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10001883-A
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Furman M-8x AR AC Line Voltage Regulator and congratulations on your choice. The M-8x AR has been designed with the unique
requirements of the entertainment industry in mind. Any application that requires clean, filtered, protected and regulated AC power for optimum performance
would benefit from the use of an M-8x AR.
FEATURES
• Provides nine regulated, conditioned AC outlets-eight on the rear panel and one on the front
• Input capacity is 15 A; output capacity is 12 to 15 A
• Extreme over-current shutdown protects regulator and connected equipment.
• Extreme Current Shutdown (ECS) indicator LED
• Tri-color “In-Regulation” indicator
• Protection OK indicator
• Eight element, Bi-color bar graph meter to indicate input line voltage
• User accessible thermal circuit breaker protects against overload
• Low noise toroidal autotransformer with very low stray magnetic field leakage
• Front Panel ON/OFF switch
• Compact, lightweight unit weighs only 15 lbs. (6.8 kg)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE READ PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
To obtain best results from your Furman M-8x AR please be sure to read this manual carefully.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose your M-8x AR to rain or moisture.
Hazardous voltages are present inside the enclosure. Please do not remove the cover for any reason. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
1. Please read and observe all of the safety and operating instructions before the M-8x AR is operated or connected to mains power.
2. Retain these instructions for future reference.
3. The M-8x AR should not be used near water for example, near a bathtub, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc.
4. Do not place the M-8x AR near sources of heat; such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
5. Route the power cord and other cables such that they are not likely to be walked on, tripped over, or stressed. Pay particular attention to the condition of
cords and cables at plugs, and the point where they exit from the M-8x AR. To prevent risk of fire or injury, damaged cords and cables should be replaced
immediately.
6. Clean the M-8x AR using a damp cloth only. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Never pour or spray any liquid on or into the M-8x AR.
7. When left unused for an extended period of time, the power cord of the M-8x AR should be unplugged from the outlet.
8. The M-8x AR should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
a. The power supply cord or the plug has been frayed, kinked, cut, or damaged.
b. Objects have fallen into or liquid has spilled into the unit.
c. The M-8x AR does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
d. The M-8x AR has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
9. The M-8x AR requires that a safety ground be present for proper operation. Any attempt to operate the M-8x AR without a safety ground is considered
improper operation and could invalidate the warranty.
1
AC LINE VOLTAGE REGULATOR
The Furman M-8x AR Voltage Regulator is intended to protect sensitive electronic equipment from problems caused by AC line voltage irregularities such
as brownouts, sags, and over-voltage conditions. Such irregularities can cause audio tonal changes, digital equipment malfunctions (such as loss of MIDI
programs or other data), or in extreme cases, permanent damage. The M-8x AR can accept input voltages over a wide range (see tables below) and convert
this to a steady, stable 120VAC +/- 5V output.
LOW
EVS
INCOMING VOLTAGE
WITHIN
HIGH
EXTREME
REG
EVS
PROTECTION
CURRENT
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135
GREEN - OK
YEL- LIMITED
RED - NOT OK
OK
120 VAC LINE VOLTAGE REGULATOR
15A 120V 50-60 Hz
REGULATED OUTLET
15 AMPS
PUSH TO RESET
MAIN POWER
ON
M-8x AR
OFF
The M-8x AR has eight receptacles on the rear panel, and one on the front panel, all are functionally interchangeable. The receptacles are regulated, spike-suppressed, and filtered against RFI with a 3-pole
filter, making the M-8X AR a full-function power conditioner. The M-8x AR has no external controls
other than an on-off switch.
Note: The M-8x AR is designed for use with AC voltage only and DC voltages should never be applied.
Also, the M-8x AR does not change or regulate the line frequency in any way. The output frequency will
always be the same as the incoming line frequency.
Maximum and Minimum Load:
The M-8x AR can handle loads totaling up to 15 amperes as long as the input voltage is greater than or
equal to 124 Volts. For voltages below 124 Volts, the nominal 15 Amp current handling capacity must
be de-rated at approximately 113 milliamps per volt below 124 VAC.
To successfully handle worst-case brownout conditions, you should plan your total load so that it does
not exceed 12 amps, or 1400 watts under brownout conditions. Please note that the total load refers
to the combined current demand of all devices plugged into the M-8x AR, not just each individual
receptacle, or load.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN, INSPECT UPON RECEIPT
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
75 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 145 160
Please read IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• No serviceable parts.
• Please inspect the unit thoroughly.
• Please contact Furman Customer Service at 800-472-5555, if there is any noticeable damage to product or product does not operate correctly.
Contents of this package include:
• M-8x AR
• Instruction Manual
www.furmansound.com • 877-486-47382
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135
LOWEVS
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGHEVS
EXTREMECURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
120 VAC LINE VOLTAGE REGULATOR
REGULATED OUTLET
15 AMPS
PUSH TO RESET
M-8x AR
ON
OFF
15A 120V 50-60 Hz
MAIN POWER
GREEN - OKYEL - LIMITEDRED - NOT OK
REAR PANEL FEATURES AND POWER CONDITION DEFINITIONS
8 FILTERED AND PROTECTED OUTLETS
120 VAC
50/60 Hz
15A MAX
VOLTAGE REGULATED OUTLETS
120 VAC
50 - 60 Hz
MAX LOAD
15 AMPS
MADE IN CHINA
C US
Core Brands / Furman / 152908
10 FT. CAPTIVE AC POWER
WALL WART SPACING
CORD WITH NEMA 5-15 Plug
POWER CONDITIONING DEFINITIONS
Voltage Regulation
The AC line voltage is a number representing the nominal electrical potential that has been adopted in a region for powering electrical equipment of all kinds.
In most of North America the line voltage is 120VAC. The actual voltage can fall below or rise above this nominal level due to brownouts, power cutbacks, use
of substandard wiring, and other causes. These deviations can cause poor performance or a malfunction. A voltage regulator is a device which, through use of
an autotransformer, corrects for deviations in line voltage by switching transformer taps such that the output voltage is at or near the nominal AC line voltage
level.
Spike (also called surges or transients)
Spikes can have voltages as high as 6000 volts. Though they are usually of very short duration, the energy they contain can be considerable and enough to
damage sensitive solid-state components in audio and computer equipment. Spikes can also foul switch contacts and degrade wiring insulation. They are an
unavoidable component of electric power. They are caused unpredictably by electric motors switching on or off (on the premises or outside), utility company
maintenance operations, nearby lightning strikes, and other factors. Spikes are absorbed by special components called MOV’s inside the M-8x AR to provide
safe voltage levels to protect your equipment.
RFI/EMI Interference
Noise from RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) or EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) involves lower voltages and less energy than is found in spikes, but it is
continuous or transient. It is not likely to cause physical damage, but it can certainly be annoying, producing static in audio circuits, “snow” on video screens,
or garbled data in computers. Noise can be introduced into AC lines by nearby radio transmitters, certain kinds of lighting, electric motors, and other devices.
Because RFI/EMI noise occurs at higher frequencies than the 50 or 60 Hz AC line, it can be effectively reduced through the use of low-pass filtering.
Extreme Voltage Protection
The M-8x AR includes special circuitry to sense over and under voltage conditions and either regulate or disable the output before damage can be done to
connected equipment. Please refer to the specifications on page 7 for the exact voltages at which shutdown occurs. When the input voltage falls outside
the regulation limit, the power will cut off. Power will automatically be restored when the condition has subsided. The two red LEDs labeled “EVS” indicate a
protective shutdown condition.
Extreme Current Protection
The M-8x AR includes a special ECS circuit to detect an extreme over-current condition and shut down the outlets before damage is done to the M-8x AR
or your connected equipment. The ECS circuit has been designed to detect high speed and high level currents and will ignore low speed / low current
transients, such as amplifier inrush currents. When an ECS condition has been detected, the M-8x AR will shut down outlets and illuminate the red Extreme
Current LED.
3
PROTECTION
HIGH
EXTREME
FRONT PANEL FEATURES
LOW
EVS
INCOMING VOLTAGE
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135
WITHIN
GREEN - OK
YEL - LIMITED
RED - NOT OK
INDICATOR LEDs
PROTECTION
HIGH
EXTREME
CURRENT
OK
120 VAC LINE VOLTAGE REGULATOR
CONVENIENCE OUTLET
REG
EVS
15A 120V 50-60 Hz
REGULATED OUTLET
FRONT PANEL
PUSH TO RESET
RESETABLE
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
15 AMPS
MAIN POWER
ON
M-8x AR
OFF
POWER ON/OFF
SWITCH
Fuses and Circuit Breakers:
There is one circuit breaker on the M-8x AR regulator. In the event that the unit appears to be completely dead (none of the LED’s light up), unplug the power
cord and the load, and check the breaker. If the circuit breaker is tripped, a black button will pop out. Push it back in to reset it.
Figure 1 – Front Panel Indicators
LOW
EVS
INCOMING VOLTAGE
WITHIN
REG
EVS
CURRENT
OK
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135
LED # Text Color Description
1 LOW EVS Red Normally off, lights up red when the incoming voltage has dropped below 97V
2 INCOMING VOLTAGE 100 Yellow Normally off, lights up yellow when the incoming voltage is 100 VAC
3 INCOMING VOLTAGE 105 Green Normally off, lights up green when the incoming voltage is 105 VAC
4 INCOMING VOLTAGE 110 Green Normally off, lights up green when the incoming voltage is 110 VAC
5 INCOMING VOLTAGE 115 Green Normally off, lights up green when the incoming voltage is 115 VAC
6 INCOMING VOLTAGE 120 Green Normally off, lights up green when the incoming voltage is 120 VAC
7 INCOMING VOLTAGE 125 Green Normally off, lights up green when the incoming voltage is 125 VAC
8 INCOMING VOLTAGE 130 Green Normally off, lights up green when the incoming voltage is 130 VAC
9 INCOMING VOLTAGE 135 Yellow Normally off, lights up yellow when the incoming voltage is 135 VAC
Green Normally green, when output voltage is within regulation
10 WITHIN REGULATION
Yellow Normally green, lights up yellow briefly when an output voltage correction is made Red Normally green, lights up red when incoming voltage falls outside of the limits of regulation
11 HIGH EVS Red Normally off, lights up red when the incoming voltage is above 145 VAC
12 EXTREME CURRENT Red Normally off, lights up red when the current has exceeded approximately 60A
13 PROTECTION OK Green Normally on when power is available, the power switch is on and the protection circuit is OK.
GREEN - OK
YEL- LIMITED
RED - NOT OK
www.furmansound.com • 877-486-47384
LOW
EVS
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREME
CURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREMECURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
PROTECTION
OK
EXTREMECURRENT
1213
GREEN - OKYEL- LIMITEDRED - NOT OK
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135
LOW
EVS
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREME
CURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
GREEN - OKYEL- LIMITEDRED - NOT OK
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREMECURRENT
10111213
GREEN - OKYEL- LIMITEDRED - NOT OK
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135
LOW
EVS
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREME
CURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREMECURRENT
111213
FRONT PANEL FEATURES (continued)
LOW
EVS
1
LEDs 1 and 11: HIGH and LOW EVS
The M-8x AR uses LEDS 1 and 11 to indicate when an extreme voltage fault has occurred. If either of these LEDs are illuminated the M-8x AR has acted
to protect your connected equipment by cutting off power to all outputs. As an aid in troubleshooting, two LEDs (EVS HIGH and EVS LOW) are provided to
advise if the error was triggered by a high line (surge) or low line (sag) condition. In general the following applies:
• Whenever the incoming line voltage falls below safe conditions (sag), all outputs on the M-8x AR will be disabled and LED 1 (LOW EVS)
will be illuminated.
• Whenever the incoming line voltage rises above safe conditions (surge) all of the outlets on the M-8x AR will be disabled and LED 11
(HIGH EVS) will be illuminated.
INCOMING VOLTAGE
HIGH
EVS
11
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
LEDs 2 through 9: Input Voltage Monitoring:
The M-8x AR provides an approximate indication of incoming line voltage using LEDs 2 through 9. Each of these LEDs corresponds to the activation
of an individual tap on the internal autotransformer, thus only one of the eight LEDs (2 through 9) is illuminated at any time. The active LED will switch
amongst LEDs 2 through 9 as the incoming line voltage varies. Note that there are two yellow LEDs at the endpoints. When lit, they indicate that the input voltage may be above or below the point at which the voltage can be regulated to the 120VAC nominal output voltage (though it may still be restored
to a usable level) but is not high or low enough to trigger an extreme voltage shutdown (EVS).
WITHIN
REG
10
GREEN - OK
YEL- LIMITED
RED - NOT OK
LED 10: WITHIN REGULATION LED (LED 10)
The within regulation LED (LED 10) provides a visual indication of the regulation status of the M-8x AR. This LED is capable of illuminating green, red,
or yellow. In general the following applies:
• When LED 10 is green, the incoming voltage falls within the regulation range of the M-8x AR and the output voltage is 120 +/- 5VAC
• LED 10 briefly is yellow when an adjustment has been made in the output voltage to maintain regulation.
• When LED 10 is red, the incoming voltage is outside the regulation range of the M-8x AR and the user should exercise caution.
5
LOW
EVS
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREME
CURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
PROTECTION
OK
13
LOW
EVS
WITHIN
REG
PROTECTION
OK
HIGH
EVS
EXTREME
CURRENT
INCOMING VOLTAGE
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 910111213
PROTECTION
EXTREME
CURRENT
12
LED 12: EXTREME CURRENT SHUTDOWN
The M-8x AR uses LED 12 to indicate that an Extreme Current Shutdown (ECS) has occurred. The ECS feature allows the M-8x AR to protect itself while
it protects your connected equipment. Under normal operating conditions the ECS LED will be off and the ECS circuit will monitor the current demand of
the load. If an extreme current transient is detected, such as a short in one of the loads, the ECS will trigger and deactivate all outlets and the ECS LED
will illuminate red. To reset the ECS alarm turn the unit off, remove the offending condition, and turn the unit back on. If the condition has been removed
the M-8x AR will return to normal operation.
OK
13
LED 13: PROTECTION OK
The Protection OK LED indicates the status of the M-8x AR’s surge protection components and that power is present at the regulator input. Under normal
conditions this LED should be illuminated green. If the protection circuit has been damaged or compromised, this LED will extinguish and the unit should
be removed from service and returned for repair.
www.furmansound.com • 877-486-4738
6
INSTALLATION
Location:
Because its Toroidal transformer design minimizes stray magnetic fields, the M-8x AR may be positioned near most other equipment without concern that the
neighboring equipment will be influenced by magnetic leakage from the transformer. It is suggested that the M-8x AR be located either at the top or bottom
of the rack.
Start Up:
Upon power up the M-8x AR will perform a series of self-tests that will verify that the input voltage is within normal limits and that the M-8x AR hardware is
working correctly. During this period, which can typically take up to 18 seconds, the WITHIN REGULATION LED will flash and power will not be delivered to the
output receptacles. If the WITHIN REGULATION LED does not turn green at the end of this start-up period, there is a problem with the input voltage, the load,
or with the M-8x AR.
Upon completion of the startup tests, the output voltage will be ramped up to the final output value. During this period, the higher voltage LED indicators will
activate for a short time. This does not mean that the input voltage is too high. After the output voltage settles to its final value, the approximate input voltage
will be indicated by the LED that is green. We apologize for the delay in delivering power, but rest assured that your M-8x AR is working very hard to make all
of the correct decisions when it comes to protecting your connected equipment.
Hardware:
As with any rack mount equipment, be sure to use threaded fasteners that are appropriate for mounting in the rack’s threaded holes. In particular, the rear
rack rails attach to the sides of the M-8x AR using 8-32 by 1/4” pan head screws, which is not a metric size. Other screw sizes may be forced fit into the
sides of the M-8x AR, but will not provide the same stability and can even strip the threads. To avoid marring the front panel finish, we recommend using
plastic washers under the screw heads.
Design
The M-8x AR design is based on an eight-tap Toroidal autotransformer. The Toroidal design assures minimal leakage of stray magnetic fields, and, because
of its high efficiency, a very compact size for its rating. The Voltage Regulator’s circuitry monitors the incoming line voltage with each cycle, and compares this
to a precise voltage reference. If a voltage fluctuation requires that a different tap be selected, the new tap is electronically switched at a precise moment,
so as to minimize distortion of the AC waveform. If necessary, the M-8x AR can switch taps as often as once each cycle. Most commercial voltage regulators
using multiple-tapped transformers switch taps at random times, thereby creating voltage spikes and clicks that can leak into the audio! Hysteresis in the
tap switching points prevents “chatter” or unnecessary switching back and forth between adjacent taps. Unlike voltage regulators that employ ferro-resonant
transformers, the M-8x AR is not sensitive to small errors in line frequency, making it ideal for use with generators.
SPECIFICATIONS
Nominal input voltage 120 VAC 50/60Hz
Regulation capture range 97 VAC to 141 VAC
Output Voltage 120 VAC ±5V
Output Current Rating 15 Amps for input voltages of 124V
Output Current De-rating 113 mA per volt to a minimum of 12.3A at 100V
Voltage Shutdown Range Less than 75V or greater than 145V
ECS Shutdown Range Within 10 cycles at 100A, and within 1 cycle for currents greater than 200A
Voltmeter Accuracy ±5 VAC
Spike Protection Modes L-N
Spike Clamping Voltage TVSS rating of 400 volts peak at 500 A, L-N (tested to UL-1449 3rd Ed.)
Response time: 1 nanosecond
Maximum surge current: 15,000 Amps
Maximum spike energy: 225 joules
Noise attenuation: Transverse: -16dB @ 10KHz, -33dB @ 100 kHz, -48dB @ 400KHz
Dimensions: 1.75” H x 19” W x 11” D.
Weight: 15.75 lbs. (7.15 kg)
Safety Listing: cCSAus
EMI FCC Part 15 Class B
7
WARRANTY POLICY
3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
PLEASE SAVE YOUR SALES RECEIPT! The receipt is your proof of
purchase and confirms the product was purchased at an authorized
Furman dealer. It will need to be submitted to Furman in order to process any warranty claims.
Furman, a brand of Core Brands LLC., warrants its M-8x AR (the “Product”) as follows:
Furman warrants to the original purchaser of the product that the
product sold hereunder will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If the
product does not conform to this Limited Warranty during the warranty
period (as herein above specified), purchaser shall notify Furman of
the claimed defects by calling 800-472-5555 or via email (techsupport@
furmansound.com). If the defects are of such type and nature as to be
covered by this warranty, Furman shall authorize purchaser to return
the product to Furman. Warranty claims MUST be accompanied by a
copy of the original purchase invoice or receipt showing the purchase
date. Shipping charges to Furman must be prepaid by the purchaser of
the product. Furman shall, at its own expense, furnish a replacement
product or, at Furman’s option, repair the defective product. Return
shipping charges back to purchaser will be paid by Furman.
THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Furman does not warrant against damages or defects arising out of
improper use or abnormal handling of the product, or against defects
or damages arising from improper installation. This warranty shall be
cancelable by Furman at its sole discretion if the product is modified
in any way without written authorization from Furman or Core Brands
LLC. This warranty also does not apply to products upon which repairs
have been affected or attempted by persons other than pursuant to
written authorization by Furman or Core Brands LLC.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and exclusive obligation of Furman shall be to repair or replace the defective product in
the manner and for the period provided above. Furman shall not have
any other obligation with respect to the products or any part thereof,
whether based on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise. Under no
circumstances, whether based on this Limited Warranty or otherwise,
shall Furman be liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages. This Limited Warranty states the entire obligation of Furman with
respect to the product. If any part of this Limited Warranty is determined to be void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full force and
effect.
SERVICE
NOTE: All equipment being returned for repair must have an RMA
(Return Materials Authorization) number. To receive an RMA number,
please contact Furman Technical Services at techsupport@furmansound.com or call, (800) 472-5555, between the hours of 6 a.m. and
4 p.m., U.S. Pacific Time. In order to issue an RMA number, Furman
will require the Model and Serial Number of the product, your name,
address, phone number, and a brief description of the problem. An
email address, if available, will be helpful in expediting your RMA. If the
unit is being returned for warranty service, further information may be
required to substantiate the warranty status.
Please be sure that your RMA product it is adequately packed and
cushioned against damage in shipment. We suggest that you retain
and use the original packaging to ship RMA materials for servicing.
Furman assumes no liability for damages that occur during shipment.
The RMA number should be prominently displayed on the shipping
label or outside of the package. Please enclose a note with the RMA
number, the Serial Number, your name, address, phone number and a
brief description of the problem – failure to do so may delay diagnosis
and repair
Furman Sound and Core Brands LLC. reserve the right to repackage
and return repaired items using packaging materials deemed appropriate and suitable to for safe transit. Customer supplied materials,
such as blankets, bubble wrap, packaging foam, and the like may
be discarded if not suitable for shipment. Additionally, professional
containers such as Road/Flight Cases may be shipped back separately
at the owner’s expense if Furman Technical Services determines that
the Road / Flight Case is unsuitable for the safe return of the RMA
Materials.
Units under warranty shall be returned free of charge as stated in the
Limited Warranty section of this manual. If you have any questions,
please contact Furman Technical Services between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
U.S. Pacific Time, (800) 472-5555, or via email techsupport@furmansound.com
1800 South McDowell Blvd., • Petaluma, CA 94954 USA