Alpha APX Series User Manual

APX Series

Non-standby Power Supply

®

APX Series

Installation and Operation Manual

Effective: April 2006

Alpha Technologies

Alpha Technologies

Power

®

APX Series

Non-standby Power Supply

016-030-B0-005, Rev C

Effective Date: April 2006

Copyright© 2006

Alpha Technologies, Inc.

A Member of the Alpha Group

NOTE:

Photographs contained in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. These photographs may not match
your installation.

NOTE:

Operator is cautioned to review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. iIf
there are questions regarding the safe operation of this powering system, please contact Alpha Technologies
or your nearest Alpha representative.

NOTE:

Alpha shall not be held liable for any damage or injury involving its enclosures, power supplies, generators,
batteries, or other hardware if used or operated in any manner or subject to any condition not consistent with
its intended purpose, or is installed or operated in an unapproved manner, or improperly maintained.

Contacting Alpha Technologies: www.alpha.com

or

For general product information and customer service (7 AM to 5 PM, Pacifi c Time), call

1-800-863-3930,

For complete technical support, call

1-800-863-3364

7 AM to 5 PM, Pacifi c Time or 24/7 emergency support

3016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

Table of Contents

Safety Notes ..........................................................................................................................7

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................8

1.1 Operating Principle .......................................................................................... 8

1.2 Standard Confi gurations ................................................................................10

1.3 Optional Features .......................................................................................... 12

2.0 Installation.................................................................................................................14

2.1 Pole Mount Installations ................................................................................. 14

2.1.1 Wooden Poles ..................................................................................... 14

2.1.2 Concrete and Steel Poles ................................................................... 15

2.2 Wall Mount Installations .................................................................................16

2.3 Pedestal Mount Installations .......................................................................... 17

2.4 Rack Mount Installations ................................................................................ 20

2.5 Shelf Mount Installations ................................................................................ 23

2.6 Connecting Utility Power ................................................................................ 24

2.6.1 Wiring the Enclosure Utility Service .................................................... 24

2.7 External Service Disconnect ..........................................................................27

2.8 Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) .......................................................... 29

2.9 AC Output Connection ...................................................................................31

2.10 Options........................................................................................................... 32

2.11 APX Output Voltage Reconfi guration ............................................................. 39

3.0 Operation ..................................................................................................................40

3.1 Start-up and Test ............................................................................................ 40

3.2 Shutdown and MTA Removal ......................................................................... 41

4.0 Troubleshooting and Repair ..................................................................................... 42

4.1 Return Procedure........................................................................................... 42

4.2 Replacement Parts ........................................................................................ 43

5.0 Specifi cations............................................................................................................ 44

5.1 APX Schematics ............................................................................................44

5.2 Specifi cations for APX.................................................................................... 46

4

016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

List of Figures

Fig. 1-1, Ferroresonant “Tank” Circuit and Resulting Output Waveform ..............................................9

Fig. 1-2, Pole Mount Enclosure ...........................................................................................................11

Fig. 1-3, APX Main Transformer Assembly ..........................................................................................11

Fig. 1-4, The Alpha APX (PM) and Installable Options1 ..................................................................... 13

Fig. 2-1, APX Enclosure Pole Mounting ............................................................................................. 15

Fig. 2-2, Wall Mount Installation ......................................................................................................... 16

Fig. 2-3, Stake Mounting Installed in PED .......................................................................................... 17

Fig. 2-4, PED Enclosure ..................................................................................................................... 18

Fig. 2-5, Soil-mount PED Enclosure Installed in Poured Concrete ....................................................18

Fig. 2-6, Concrete Pad Mounting ........................................................................................................ 19

Fig. 2-7, APX Rack Mount (120VAC Version) ..................................................................................... 20

Fig. 2-8, Option Placement and Power Connections .......................................................................... 21

Fig. 2-9, APX-E Rack Mount (230VAC Version) ................................................................................. 21

Fig. 2-10, Shelf Mount (SM) ...............................................................................................................22

Fig. 2-11, PED-M, PWE or UPE Enclosure Mounting ....................................................................... 23

Fig. 2-12, PED-M, PWE or UPE Enclosure Mounting ....................................................................... 23

Fig. 2-13, APX Bottom View ...............................................................................................................24

Fig. 2-14, 120VAC/60Hz Wiring .......................................................................................................... 25

Fig. 2-15, APX 230VAC/50Hz Wiring .................................................................................................. 26

Fig. 2-16, Service Entrance/Meter Connections, 120VAC .................................................................. 28

Fig. 2-17, Service Entrance/Meter Connections, 240VAC .................................................................. 28

Fig. 2-18, MTA Mounted on Baseplate Assembly of PM Enclosure ................................................... 30

Fig. 2-19, Universal Bracket for PED-mount ......................................................................................30

Fig. 2-20, Cable Connector/Output Port Assembly ............................................................................. 31

Fig. 2-21, SIL-C Installed in Baseplate ............................................................................................... 32

Fig. 2-22, LA-M Inserted into Receptacle Box ................................................................................... 33

Fig. 2-23, LA-P Inserted into Receptacle ............................................................................................ 33

Fig. 2-24, LA-E Option (230VAC models) Mount Under Receptacle Box ........................................... 34

Fig. 2-25, LA-E Installation ................................................................................................................. 35

5016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

List of Figures, continued

Fig. 2-26, AMM-C Ammeter Kit .......................................................................................................... 36

Fig. 2-27, AMM-C Install Steps ........................................................................................................... 36

Fig. 2-28, AMM-C Installation ............................................................................................................. 37

Fig. 2-29, TDR-M Potentiometer ........................................................................................................37

Fig. 2-30, TDR-M and ACAT-3P Options Installed in the APX ............................................................ 38

Fig. 2-31, ACAT-3P and TDR-M Installed in the APX Rack Mount ..................................................... 38

Fig. 3-1, APX Circuit Breaker and Fuse Location ...............................................................................40

Fig. 3-2, Shutdown and MTA Removal ............................................................................................... 41

Fig. 4-1, APX Schematic ..................................................................................................................... 44

Fig. 4-2, APX 90V Schematic ............................................................................................................. 45

List of Tables

Table 1-1, Standard Features ............................................................................................................. 10

Table 1-2, Optional Features .............................................................................................................. 12

Table 2-1, High-Magnetic Breakers for Square D Service Entrances ................................................. 27

Table 2-2, APX Output Voltage Reconfi guration ................................................................................. 39

Table 4-1, Troubleshooting Guide ....................................................................................................... 42

Table 4-2, Replacement Parts ............................................................................................................ 43

Table 5-1, APX Series Specifi cations ................................................................................................. 46

6

016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

Safety Notes

Review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If there are any
questions regarding the safe installation or operation of the system, contact Alpha Technologies or the
nearest Alpha representative. Save this document for future reference.

To reduce the risk of injury or death, and to ensure the continued safe operation of this product, the
following symbols have been placed throughout this manual. Where these symbols appear, use extra
care and attention.

ATTENTION:

The use of ATTENTION indicates specifi c regulatory/code requirements that may affect the placement
of equipment and installation procedures.

NOTE:

A NOTE provides additional information to help complete a specifi c task or procedure.

CAUTION!
The use of CAUTION indicates safety information intended to PREVENT DAMAGE to material

or equipment.

WARNING!

A WARNING presents safety information to PREVENT INJURY OR DEATH to the
technician or user.

7016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

1.0 Introduction

The Alpha APX Series Non-standby Power Supply provides conditioned power to signal amplifi ers in
cable television and broadband distribution systems. The modular design, consisting of a baseplate,
transformer assembly and enclosure cover, supplies the load with current-limited, regulated AC
power, that is free from spikes, surges and other forms of power line transients. The design supports
easy upgrades simply by replacing the transformer assembly, saving time and money.

Alpha’s non-standby power supplies are extremely effi cient, with a typical effi ciency rating of 90% or
better.

The versatile APX Series includes an AC input circuit breaker, output fuse, *output receptacle,
VSF fi tting, and external grounding clamp and can be mounted on poles, walls, racks, shelves, or
pedestals. Operator controls are inside the enclosure on the main transformer assembly.

You can equip the APX with various options, including a *Time Delay Relay (TDR-M), Plug-in
Lightning Arrestor (LA-M), Status Indicator LED (SIL-C), plug-in *Amp-Clamp (ACAT-3P), *Ammeter
(AMM-C), and Enclosure Security Lock (GLK). See Section 1.3 for a complete description of all
available options

1.1 Operating Principle

The Alpha Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) contains the ferroresonant transformer,
resonant circuit capacitor, and control panel with line input circuit breaker and output fuse
assembly.

The Ferroresonant Transformer

Alpha APX Series uses ferroresonant transformer technology to provide line conditioning and
voltage regulation. The primary and secondary windings of the transformer are physically
isolated from each other by a large steel core which signifi cantly reduces the capacitive
coupling of spikes and noise to the secondary winding. This provides a regulated, current­limited output with excellent isolation and noise attenuation, (120dB common mode and 60dB
transverse mode).

Another unique feature of the ferroresonant transformer is its ability to provide current limiting
in the event of a short circuit. This effect is called foldback. The transformer’s output current
can typically reach 150% of the nameplate output current rating for a short period of time
without damage to the transformer. When the transformer reaches the saturation point, the
output current will decrease (foldback on itself) to a minimum value, and thereby provide
current limiting. Designs based on ferroresonant transformer are extremely rugged and
reliable offering many years of trouble-free operation.

The Resonant Circuit Capacitor

An oil-fi lled resonant AC capacitor is connected to the resonant (secondary) winding of
the transformer forming a tank circuit. This provides the resonant circuit function which
contributes to the voltage regulation of the supply. The advantage of this type of transformer/
capacitor design is the ability of the ferroresonant transformer to regulate its output voltage
over a wide range of input voltages and output loading. Typical output voltages may vary
+/- 3% to 5%, with input voltages variations of +/- 15% of nominal line voltage, and output
loading of 20% to 100%. This tight regulation is advantageous in cable television applications
as the active devices are protected from dangerous voltages fl uctuations.

8

016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

1.0 Introduction, continued

1.1 Operating Principle, continued

T1

Ferroresonant Transformer and AC Capacitor

Noisy Input Waveform

Fig. 1-1, Ferroresonant ‘Tank’ circuit and resulting output waveform

AC power enters the module where it is converted to a “quasi” square wave and regulated (at
the required output voltage). It is then passed on to the load via the VSF fi tting located on the
baseplate assembly.

NOTE:

A true RMS voltmeter must be used to correctly measure the output voltages.

C1

Clean Output Waveform

9016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

1.0 Introduction, continued

1.2 Standard Confi gurations

The APX Series non-standby power supplies are available in the following confi gurations:

Available Confi gurations Description

APX 6008 120VAC, 60Hz Input; 8A, 480VA, 60V Output; available in

APX 6014 120VAC, 60Hz Input; 14A, 840VA, 60V Output; available in

APX 6008 E 230VAC, 50Hz Input; 8A, 480VA, 60 or 48V Output;

APX 6014 E 230VAC, 50Hz Input; 14A, 840VA, 60 or 48V Output;

APX 4808 E 230VAC, 50Hz Input; 8A, 384 VA, 48V Output; available in

APX 6008 P 220VAC, 60Hz Input; 8A, 480VA, 60V Output; available in

APX 6014 P 220VAC, 60Hz Input; 14A, 840VA, 60V Output; available in

APX 9015 120VAC, 60Hz Input; 15A, 60, 75 or 90V Output;

APX 9015 240VAC, 60Hz Input; 15A, 60, 75 or 90V Output; available

Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount confi gurations.
Includes: 8A thermal input circuit breaker, 120VAC output
receptacle and 10A output fuse.

Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount confi gurations.
Includes: 12A thermal input circuit breaker, 120VAC output
receptacle and 15A output fuse.

available in Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount
confi gurations. Includes: 8A thermal input circuit breaker,
230VAC output receptacle and 10A output fuse

available in Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount
confi gurations. Includes: 12A thermal input circuit breaker,
230VAC output receptacle and 15A output fuse.

Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount confi gurations.
Includes: 8A thermal input circuit breaker, 230VAC output
receptacle and 10A output fuse.

Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount confi gurations.
Includes: 8A thermal input circuit breaker, 120VAC output
receptacle and 10A output fuse.

Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount confi gurations.
Includes: 12A thermal input circuit breaker, 120VAC output
receptacle and 15A output fuse

available in Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount
confi gurations. Includes: 20A thermal input circuit breaker,
120VAC output receptacle and 20A output fuse

in available in Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount
confi gurations. Includes: 10A thermal input circuit breaker,
240VAC output receptacle and 20A output fuse.

10

Table 1-1, Standard Confi gurations

016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

1.0 Introduction, continued

1.2 Standard Confi gurations, continued

Main Transformer Assembly

(MTA)

Baseplate
Assembly

Enclosure

Cover

Holes for

Padlock

Fig. 1-2, Pole Mount Enclosure

Fig. 1-3, APX Main Transformer Assembly

11016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

1.0 Introduction, continued

1.3 Optional Features

You can equip the APX Series with the following options.See Section 2.10, for installation
instructions.

Option Description Part Number

GLK
Enclosure Locks

LA-M
Plug-in Lightning Arrestor

LA-E (230VAC)

SIL-C
Status Indicator LED

The following options are available for the APX Series power supplies only

AMM-C
Ammeter

Security lock for pole mount enclosures. PM models are
equipped with a security hole to accomodate a standard
padlock.

The LA-M is a 350 joule, Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) for
primary site protection. It provides protection from voltage
spikes caused by lightning and other disturbances. The
LA-M is enclosed in plastic housing and plugs directly into
a dedicated receptacle, eliminating the need for additional
wiring.

LA-E housed in an aluminum enclosure and must be hard
wired into the APX.

Indicates that the APX is supplying AC output to the load
and can be viewed from outside the enclosure. The light
(red) remains ON as long as power is present at the
modules output.

Displays the output current to the load. It is also useful as a
status indicator: a zero reading indicates no output current
is being drawn by the load, a pegged meter indicates a
short circuit condition in the plant.

GLK-PED: 740-263-22;
GLK-PM: 744-229-21

LA-L120V: 744-173-20;
LA-E240V: 744-174-20
LA-P+120V:020-098-24
LA-M120V: 020-116-21

(x2 for 240V)

740-239-21

10A :
740-238-21

15A :
740-238-22

TDR-M
Plug-in Time Delay Relay

ACAT-3P
Plug-in Amp Clamp

In the event of a AC utility line outage and subsequent
voltage return, the TDR-M delays power to the output for 10
to 60 seconds, thereby providing time for the line voltage
to stablize and reducing possible noise spikes and other
transients.

Protects active and passive equipment from voltage surges
and transients. Provides “Crowbar” clamping protection
from voltage spikes in excess of 104V.

Consists of two rugged SCR’s (silicon controlled rectifi ers)
connected in an inverse parallel confi guration with a steady
state current of 35A and a one cycle (8 ms) pulse rating of
500A. The SCR’s are triggered into conduction whenever
the Amp Clamp’s bidirectional trigger diodes senses the
presence of voltage transients exceeding 104-115V peak
threshold. The fast response trigger circuit gates the
appropriate SCR ON (in nanoseconds) to shunt the surge
current to ground, effectively protecting sensitive equipment
from transient overvoltage conditions.

Table 1-2, Optional Features

15A:
(9015 only)
744-594-20

60V:
020-114-21

90V:
020-114-23

60V:
020-115-21

90V:
020-115-23

12

016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

1.0 Introduction, continued

1.3 Optional Features, continued

See Table 1-1 for a complete description of these features.

Modular

Transformer

Assembly (MTA)

GLK

Enclosure

Locks

®

Enclosure

Cover

ACAT-3P

TDR-M

LA-M
SIL-C

AMM-C

Fig. 1-4, The Alpha APX (PM) and Installable Options

13016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

2.0 Installation

2.1 Pole Mount Installations

The APX-PM can be mounted on wooden, steel, or concrete poles. Most local codes require
that the base of the enclosure be at a minimum height from the ground. Always verify height
restrictions before proceeding.

NOTE:

Poles are typically the property of the local utility. The utility must approve both the location and the
method used to mount the APX before installation.

NOTE:

Before installing the MTA, verify that all options have been installed and properly connected.

2.1.1 Wooden Poles

For wooden poles, use mounting bolts that completely penetrate the pole.

Materials Required:

Two (2) 5/8" diameter machine bolts (UNC thread) SAE Grade 5 or better, length

•
to suit pole

Four (4) 5/8" diameter zinc-plated fl at washers

•
Two (2) 5/8" diameter hex nuts (UNC thread)

•

Tools Required:

Auger or drill for boring 3/4" diameter holes through the wooden pole

•

•

Associated sockets or wrenches

Procedure:

1.

Remove the APX from the shipping container and set the unit on its back (mount­ing bracket down).

Loosen the enclosure front panel hold-down screw and tilt the cover forward.

2.
Remove the cover by sliding it (at the hinges) to the right.

Loosen the captive screw at the bottom of the baseplate. Lift the Modular

3.
Transformer assembly up and off of the baseplate. Set the MTA aside.

Mark the position for the upper mounting bolt on the utility pole. Drill a 3/4" hole

4.
completely through the pole.

Using the baseplate as a template, align the upper hole in the baseplate with the

5.
upper hole in the utility pole. Verify that the spacing between the marks is 4 1/2"
center to center. Drill the lower mounting hole.

Place a fl at washer on each bolt and insert the mounting bolts through the base-

6.
plate assembly and pole.

14

Secure both bolts using a 5/8" washer and nut. Tighten nuts until the fl anges on

7.
the baseplate mounting bracket dig into the wood approximately 1/4".

Install the Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) onto the baseplate (see Section

8.

2.8).

016-030-B0-005, Rev. C

2.0 Installation, continued

2.1 Pole Mount Installations, continued

Service Drop

5/8" Diameter Bolts and
Associated Hardware

4 1/2”

center-center

Enclosure Mounting Bracket

APX Enclosure

NOTE: If mounting to a
steel or concrete pole, use
these two strap slots

VSF Output Connector

Cable Output

To Service

Entrance

#8 AWG (Minimum)
Copper Ground Wire

Fig. 2-1, APX Enclosure Pole Mounting

2.1.2 Concrete and Steel Poles

Materials Required:

Two (2) 1-1/2" approved mounting straps, length to suit pole.

Tools Required:

Assorted sockets or wrenches

Procedure:

Mark the position for the upper mounting strap on the utility pole.

1.

Run two approved 1-1/2" mounting straps through the mounting bracket located

2.

on the back of the baseplate assembly.

Utility Power Input
(from Service Entrance)

Center the baseplate assembly on the pole and tighten the mounting straps.

3.

Install the Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) onto the baseplate (see Section

4.

2.8 for details).

15016-030-B0-005, Rev. C