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| Question: Are these Rackmount versions the same as the other PowerCore™ models? |
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Answer: The main function of these models is the same as the original floor-mounted PowerCore™ units: to provide isolated, same phase power and a newly derived ground to power sensitive AV installations. But, there are also some important differences – for example, these new models were designed to be directly installed in the AV rack itself, and they have additional functionality such as power sequencing. |
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| Question: Is rack mounting a big deal? |
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Answer: Yes – most isolation transformers are too noisy and give off too much electromagnetic interference to allow rack mounting. Typically, they are kept far away from the AV gear to avoid these problems, but by so doing, the effectiveness of their isolation function can be compromised. These new models from Exact Power employ a very high efficiency toroidal transformer that is quiet and does not give off interfering magnetic fields. These industry-leading features are what enable rack mounting of these models, which maximizes the benefits of the galvanic isolation and newly derived reference ground and neutral. No “cardboard box” product can deliver these benefits. |
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| Question: This sounds like a breakthrough. Is it? |
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Answer: Yes, there are patents pending on the technology used in these new models. |
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| Question: What are the mounting options? |
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Answer: These PowerCore™
units are designed for rack mounting, and are equipped with an innovative rear mount system that accommodates a range of rack depths. |
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| Question: I see that the input voltage is 240V or 208V. Is that available in residential systems? |
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Answer: Yes, normal split-single phase residential electric service is provided to the main panel of the house at 240V. An electrician can easily provide the necessary power from that point. For large homes with 3-phase service, the 208V model is used. |
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| Question: Must an electrician wire it up? |
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Answer: Yes and no. These PowerCore™ models receive power through a simple 3-prong twist lock connection, so the rack can be integrated and installed by an AV contractor. A licensed electrician needs only to provide a 240V (or 208V) 30A twist lock receptacle in the vicinity of the rack installation. The only other situation where an electrician needs to be involved is when the hard wired remote circuit function is used to extend the functions of the PowerCore unit to a remote location such as a bedroom. |
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| Question: Can these rack mount PowerCore models provide electrical service to a remote location? |
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Answer: Yes, circuit #5 is a 20A hardwired connection to provide power to a remote location such as a bedroom or living room. This is a unique feature not available from any other manufacturer. |
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| Question: Did you say that these models have built in power sequencing? |
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Answer: Yes, these models include configurable power sequencing. Using a simple switch, sequencing can be turned off, or one of several useful timing patterns can be selected. The built-in contact closures provide status notification to control systems. |
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| Question: Can you explain “in-phase” again? |
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Answer: Standard residential power service is normally “split” into two banks of circuit breakers (and circuits). This ‘split-single’ supply approach provides 240 volts between the two ‘hot’ legs, but the 120 volt circuits that are “split” are 180 degrees out of phase with each other. This “out-of-phase” arrangement can cause noise problems for installed AV systems. The ‘hot’ legs of the PowerCore output are ‘in-phase’ with each other, resulting in zero volts between them, and provides clean, quiet power for AV systems. |
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| Question: Is this the same benefit offered by “balanced power” systems? |
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Answer: NO! The technology used in this system is more effective than “balanced” power systems, which are prohibited in residential installations by the 2008 National Electrical Code. (Article 647.3) |
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| Question: So, with all the load circuits terminating in this unit, ground currents should be negligible? |
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Answer: Yes! With correct installation and wiring techniques, there should be no significant ground currents. In fact, the presence of ground currents would indicate a problem such as an unintended ground loop. These rack mountable PowerCore™ models include industry-leading ground current monitoring that not only will alert you to the possibility of such problems, but will also help you troubleshoot the location of the problem. This new functionality is Patent Pending - no other solution provides this combination of built-in monitoring and troubleshooting support. |
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| Question: What about safety-related functions? |
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Answer: These rack mountable PowerCore models feature two important safety-related functions. First, the systems have built-in over- and under-voltage monitoring that will shut down the unit in the event of sustained out-of-range voltage conditions. And second, these systems feature a safety-ground monitoring circuit that will shut down the unit if the safety ground is compromised. Together, these functions protect both the AV system equipment and the users from the dangers associated with these conditions. |
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| Question: Is there any need for additional rack level filter/conditioning? |
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Answer: Normally no – all the output circuits benefit from the built-in, centralized protection and filtering – even the remote hard-wired branch circuit! The combination of the attenuation of the PowerCore™ shielded isolation transformer and the benefits of the newly derived single-point ground bonded to a newly derived neutral provides a near-ideal solution for this application. There are only two situations where additional filtering may be helpful: When the hardwired remote is used to power a location more than 60 ft. away using standard wiring (such as “Romex” type) that may be vulnerable to induced magnetic fields, or when any equipment within the system is suspected of generating noise back onto the power system. |
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| Question: Is there an alternative to “standard” wiring? |
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Answer: Yes, SignalSafe™ wiring puts out virtually no AC magnetic fields that can induce noise. Contact Middle Atlantic Products for more information on SignalSafe wiring. |
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| Question: How does the PowerCore™ work with generator provided power? |
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Answer: The PowerCore™ works perfectly with any AC source as long as the waveform is reasonably sinusoidal. |
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| Question: How does the PowerCore work with a UPS? |
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Answer: Exact Power offers a range of UPS power solutions that are compatible with installed PowerCore systems. Contact Exact Power for more information on centralized UPS systems that will meet your needs and provide benefits beyond “cardboard box” and retail-level UPS products. |