Furman PL-PRO C User manual

PL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULEPL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULE 1
Owner’s Manual
MODEL PL-PRO
3-9918 © 1997 FURMAN SOUND, INC. 960110-1405
PRO SERIES
Power Conditioner
and Light Module
MODEL PL-PRO-E
12
PL-PRO, PL-PRO-E SPECIFICATIONS
Note: Where different, PL-PRO-E specs are in parentheses.
Current rating: 20 Amps, 2400 watts at 120 VAC
(16 Amps, 3600 watts at 230 VAC)
Input Voltage Range: 0 to 280 VAC without damage
Meter Accuracy: Voltmeter: ± 2 (±4) VAC; Ammeter: ± 2 amps,
calibrated with trimpot adjustments
Spike Protection Modes: Line to neutral, neutral to ground, line to ground
Clamping Voltage, all modes: TVSS rating 400V peak, L-N, L-G, N-G, tested
to UL 1449 (TVSS rating 400V peak, L-N; 680V
peak, L-G, N-G)
Response time: 1 nanosecond
Maximum surge current: 11,000 amps (8 x 20mS pulse)
Maximum spike energy: 550 joules total
Noise attenuation: Differential mode: Greater than 40 dB;
Common mode: greater than 60 dB;
both 1 to 200 MHz
Dimensions: 1.75" (4.45 cm) H x 19" (48.25 cm) W
x 8" (25 cm) D.
Weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg).
Construction: Steel chassis, zinc chromate plating;
brushed and black anodized aluminum
front panel; glass epoxy printed circuit boards.
Power consumption: 32 watts
Safety Information: PL-PRO: UL listed. CUL listed.
PL-PRO-E: CE
Options: “-G” Suffix (PL-PRO only): provides “super
spec”, isolated ground 120V outlets for special
applications. Please consult factory before
ordering to determine suitability in your
application.
The Furman PL-PRO is made in the U.S.A.
Furman Sound, Inc.
1997 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, California 94954-6919
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.furmansound.com
E-mail: [email protected]

PL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULEPL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULE
211
Other Furman Products
Power Conditioning & Distribution
PL-8, PL-PLUS Power Conditioner & Light Module, 15A
PL-TUNER Power Conditioner/Instrument Tuner, 15A
PLH-15 Power and Light Center, 15A
PM-8 Power Conditioner/Monitor, 15A
PM-PRO Power Conditioner/Monitor, 20A
PS-8, PS-8R Power Conditioner/Sequencer, 15A
PS-PRO Power Conditioner/Sequencer, 20A
PowerLink Remote AC Power Sequence Controller
PowerPort Remote AC Power Controller
MiniPort-15 Power Relay, 15A
MiniPort-20 Power Relay, 20A
MiniPort-30 Power Relay, 30A
MiniPort-15Q Power Relay for Quad Box Mount, 15A
MiniPort-20Q Power Relay for Quad Box Mount, 20A
RS-1 System Control Panel, Maintained Switching
RS-2 System Control Panel, Momentary Switching
AR-1215 AC Line Voltage Regulator, 15A, 120V
AR-2306 AC Line Voltage Regulator, 6A, 230V
AR-1220 AC Line Voltage Regulator, 20A, 120/100V
AR-1230 AC Line Voltage Regulator, 30A, 120/100V
AR-2330 AC Line Voltage Regulator, 30A, 220/230/240V
AR-2330D AC Line Voltage Regulator, 30A, 240/230/220V, N. America Use
AR-PRO AC Line Voltage Regulator, 30A, 120V, Worldwide Use
BP-1000 On-Line Uninterruptible Power Supply, 1 KVA
ACD-100 Power Distro, 100A
ASD-120 Sequenced Power Distro, 120A
IT-1210 Isolation Transformer, Balanced AC Power, 10A
IT-1220 Isolation Transformer, Balanced AC Power, 20A
IT-1230 Isolation Transformer, Balanced AC Power, 30A
PlugLock™ Locking Outlet Strip
PGP-20 PlugLock-PRO Locking Outlet System, 20A
PGP-60 PlugLock-PRO Locking Outlet System, 60A
PGP-S Remote Power Switcher, 60A
Audio Signal Processing
PQ-3 Reissue Parametric Equalizer, Instrument Preamp
PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer, 4 band
Q-151, Q-152 Dual 15-Band Graphic Equalizer
Q-301, Q-302 30-Band Graphic Equalizer
Q-602 Dual 30-Band Graphic Equalizer
PUNCH-10 Bass Enhancement System
X-312 12 dB Crossover
X-324 2-Way/3-Way 24 dB Crossover
X-424 3-Way/4,5-Way 24 dB Crossover
X-524 4-Way 24 dB Crossover
C-132 Compressor/Limiter
LC-6 Stereo Compressor/Gate
SP-20A Stereo Half Rack Power Amp, 20W per channel
HA-6A Headphone/Monitor Amp
HR-2 Headphone Passive Remote Box
HDS-6 Headphone Distribution System
HR-6 Personal Headphone Mixer for use with HDS-6
PB-48 48-Point Patch Bay with TRS Connectors
PB-48D 48-Point Patch Bay with TRS and D-Sub Connectors
(Full range of patch cords also available)
MM-3 Three Input Mic Mixer
MM-4A 4 x 1 Rack-Mount Mixer
MM-8A 4 x 2 Rack-Mount Mixer
SM-3 Stereo Mixer with Ducking
IP-8 Iso-Patch, Isolated Patch Bay, 8 channel
IP-2, IP-2B Iso-Patch, Dual Isolator, 2 channel
SRM-80 Signal Router/Monitor
VU-40 System Monitor (Power/VU Meter)
SC-1, 2 Security Covers
Please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail for a free copy of our latest color catalog.

PL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULEPL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULE 3
Safety Information
To obtain best results from your Furman PL-PRO, please be sure to read this manual
carefully before using it.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture. Dangerous high voltages are present inside
the enclosure. Do not remove the covers. Other than the light bulbs, there are
no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock.
Important Safety Instructions
Please read prior to installation
1. Please read and observe all of the safety and operating instructions before the
PL-PRO is operated. Retain these instructions for future reference.
2. The PL-PRO should not be used near water — for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc.
3. The PL-PRO should be situated so that its location and position do not interfere
with its proper ventilation. For example, the PL-PRO must not be placed on a rug,
bed, sofa, or similar surface which impedes airflow across the chassis.
4. Do not place the PL-PRO near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
5. The PL-PRO should only be connected to a 120
VAC, 60 Hz, 20 amp grounded electrical outlet.
Outlets wired for 20 amps may be identified by
the T-shaped socket opening that accepts the
perpendicular blades of the PL-PRO’s power plug.
If you don’t have a 20 amp outlet available, have
one installed by a qualified electrician. Do not
defeat the ground or polarization of the power plug.
6. Route the power cord and other cables so that they are not likely to be walked
on, tripped over, or stressed. Pay particular attention to condition of cords and
15 amp 20 amp
10
Three Year Limited Warranty
Important Note: To be sure of obtaining full protection under the terms of the
Limited Warranty in case your ownership documents are lost, please fill out
and return the Warranty Registration Card immediately. Please verify that
the serial number shown on the Warranty Card matches the serial number
on your unit.
The Furman PL-PRO is warranted against failures due to defective parts or
faulty workmanship for a period of three years after delivery to the original owner.
During this period, Furman will make any necessary repairs without charge for
parts or labor. Shipping charges to the factory or repair station must be prepaid by
the owner; return shipping charges (via UPS Ground) will be paid by Furman.
This warranty applies only to the original owner and is not transferable. Also, it
does not apply to repairs done other than by the Furman factory or Authorized
Repair Stations.
This warranty shall be cancellable by Furman at its sole discretion if the
PL-PRO unit has been subjected to physical abuse, has been operated without a
proper safety ground, or has been modified in any way without written authorization
from Furman. Furman’s liability under this warranty is limited to repair or
replacement of the defective unit.
Furman will not be responsible for incidental or consequential damages
resulting from the use or misuse of its products. Some states do not allow the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase
invoice showing the purchase date (if a Warranty Registration Card was mailed in
at the time of purchase, this is not necessary). Before returning any equipment for
repair, please read the important information on service below.
Service
Before returning any equipment for repair, please be sure that it is adequately
packed and cushioned against damage in shipment, and that it is insured. We
suggest that you save the original packaging and use it to ship the product for
servicing. Also, please enclose a note giving your name, address, phone number
and a description of the problem.
NOTE: All equipment being returned for repair must have a Return
Authorization (RA) Number. To get an RA Number, please call the Furman Service
Department: [phone], ext. 40. Please display your RA Number prominently
on the front of all packages.

PL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULEPL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULE
4
cables at plugs, and the point where they exit from the PL-PRO. To prevent risk of
fire or injury, damaged cords and cables should be replaced immediately.
7. Clean the PL-PRO with a damp cloth only. Do not use solvents or abrasive
cleaners. Never pour any liquid on or into the PL-PRO.
8. When left unused for a long period of time, the power cord of the PL-PRO should
be unplugged from the outlet.
9. The PL-PRO should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
a. The power supply cord or the plug has been frayed, kinked, or cut.
b. Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into the unit.
c. The PL-PRO has been exposed to rain or other moisture.
d. The PL-PRO does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.
e. The PL-PRO has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
10. The PL-PRO requires that a safety ground be present for proper operation. Any
attempt to operate the PL-PRO without a safety ground is considered improper
operation and could invalidate the warranty.
11. Light bulbs are the only user-serviceable parts in the PL-PRO. Instructions for
replacing them are on pages 6-7. The light tubes and end caps become quite warm
to the touch in normal operation. To avoid burning your fingers, allow the cap to
cool completely before unscrewing it. If you find that the heat from the tubes is
excessive, try reducing the setting of the dimmer knob.
12. Do not attempt to service the PL-PRO beyond what is described in this manual.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
9
PROTECTION
OK
GROUND
OK
EXTREME
VOLTAGE
FLASHES
WHEN
SHUT
DOWN
Power Status LEDs
The PL-PRO’s status LEDs inform you
of abnormal conditions at a glance:
Symptom: PROTECTION OK Indicator not lit.
Possible Cause: Protection devices are damaged.
Action Needed: Factory service.
Symptom: GROUND OK Indicator not lit.
Possible Cause: No building ground, bad outlet.
Action Needed: Locate good ground, run ground wire.
Symptom: All voltmeter LEDs are flashing.
Possible Cause: PL-PRO is receiving 130-140 volts. (If only the LED under the
90V mark is flashing, PL-PRO is receiving 80-90V).
Action Needed: Correct the line voltage. Consider installing a Furman
voltage regulator.
Symptom: EXTREME VOLTAGE Indicator flashing.
Possible Cause: Input voltage is below 80 or above 140 volts, causing power to
the PL-PRO’s outlets to be shut down.
Action Needed: Correct the line voltage. Consider installing a Furman voltage
regulator.
100 110 120 12890
AC VOLTS
H
ING DISPLAY INDICATES OUT-OF-RANGE — PROTECTIVE SHUTDOWN MAY O
C
Voltmeter Displays
The PL-PRO informs you of voltage problems at a glance. The following chart
summarizes how the PL-PRO’s voltmeter responds to input voltages from extremely
low to extremely high.
Mains Vltg. Voltage Status PL-PRO Voltmeter Reading Outlets
Below 80V Extreme (Shutdown) Meter off—Extreme Voltage LED flashes OFF
80-90 Low Marginal The LED beneath the 90V mark flashes ON
90-104 Low Meter Reads in Low Red ON
106-108 Medium Low Meter Reads in Low Yellow ON
110-120 Normal Meter Reads in Green ON
122-124 Medium High Meter Reads in High Yellow ON
126-128 High Meter Reads in High Red ON
130-140 High Marginal All Meter LEDs Flash ON
Above 140 Extreme (Shutdown) Meter off—Extreme Voltage LED Flashes OFF

PL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULEPL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULE 5
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of a Furman PL-PRO or PL-PRO-E Power
Conditioner and Light Module, and congratulations on your choice. (For simplicity,
in this manual the designation “PL-PRO” refers to either the PL-PRO or the
PL-PRO-E unless a specific distinction is made. A summary of the differences be-
tween the two models appears at the bottom of this page.) The PL-PRO is one of
Furman’s top-of-the-line PRO Series power conditioners. It is designed to provide
maximum protection from the types of hazards faced by delicate analog and digital
pro audio and video equipment.
Your PL-PRO provides the most complete and comprehensive protection from
power line-related transient voltages, noise and wiring faults available. It combines
a high voltage surge and transient suppressor with an RFI/EMI interference filter.
The fast-acting suppression circuit responds in less than a nanosecond, clamping
transient voltages to safe levels. The filter works to prevent noise from fluorescent
lights, certain dimmers, radio transmitters, and similar sources of “electronic
pollution” from contaminating the AC line and from there, leaking into sensitive
audio, video, or computer circuits.
What sets the Furman PRO Series apart from other conditioners is the quantity,
quality, and configuration of its suppression devices. These include MOV’s, gas
discharge tubes, fast-blow fuses, and high voltage inductors and capacitors. This
unique combination can safely absorb and dissipate large spikes from nearby
lightning strikes and other sources (up to 11,000 amps across any wiring mode —
hot-neutral, hot-ground, or neutral-ground), as well as highly attenuate audible high
frequency noise. Precise high-inrush magnetic circuit breakers avoid the false
tripping often encountered with large reactive loads like power amps.
The PL-PRO front panel provides a three-color, 20-LED line voltage meter, and
three status LEDs to indicate abnormal power conditions. Under extreme
conditions, the PL-PRO will even keep itself from turning on, or shut down if the
voltage is below 80 volts or above 140 volts (below 160 V or above 280 V for the
PL-PRO-E).There is a dimmer control for the two front panel light tubes, which also
include a feature exclusive to Furman that automatically turns both lights off when
either light tube is pushed back in. The front panel also provides an unswitched
outlet (clean, filtered power is provided at the unswitched outlet, too) and a 20 amp
(16 amp for PL-PRO-E) magnetic circuit breaker rated for use as an ON/OFF switch.
The rear has eight switched AC outlets to power up all your equipment. These
outlets are spaced widely enough to accommodate up to four plug-mounted power
supplies (“wall warts”). The heavy duty 12 AWG power cord is 10 feet (2.4 m) in
length for extra reach and durability on stages and other high-traffic areas.
PL-PRO Compared to PL-PRO-E
The PL-PRO is intended for use with 120 VAC power and is rated at 20
amps; the PL-PRO-E is for 230 VAC power and rated at 16 amps. Outlets on the
PL-PRO-E are IEC-320 types. The GROUND OK feature is not available on the
PL-PRO-E. Other differences concern the reading of the voltmeter and ammeter
and other specifications, which are described on page 8 and on the rear cover.
8
Effects of Lightning
Lightning is a natural phenomenon of overwhelming force that represents the
most difficult circumstance faced by a power protection product. The degree of
protection a PL-PRO can offer depends on the intensity of the strike. If lightning
strikes a distant power line and causes a relatively small disturbance to reach your
location, the spike suppressors in the PL-PRO will absorb the excess voltage
invisibly and harmlessly. However, if lightning strikes the actual building where the
PL-PRO is installed (or somewhere very nearby), some damage may be
unavoidable due to the extremely high voltage and current present. If this does
occur, most likely damage will be limited to the PL-PRO itself and will affect only
certain spike suppression components (called varistors or MOV’s.) In this “suicide”
mode, the PL-PRO may sustain minor damage but generally will protect all
equipment plugged into it from much more serious and costly damage as long
as that equipment is properly grounded. Proper grounding requires the use of
three-prong AC cords, and that the building’s outlets are actually grounded to earth
as specified by the National Electrical Code.
Any PL-PRO known to have taken a direct lightning hit should be checked by a
qualified technician or the Furman factory to determine whether the MOV’s need
replacement. (If the PROTECTION OK indicator is not lit, there is definitely some
damage. Some spike suppression capability may still be available by MOV Bank
#2, but there is no guarantee of this.)
For optimum protection, you should not rely exclusively on the PL-PRO to
protect against a direct lightning hit.The first line of defense against lightning should
be a lightning arrestor installed on your building’s electrical service entrance. If your
building does not have one, contact your local power company or a contractor to
have one installed.
NOTE: The Voltmeter and status LEDs stay on even when the power switch is
off. This feature allows you to check voltage before powering up your
equipment. These LEDs are designed for continuous, ongoing use. They
consume little power, just a few cents worth a month, like a clock.
UNSWITCHED OUTLET: This outlet provides conditioned power at all times when
the PL-PRO is plugged in and operating under normal conditions.
CIRCUIT BREAKER/ON-OFF SWITCH: This appears to be an ordinary toggle
switch, but in fact is a precision magnetic circuit breaker. Because its operation
is magnetic, not thermal, it is much more accurate in its tripping current,
yet it will not be tripped falsely by the transient high inrush currents often
encountered when turning on large reactive loads like power amps. Its trip point
is unaffected by ambient temperature. The breaker/switch controls power to
the eight switched rear panel outlets, but does not affect the voltmeter, the
ammeter, or the status LEDs. If it trips, reduce the load on the PL-PRO and
push it back to the ON position. (Note: The PL-PRO-E’s circuit breaker is not
magnetic.)

PL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULEPL-PRO POWER CONDITIONER AND LIGHT MODULE
6
Front Panel Controls
DIMMER: This knob controls the brightness of both light fixtures. Turn it clockwise
to increase brightness; turn it counterclockwise to decrease brightness.
PROTECTION OK: This LED is normally on when the power to the PL-PRO’s
outlets is switched on. It monitors the integrity of the protection devices
and reports if the protection is compromised. If an extremely large spike is
encountered that exceeds the PL-PRO’s capacity, the main group of input
protectors will blow an internal fuse, causing the indicator to go out. If this LED
is not lit when the power switch is on, full protection is not functioning. Spike
protection may still exist, but will have a reduced capacity to absorb current. If
this LED is not lit, please contact the Furman Service Department.
GROUND OK: This LED is normally on when the power to the PL-PRO’s outlets
is switched on. It monitors the integrity of the grounding, and reports if the
grounding is compromised. It lights if a reasonably good safety ground exists. If
this LED is not lit when the power is on, the PL-PRO is not properly grounded.
Unplug the PL-PRO and correct the ground. (Not available on PL-PRO-E.)
EXTREME VOLTAGE SHUTDOWN: This LED is normally off. It monitors a hazard
unfortunately common in the entertainment industry: wiring faults—for example,
accidental connection to 220V where 120V is expected. The PL-PRO senses
voltages that are so high or low that operation would be impossible and shuts the
power down before damage can occur. For the PL-PRO, the cutoff voltages are
under 80V or over 140V; for the PL-PRO-E, under 160V or over 280V. Upon
initially applying power to the PL-PRO, this LED will be lit if the input voltage is
below the low cutoff or above the high cutoff, and power will not be applied to the
PL-PRO’s outlets. If the unit has been operating with an acceptable input voltage
and then that voltage goes out of the acceptable range, the PL-PRO will shut off
power to the outlet and this LED will begin flashing.
NOTE: If the mains power is below the low cutoff voltage and has caused the
PL-PRO to remove power from its outlets, the PL-PRO will not restore power to
the outlets until the mains voltage rises to more than 10V above the cutoff.
Similarly, if the mains power is above the high cutoff and has caused a
shutdown, the PL-PRO will not restore power to the outlets until the mains
voltage falls more than 10 volts below the cutoff. The reason for this is to
prevent the power oscillating on and off in marginal conditions.
LIGHT TUBES: The PL-PRO has the familiar slide-out rack lights pioneered by
Furman. A new feature exclusive to the PL-PRO automatically turns the lights
off when either light tube is pushed in. The PL-PRO’s lamps come supplied with
seven-watt night light bulbs. Replacements are available at most hardware stores
LINE V
O
100
1
90
AC V
O
DIMMER
PULL
FLASHING DISPLAY INDICATES OUT-OF-RAN
G
20 AMP POWER
CONDITIONER/
LIGHT MODULE
MODEL PL-PRO
PROTECTION
OK
GROUND
OK
EXTREME
VOLTAGE
FLASHES
WHEN
SHUT
DOWN
7
or almost anywhere household light bulbs are sold. Bulbs are easily replaced
without removing the unit from the rack. Here’s how: First, pull the light tube(s)
all the way out. Unscrew the cap on the end of each tube to get access to the
bulb. (Be careful not to push the tubes in after you have removed the caps.) To
unscrew the bulb, place your index finger across the hole on the underside of
the tube and in contact with the bulb. Use the ball of your finger to rotate the
bulb out of its socket. Then remove the bulb from the front of the light tube. Put
a new bulb in the tube, rotate it with your finger from the hole in the bottom of
the tube and replace the light tube cap(s).
NOTE: The caps and light tubes become quite warm to the touch in normal
operation. To avoid burning your fingers, allow the cap to cool completely
before unscrewing it. If you find that the heat from the tubes is excessive, try
reducing the setting of the dimmer knob. As an alternative, you may substitute
four-watt bulbs or even colored Christmas tree bulbs.
LED VOLTMETER: This three-color, 20-LED bargraph is an accurate,
self-checking AC voltmeter that continually measures normal voltages.The meter
reads from 90 to 128 volts in 2 volt steps (PL-PRO-E: 180 to 256 volts, in 4 volt
steps). The normal range voltages are indicated in green, with moderate and
extremely high or low voltages in yellow and red respectively (see chart on
page 8). The voltmeter provides three special flashing patterns to indicate
abnormal power conditions:
(1) If only the single leftmost (beneath the 90V mark) LED flashes, the input
voltage is marginally low. Power to the PL-PRO outlets will remain on unless
the incoming voltage falls below the Extreme Voltage Shutdown low cutoff.
(2) If all of the LEDs on the voltmeter flash, the input voltage is marginally high.
Power to the PL-PRO’s outlets will remain on unless the incoming voltage rises
above the Extreme Voltage Shutdown high cutoff.
(3) If none of the LEDs on the voltmeter are lit, and the Extreme Voltage LED
indicator is flashing continuously, then the PL-PRO has shut down power to its
switched outlets because the input voltage is in a range considered extreme.
The PL-PRO’s voltmeter has a basic accuracy of plus or minus two volts, and
extreme cold or heat may cause an additional one volt of error (four volts and
two volts for PL-PRO-E). Please note that the voltage reading is advisory only.
The PL-PRO does not compensate for high or low line voltage. If you frequently
move your rack to different locations, derive power from generators, use long
extension cords, travel internationally, or are in an area prone to brownouts,
you may benefit from the use of one of Furman’s AC Line Voltage Regulators.
O
LTAGE
1
10 120 128
O
LTS
PULL
POWERUNSWITCHED OUTLET
G
E — PROTECTIVE SHUTDOWN MAY OCCUR
20 AMPS
ON