 8+

Introduction ………………………………….........…………………… page 3
Description ………………………………….........…………………… page 4
Safety precautions ………………………………….........…………………… page 5
Connections ………………………………….........…………………… page 6
Specifications ………………………………….........…………………… page 10
Problem solving ………………………………….........…………………… page 11
Warranty ………………………………….........…………………… page 11
Contents

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Essential Audio Tools Mains Multiplier 6+ / Mains Multiplier 8+!
‘Essential Audio Tools’ is a Square Audio brand name. The name speaks for itself, tools
which are very essential for music reproduction. Better reproduction often means more
involvement.
Our ‘Essential Audio Tools’ are products to improve the sound of your audio equipment
where it all begins: the mains power supply. The power from the mains socket is being
‘abused’ even before it enters your audio equipment. Energy companies use the mains
supply to control government property equipment, like streetlights. Also other equipment is
communicating with each other by use of the mains power supply. But there is more: the
past 25 years switching power supplies have made their way into computers, TV’s and
other home appliances. These devices pollute the mains supply with nasty pulses. This
“Trojan Horse” comes into your equipment without you being aware of it. The pollution has
to be taken out of the mains power supply before it reaches your (analogue) audio
equipment. The Essential Audio Tools’ cables, distribution boxes, filters and phase indicator
make any audio set perform better.
Essential Audio Tools invests lots of time and effort to make products as good as they can
be. They are all made with use of precision CNC machining. Beautifully shaped,
well-designed and manufactured from top-quality material by experts. Experience the
quality of our products and listen to the results, then you know what we mean.
We wish you lots of pleasure!
3.

Description
The Mains Multiplier is not a regular multiple socket but more a work of art made on a CNC
machine that shapes this form out of one piece synthetic material. Yes… synthetic! The
results speak for themselves, optical as well as electrical.
The type of outputs is chosen because of the high contact pressure, which is obvious when
putting in or pulling out an electric plug. More contact pressure and an optimal contact
surface create a low resistance value. This is very important for good power
distribution.
The wiring for phase, neutral and earth is connected by a star principle. Every output has its
own wiring towards the feed cable. Peaks in the current or interference signals that appear
on contacts of one socket will now have less effect on the other sockets.
A ‘Pulse Protector’ is integrated behind the IEC input connector. This prevents peaks and
pulses reaching your audio equipment. Our Pulse Protector is also available as a separate
tool, please check our website.
Where to use
Wherever you need to connect multiple loads to the mains, the Mains Multiplier is the best
choice. Of course you will have to use high performance power cords, else the Mains
Multiplier will not perform at its best. It's a combination of factors, only if you use the Mains
Multiplier in combination with high performance power cords -like our Current Conductor-
you will achieve the maximum results for your audio system.
Of course it is possible to use the Mains Multiplier as an ordinary multiple socket without high
performance power supply cables. Our advice is to buy better power cords, the results will
be rewarding.
What to expect
An improvement in dynamics, a much better sound image and a lower hum level. The
sound character of your audio system remains, fortunately!
By using the Mains Multiplier with integrated Pulse Protector your equipment has less trouble
with electrical failures induced by distortion on your network and it is better protected
against damage through lightning impacts nearby. A guarantee that lightning impacts will
not damage your equipment can not be given because the energy-content of lightning is
too high.
4.

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Safety precautions
For your protection and safe operation of the unit, please read the following:
Avoid water and other liquids
To avoid risk of fire and electrical shock: do not expose this device to moisture. Use indoors
and in dry locations only. Do not expose to dripping and/or splashing. Do not place objects
filled with liquids -such as vases- on or near the device. Do not operate the unit if any liquid
is spilled on or into the unit; return it to your dealer for servicing.
Don't open the device
To avoid risk of electrical shock: do not open the device. There are no user serviceable
parts inside. Repairs have to be performed by qualified personnel only.
Unplug before cleaning
Always disconnect the unit before cleaning. Only clean the unit with a dry cloth or duster.
Do not use any cleaning solutions, sprays or water.
Connect to mains ground
For safety reasons and to protect connected equipment, this product MUST be connected
to mains ground through a three conductors power cord or with an external ground
connected to the green socket.
Using this product without mains ground may result in personal injury or damage to your
equipment.
Do not overload individual outputs
Do not connect loads which draw more current than the maximum rating for each
individual outlet. Possible damages due to exceeding these maximum ratings will void
warranty. The MAXIMUM CURRENT rating for each outlet may differ, please look at the
Specifications for maximum loads.
Do not exceed maximum total load
The total current drawn from all outlets together may not exceed 16 Amps. At 230 Volts
mains supply this is equivalent to 3680W.
Check your supply voltage
This device is designed for 220-240V~ @ 50/60 Hz mains supply. Connecting to a different
voltage may damage the device and warranty will be void.
Avoid condensation
If the device is moved from a cold to a warmer area, allow the product to warm up to
room temperature before connecting it to the mains supply. This is to avoid condensation
inside the device.
Connect power cords safely
Power cords should be routed in such a way that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items. Do not route power cords near heat sources. To disconnect the power
cord, pull it out by the plug (wall outlet side first). Do not pull the cable itself, doing so may
result in damage which can lead to fire or electric shock.
5.

Connections
Integrating your new Mains Multiplier 6+ / Mains Multiplier 8+ is as easy as can be.
Just connect the Mains Multiplier to your wall socket. Don’t bother about the phase of the
wall socket, you don’t have to check it. The Mains Multiplier 6+ (figure 1) and the Mains
Multiplier 8+ (figure 2) both have an integrated phase indicator which shows the following
indications:
If you get a false phase indication by a red light, you should reverse the power cable plug
in the wall socket. You will see that both indicators will light green which means that power
is on and phase is ok.
For countries with an earth pin in the middle of the wall socket (France, Belgium) it is not
possible to reverse the power cord plug in the wall socket. You should ask a technician to
reverse the neutral and phase in your wall socket, NOT in your power cord. Don’t do this
yourself, the mains voltage is dangerous!
Figure 2. Phase indication Mains Multiplier 8+
no power
power on
no earth connected
power on
false phase
power on
phase ok
no power
power on
no earth connected
power on
false phase
power on
phase ok
Figure 1. Phase indication Mains Multiplier 6+
6.

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Connecting the Mains Multiplier 6+
The Mains Multiplier 6+ has two outputs with each a Common Mode filter and four direct
outputs, see figure 3. The direct outputs can supply 10 Amps maximum current each, the
filtered outputs can supply 6 Amps maximum current each.
The total current of all six outputs may not exceed 16 Amps.
You can NOT just connect loads to any group, so read this carefully!
Figure 3. Mains Multiplier 6+
Group I has four outputs, they are wired directly to the mains. You can connect
heavy loads to this group, like power amplifiers and heavy subwoofers.
Group II has two outputs, both have their own separate Common Mode filter.
This group is meant to feed pre-amplifiers, digital surround processors
and light to medium subwoofers. Integrated amplifiers can be
connected to this group as well, but please check power consumption
carefully.
The maximum current or power you can draw from each group is different:
Group I 4 outputs maximum 10A each maximum 16A in total
Group II 2 outputs maximum 6A each maximum 12A in total
To prevent that you exceed the maximum load, use the power indication (W or Watt) at
the back of your equipment to calculate the total power for each group. The value(s) of
the fuse(s) in your equipment is/are not important for the calculation.
After checking the power use the following values:
Group I 4 outputs maximum 2300W each maximum 3680W in total
Group II 2 outputs maximum 1380W each maximum 2760W in total
Total power connected to the Mains Multiplier 6+ may not exceed 3680W.
7.

Figure 4. Mains Multiplier 8+
Group I has four outputs, they are wired directly to the mains. You can connect
heavy loads to this group, like power amplifiers and heavy subwoofers.
Group II has four outputs, with each their own separate Common Mode filter.
This group is meant to feed pre-amplifiers, digital surround processors
and light to medium subwoofers. Integrated amplifiers can be
connected to this group as well, but please check power consumption
carefully.
The maximum current or power you can draw from each group is different:
Group I 4 outputs maximum 10A each maximum 16A in total
Group II 4 outputs maximum 6A each maximum 16A in total
To prevent that you exceed the maximum load, use the power indication (W or Watt) at
the back of your equipment to calculate the total power for each group. The value(s) of
the fuse(s) in your equipment is/are not important for the calculation.
After checking the power use the following values:
Group I 4 outputs maximum 2300W each maximum 3680W in total
Group II 4 outputs maximum 1380W each maximum 3680W in total
The total power connected to the Mains Multiplier 8+ may not exceed 3680W.
Connecting the Mains Multiplier 8+
The Mains Multiplier 8+ has four outputs with each a Common Mode filter and four direct
outputs, see figure 4. The direct outputs can supply 10 Amps maximum current each, the
filtered outputs can supply 6 Amps maximum current each.
The total current of all eight outputs may not exceed 16 Amps.
You can NOT just connect loads to any group, so read this carefully!
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Connecting Earth
Your Mains Multiplier 6+ or 8+ must be connected to ground, however if your system is not
properly earthed the Mains Multiplier will still function. Even without earth the Mains
Multiplier itself will make a connection between all earth contacts of your equipment. This
will prevent that small currents will run through your interlinks due to differences between
earth potentials at your equipment’s chassis. So even without an earthed wall socket you
should keep using your earthed power cords.
On both the Mains Multiplier 6+ and Mains Multiplier 8+ you will find a tool which is unique
in the world of high-end audio equipment. It is called the Ground Bridge.
It consists of three terminals (one green, two black) which can be connected in two ways
by a bridge. With the Ground Bridge you are able to choose between the earth terminal in
your wall socket or an external earth you supply yourself. This external earth can be an
earth pole which you can have installed by a specialized company. The earth pole
(outside your house, deep in the ground) should have an exclusive connection to your
Mains Multiplier 6+ or Mains Multiplier 8+. Nothing else should be connected to this special
earth pole. The Mains Multiplier’s green socket must be used to connect your external
earth.
Do not plug or unplug the Ground Bridge when the Mains Multiplier is powered!
Figure 6. Setup for external earth
In figure 5 you can see how the Ground Bridge is connecting the earth pin of the
wall socket with the earth connection inside the Mains Multiplier 6+ or
Mains Multiplier 8+.
In figure 6 you can see how the Ground Bridge is placed so the green socket can
be used to connect the external earth.
After placing the ground bridge, check the indicators, you should see two green lights.
One green light means that there is no earth connection.
Tips
For maximum noise reduction, it is best to keep power cords and audio cables in your
setup separated by some distance from each other, also avoid routing cables in parallel.
Use high-quality power cords (our Current Conductor for example) to connect your
equipment. The screenings will prevent stray-fields reaching your audio cables. Order your
power cords as short as possible, for best results.
Do not connect distribution blocks or mains splitters to the outputs. It will possibly cause
interference.
Feed ALL your equipment from the Mains Multiplier. Having an extra external power feed
to one device will possibly cause interference and/or hum.
Figure 5. Wall socket earth applied
9.

Specifications
Rated voltage 220-240V~ @ 50/60 Hz
Protecting Phase-Neutral, Phase-Earth and Neutral-Earth
Maximum voltage 250V~
Maximum peak-voltage 2500V
Maximum peak-current 4500A
Maximum peak-energy 3 x 65 Joule
Response time < 25 nanoseconds
Mains Multiplier 6+
Maximum continuous current per filtered socket 6A
Maximum continuous current per unfiltered socket 10A
Maximum continuous total current all sockets together 16A
Maximum continuous total power all sockets together 3680W
Size 424(l) x 70(w) x 71,5(h) in mm
Weight 1,4 kg
Mains Multiplier 8+
Maximum continuous current per filtered socket 6A
Maximum continuous current per unfiltered socket 10A
Maximum continuous total current all sockets together 16A
Maximum continuous total power all sockets together 3680W
Size 298(l) x 135(w) x 96,5(h) in mm
Weight 3 kg
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Warranty
There are no serviceable parts inside. Do not open your Mains Multiplier!
Please check the following before requesting service:
1 – Check the wall socket by plugging in a light or load to check if the power is present.
2 – Check if the power cord from the wall socket to the Mains Multiplier is functioning and
make sure the power cord is plugged deep enough into the Mains Multiplier’s input.
3 – Check your equipment and the power cord by connecting them directly to a wall
socket to test if they work without the mains multiplier in between.
If all of the above is tested and working and the unit is still not functioning, then contact
your local dealer for service.
Problem solving
Essential Audio Tools products have a warranty period of two years from date of purchase.
This warranty covers manufacturing defects and failures within products specifications.
When warranty is claimed the original bill with the buyer’s name and date of purchase
should be presented.
Warranty will void if:
• The device has not been used in conformance with the user manual.
• The device has been used in an industrial environment.
• The bill has been altered or made illegible.
• Modifications or repairs have been performed by non-authorized persons.
• Malfunction is caused by device-external conditions, such as:
overloading, atmospheric discharges and fire or water damages etc.
Warranty is limited to damages regarding the Mains Multiplier itself:
all eventual consequential damages are not covered by warranty.
More information about our products:
11.

Essential Audio Tools: CopyRight by Square Audio BV, The Netherlands, [email protected]
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MORE INFORMATION:
WWW.ESSENTIALAUDIOTOOLS.COM
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