Furman PWRPORT User Manual

Petaluma, California 94954-6919 USA

1997 South McDowell Blvd.

Web: www.furmansound.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Remote AC Power Controller

MODEL PowerPort

Owner’s Manual

Furman Sound, Inc.

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

About the PowerPort

Thank you for purchasing the Furman PowerPort Remote AC
Power Controller. By installing this PowerPort you will minimize
the risk of damage that can be caused by surges, faulty wiring
and even lightning strikes.

An individual PowerPort provides control, timing, monitoring,
and power conditioning capability for a single 20-amp circuit.
All cr itica l ci rcuit funct ions are gover ned by an internal
microprocessor.

PowerPorts may also be networked for total system control.
Multiple units can be daisy-chained via low-voltage wiring to
co mpri se th e bui ldi ng blocks of a versati le, high
performance power conditioning and distribution system. A
PowerPort system can grow to any size, yet be conveniently
switched on and off with either maintained or momentary contact
switches using low voltage control lines.

PowerPorts offer the same power conditioning and EMI/RFI
ltering as Furman’s top-of-the-line PRO Series. A PowerPort will
handle a whopping 11,000 amperes of spike/surge current in any
mode, and will even keep itself from turning on if the voltage is
below 80 volts or above 140 volts. In addition, it has independent
turn-on and turn-off delays. Control wiring can be up to ve miles
in length without performance degradation, based on using 24
AWG wire. Other features include:

• High reliability 25 amp relays.

• I nco min g volta ge is moni tor ed for acceptable level s,
with marginal voltages causing flashing alerts and extreme
voltages causing protective shutdown.

• Manual mode allows delays to be overridden for system
diagnostics. Even in manual mode, power conditioning and
extreme voltage protection are still active.

• Turn-on and turn-off delay times are screwdriver-adjustable—
each can be set from 0 to 60 seconds.

• Front panel status LEDs indicate Protection OK, Ground OK,
Extreme Voltage Shutdown, Mains OK, Power Status (remains on
when an ON or OFF delay cycle is in progress, ashes when an
abnormal condition exists) and Outlet ON.

• Rear panel terminal barrier strip provides for a number of remote
control and LED monitoring options.

A PowerPort can be unobtrusively installed in the front or rear
of a rack (see back page). For permanent installations, the AC
cord may be removed and replaced with a standard 1/2" conduit
tting.

Safety Information

To o btain best re sults from y our Fur man
PowerPort, please be sure to read this manual
ca refully p rior to co nnec tin g it to AC.
WARNING: The PowerPort requires that a safety
ground be present for proper operation. Any attempt
to operate the PowerPort without a safety ground is
considered improper operation and could invalidate the
warranty. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
For Warranty and Service information, see back page.

Remote Switches and LEDS

In the most basic conguration, only two Class 1 wires
and an SPST switch are needed to initiate the PowerPort’s
ON or OFF seque nce . The swit ch may be ei the r a
momentary or maintained-contact type, such as the Furman
RS-1 or RS-2 Remote System Control Panel. If another pair
of wires is used, an LED may also be installed at the remote
end to indicate that the power is on.

Maintained vs. Momentary Switching

Maintained switches, such as most toggle switches and
push-on/push-off button switches (including the Furman
RS-1), stay open until thrown, then stay closed until thrown
again. Momentary switches, usually pushbutton types like the
Furman RS-2, are normally open and stay closed only as long
as the button is pressed. An on-off switch of either kind may
be used to actuate the PowerPort’s remote operation.

Maintained switches are generally most convenient when
there is only one remote location. When more than one
switch location is required, momentary switches allow the
sequence to be started from any location.

PowerPorts come factor y-set for maintained switch
operation. They may be easily converted to momentary switch
operation by moving a jumper on the circuit board:

1. Disconnect the unit from AC power.

2. Remove the four screws that secure the top cover.

3. Near the center of the circuit board there are two pairs of
terminals labeled J1 MOMENTARY, and J2 MAINTAINED. Slide
the jumper off of J2 and then slide it onto J1. (The functions
of the J3 and J4 terminals are described in “Shutdown/Force
Off Terminals” on the next page.)

4. Reattach the top cover.

Th e PowerPor t is now se t fo r momentar y switch
operation.

0009A

960109-1401

Maintained Mode

A simple connection of the REM IN terminal to the +12V
terminal initiates an OFF sequence. Disconnecting it initiates an
ON sequence. If the cable run is long, it is recommended that the
REM IN wire be tied to the PowerPort’s GND terminal during ON
operation rather than leaving it oating. This will require the use
of a third conductor and a double-throw switch.

Momentary Mode

In Momentary Mode, the PowerPort has “memory” — it only
needs a momentary signal from the remote switch to change its
state from ON to OFF.

When rst plugged in (or after power is lost and reapplied
for any reason) the “memory” state is OFF. This means the unit
will be off. It will stay off until sequenced on by a momentary
connection of the REM IN terminal to +12V. The sequence starts
on the rising edge of the signal. The “memorized” state will track
the input, so that the PowerPort will stay in synch with any other
units controlled by the same remote signal.

Because it is a maintained-contact switch, the RS-1 is not
an appropriate remote switch for the PowerPort when it is in
momentary mode. Use the RS-2 momentary switch instead.

Front Panel Slide Switch

If the PowerPort’s front panel slide switch has been moved
to either OFF or ON, and then back to REMOTE, the unit will be
OFF until it receives a remote actuation signal.

Status Output

The STATUS terminal is an output that may be used to
illuminate an LED at the remote location to indicate that power is
available at the PowerPort’s outlets. If it is high (+5V), the unit is
ON (or at least in the process of sequencing ON); if low, the unit
is OFF (or sequencing OFF). Simply connect the indicator LED
between STATUS and ground (do not use a series resistor). If the
LED does not light when the switch is in the ON position, check
the polarity and reverse the LED leads (if it is wrong). If a Furman
RS-1 is the controlling switch, contact Furman’s Tech Support
department for the proper wiring diagrams.

Multiple Units

Use one PowerPort for each 20-amp circuit. To control
multiple PowerPorts with one or more remote switches, connect
the REM IN, +12V and GND terminals of all units together. Be
sure that the mode (momentary or maintained) of all units is set
the same. Connect a single maintained switch or one or more
momentary switches to the PowerPort nearest the switch.

If multi ple PowerPorts are controll ed by one or more
momentary remote switches, they will all switch at each rising
edge of the voltage on the REM IN terminal. Any remote switch
will toggle all the units. The slide switch on each unit's front panel
will turn off that unit without affecting the other units.

The STATUS outputs work the same in either momentary or
maintained mode. Each reects the true state of the outlets of
its unit, and is affected by both the “memorized” state or by the
front panel slide switch. A separate LED and wire must be used
to indicate the status of each PowerPort.

To take care of the special (hopefully rare) case of having
several PowerPorts in parallel that somehow get out of sync
such that every time a remote button is pushed, some units
turn on and others turn off, there is a special feature of the
remote signal line: Keeping a remote switch pushed in for at
least 4 seconds will force all units to the OFF state, and put them
back in sync. This is the only way to re-sync units other than
disconnecting AC power to all the units. Remember — operating
the front panel slide switch does NOT affect the stored state of the

unit, even though it does temporarily turn the outputs off.

Shutdown Terminal

Shutdown is a dual function terminal. It can be an INPUT or
an OUTPUT. As shipped, it is an OUTPUT. An LED connected
between this terminal and ground displays the same information
as the PowerPort's front panel Power Status LED. This is useful
for remote visual monitoring of each unit's operating status.

As an alter native, the Shutdown Terminal can be used
as a Force Off INPUT. Force Off is a function that allows the
PowerPort to be switched off instantly. This is useful as an
emergency “kill switch”. In this mode, grounding the shutdown
terminal forces the unit off with no time delay. To change the
Shutdown Terminal from an LED OUTPUT, to a Force Off INPUT:

1. Disconnect the unit from AC power.

2. Remove the four screws that secure the top cover.

3. Near the left rear corner of the circuit board there are two
pairs of terminals labeled J3 FORCE OFF, and J4
SHUTDOWN/POWER STATUS. Slide the jumper off of J4
and then slide it onto J3.

4. Reattach the top cover.

5. Connect a remote switch or automated shutdown system
between the Shutdown Terminal and ground.

Now your PowerPor t is set for remote Force Off INPUT
operation.

Note: If you are using the Shutdown Terminal as a Force Off
INPUT, and have multiple PowerPorts connected together, be
sure that all Shutdown Terminals are wired together, and that the
jumpers in all units are set the same. Once the system has been
forced off, it will stay off even after the Shutdown Terminal is
ungrounded. To turn the PowerPort(s) back on, the Shutdown
Terminal must be ungrounded and a maintained remote switch
must be turned off then on again, or a momentary switch must
be pushed twice. The Shutdown Terminal is pulled to +5 VDC by
an Internal 10K resistor. It must be pulled down to <300 millivolts
DC for at least 50 milliseconds to initiate a shutdown.

Troubleshooting

Symptom: PROTECTION OK Indicator not lit after ON delay has elapsed.
Possible Cause: Protection devices have been 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: OUTLET ON Indicator not lit after ON delay has elapsed.

Possible Cause: An abnormal condition exists.
Action Needed: Verify that line voltage and earth ground are okay.
If both are okay, contact factory service.

Symptom: MAINS OK Indicator ashing.
Possible Cause: PowerPort is receiving either 80-90 or 130-140 volts.
Action Needed: Correct line voltage. Consider installing a Furman AR-PRO or
AR-1215 voltage regulator.

Symptom: POWER STATUS Indicator ashes (and therefore power
to the outlets does not switch on).
Possible Causes: (1): The input voltage is nearly out of or not within the
acceptable range.

2): The front panel REMOTE (NORMAL)/ON/OFF (OVERRIDE)
switch is not positioned to REMOTE (NORMAL), making the
PowerPort unable to accept a remote command.
Action Needed: (1) Check and correct incoming voltage.
(2) Check the switch and make sure it is positioned to
REMOTE (NORMAL).

Symptom: EXTREME VOLTAGE Indicator ashing.
Possible Cause: Input voltage is below 80 or above 140 volts, causing power to
PowerPort’s outlet to be shut down.

REM

120 VAC

60 HZ INPUT

MA X

MADE IN USA

2400

WATTS

20A

+12V

STAT-

US REM GND

SHUT­DOWN

REMOTE CONTROL

CLASS 1 WIRING

20A

Front Panel

+12V

STAT-

US

REM

GND

SHUT­DOWN

OPTIONAL STATUS LED

ON

OFF

OPTIONAL GROUND
WIRE FOR LONG RUNS

SWITCH

SPST (NO GROUND)
SPDT (IF GROUND WIRE IS USED)

REM

Rear Panel

Front Panel Features

PROTECTION OK: This LED is normally on when the outlet is
on. If an extremely large spike is encountered that exceeds the
PowerPort’s capacity, the main group of input protectors will blow
an internal fuse, causing this indicator to go out. If LED is not
lit when the outlet 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: Normally on when the outlet is on. It lights if a
reasonably good safety ground exists. If this LED is not lit when
the outlet is on, the unit is not properly grounded. Unplug the
PowerPort and correct the ground.
EXTREME VOLTAGE SHUTDOWN: Normally off. Upon initially
applying power to the PowerPort, this indicator will be lit if the inlet
is receiving below 80 volts or more than 140 volts, and power will
not be applied to the outlet. If the unit has been operating with
an acceptable input voltage and then that voltage goes out of the
acceptable range, PowerPort will shut off power to the outlet and
this LED will begin ashing.
NOTE: If the mains power is below 80 volts and has caused the
PowerPort to remove power from its duplex outlet, PowerPort
will not restore power to the outlet until the mains voltage is
more than 90 volts. If the mains power is above 140 volts and
has caused the PowerPort to remove power from its outlet,
PowerPort will not restore power to the outlet until the mains
voltage is less than 130 volts. The reason for this is to prevent the
power oscillating on and off in marginal conditions.
MAINS OK: Normally on. Indicates that power is present at the
inlet. This LED will ash when input voltage is marginal (80-90
or 130-140 volts), and will be off if voltage is below 80 or above

140.
OFF DELAY: Screwdriver adjustment to select OFF time delay
from 0 to 60 seconds.
REMOTE (NORMAL) SLIDE SWITCH:

(Please read this section carefully)

This three-posi ti on slide swi tc h provi de s local control for
diagnostics and system troubleshooting. When positioned to
REMOTE, PowerPort accepts remote commands for ON/OFF
control. When positioned to ON (OVERRIDE), power to the
duplex outlet is switched on without the delay. When positioned
to OFF (OVERRIDE), power to the outlet is switched off without
delay. When the switch is in either of the override positions,
PowerPor t i gn ores external command s. Should a remote
command be received by a PowerPort while switched into the
ON or OFF modes, PowerPort will blink the POWER STATUS
indicator. If the switch is moved from the ON position to the
REMOTE position, power to the outlet is turned off until the
remote is recycled once to OFF and then back ON in Maintained
Mode, or push the Momentary button twice in Momentary mode.
If the switch is moved from the REMOTE position to the OFF
position, power will be immediately removed from the outlet.
ON DELAY: Screwdriver adjustment to set ON time delay from
0 to 60 seconds.
POWER STATUS: This LED will light and remain lit only for
the duration of an ON or OFF delay sequence. It will flash
co ntinu ously if eithe r of these ab nor mal condit ions ar e
present: (1) The front panel slide switch is not positioned to
REMOT E, making PowerPor t u nable to acce pt a re mote
co mmand, a nd th en a r emo te co mma nd is issu ed, or

2): The input voltage is not within the acceptable range.

NOTE: If an error condition occurs during any delay cycle, the

power status light will ash, indicating the error condition. The

delay cycle will continue.

Rear Panel Features

DUPLEX OUTLET: 20 amp max, 2400 watts, with 20 amp circuit

breaker.

POWER INPUT: A 10-ft., 12 AWG power cord is provided. This

power cord can be easily removed and replaced with 1/2” conduit

tting if permanent installation is desired. Here’s how: First,

unplug the unit. Then remove cover. Remove and retain the wire

nuts from all three power cord wires (black, green, white). Squeeze

the black power cord retainer (strain relief) to allow removal of

the power cord. Install a 1/2” conduit tting in the double-D power

cord hole and join it to 1/2” conduit containing black, white and

green 12 AWG wires. Connect the three wires (black to black,

green to green, white to white) to the PowerPort, using the

previously removed wire nuts. Replace cover.

TERMINAL BARRIER STRIP: Provides connection for remote

control and remote monitoring. Please also refer to the Basic

Remote Control Wiring diagram below.

Here is a description of each terminal barrier strip connection:

+12V: +12VDC source to be used with REM terminal to turn
the PowerPort on and off.

STATUS: This terminal provides +5V output when the PowerPort
outlet is on. An LED connected between this terminal and GND
terminal will light and remain on as long as the outlets are on.

NOTE: Connection of remote LEDs is optional. Also, all of the remote
LEDs will ash if any abnormal voltage condition exists.

REM: Selectable by using jumper J1/J2. In maintained mode,
connect REM to +12V terminal to turn the PowerPort off.
Leaving REM open will turn the PowerPort on. NOTE: For long

cable run, REM should be grounded in the ON position.)

GND: For LED Status indicator ground return.

SHUTDOWN: Selectable by using Jumpers J3 and J4. This

terminal can be either an input or output (shipped as output).
Please read the section “Shutdown Terminal” on previous page.

Basic Remote Control Wiring

FRONT PANEL

FRONT PANEL

PWRKIT-1

Consists of:

2 ea. 401104- 1275 brackets
4 ea. 860034-905 6-32 x 1/4" Phillips pan head, blac k oxide
1 ea. Instruction sheet

ATTACH 1 BRACKET TO EACH SIDE, USING TWO 6-32x1/4" PHILLIPS HEAD
SCREWS. BRACKETS MAY BE ATTACHED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ALLOW
MOUNTING WITH THE POWER PORT TOP OR BOTTOM AGAINST THE
MOUNTING SURFACE (USUALLY THE TOP WILL BE AGAINST THE MOUNTING
SURFACE, SO THE CONTROLS READ RIGHT SIDE UP). FASTEN THE
BRACKETS TO THE MOUNTING SURFACE WITH APPROPRIATE FASTENERS.

HRKIT-1

ATTACH 1 RACK EAR TO EACH SIDE, USING TWO 6-32x3/8" PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWS.
FASTEN THE RACK EARS INTO THE RACK WITH APPROPRIATE FASTENERS.

FRONT PANEL

FRONT PANEL

PWRKIT-2

Consists of:

2 ea. 401104- 1275 brackets
2 ea. 410002-820 sm all rack ear "A"
8 ea. 860034-905 6-32 x 1/4" Phillips pan head, blac k oxide
4 ea. 860021-686 #6 x 3/ 8" Flathead Phillips, black oxide
1 ea. Instruction sheet

REMOVE TWO COVER SCREWS FROM EACH POWER PORT TO BE JOINED. THE
SCREWS TO BE REMOVED ARE ON THE TOP OF ONE UNIT, AND THE BOTTOM OF
THE MATING UNIT, CLOSEST TO THE CENTER. ATTACH ONE -1275 BRACKET TO
EACH POWER PORT, USING 6-32x1/4" PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWS, MAKING CERTAIN
THAT THEY ARE MOUNTED OPPOSITE EACH OTHER. (SEE SKETCH) NEXT, INSTALL
THE FOUR #6-3/8" FLATHEAD SHEET METAL SCREWS THROUGH THE HOLES IN THE
BRACKETS AND THE COVERS WHILE HOLDING THE UNITS TOGETHER BY HAND.
THE RACK EARS CAN BE MOUNTED NEXT. ATTACH ONE RACK EAR TO EACH SIDE,
USING TWO 6-32x1/4" PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWS. FASTEN THE RACK EARS INTO THE
RACK WITH APPROPRIATE FASTENERS.

FRONT PANEL

FRONT PANEL

REMOVE TWO COVER SCREWS FROM BOTTOM OF THIS UNIT
(NOTE: UNIT SHOWN TRANSPARENT FOR CLARITY)

REMOVE TWO COVER SCREWS FROM TOP OF THIS UNIT

THIS BRACKET SCREWS TO THE LEFT SIDE
OF UNIT #2, THEN TO THE TOP OF UNIT #1

UNIT #1 UNIT #2

THIS BRACKET SCREWS TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF
UNIT #1, THEN TO THE BOTTOM OF UNIT #2

SURFACE MOUNTING

SINGLE UNIT RACK MOUNT

DOUBLE UNIT RACK MOUNT

POWERPORT MOUNTING KIT INSTRUCTIONS

Three Year Limited Warranty

The Furman PowerPort 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.

Th is wa rr an ty sh al l be c an ce la ble by F ur ma n at i ts so le discr et io n i f t he
PowerPort unit has been subjected to physical abuse or has been modied in any way without
written authorization from Fur man. Furman’s liability under this warranty is limited to repair
or replacemen t of the defective unit. Furman will not be responsi ble for inciden tal or
co ns eq ue nt ia l da mages res ul ti ng fro m t he use or mis us e of it s pr od uc ts . Some
states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
lim ita tio ns may not appl y to you. This warran ty gives you speci fic le gal 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 necessar y).
Befo re retu rni ng any equipme nt for repa ir, plea se read the impor tan t infor mat ion on
service below.

Service

Before returning any equipment for repair, please be sure that it is adequately packed
and cushio ned aga inst damag e in shipment, and that it is insured. We sug ges t that
you save the original packaging and use it to ship the product for servicing. Also, please
enc lose a not e giving your nam e, address , phone number and a description of the
problem.

NOTE: All equipment being returned for repair must have a Return Author izati on
(RA) Num be r. To ge t an RA Nu mber, pleas e cal l the Fu rm an Se rv ice Departme nt,
[phone], Ext. 40, between 8 am and 5 pm U.S. Pacic Time. Please display your RA
Number prominently on the front of all packages.

PowerPort SPECIFICATIONS

Output Current: 20 amps (2400 watts at 120 volts AC).
Input Voltage Range: 85-264 volts AC
ON/OFF Delay Interval: 0-60 seconds (individually adjustable with trimpots).
Voltage Ranges: Normal: 90-130.
Marginal (ashes alert): 80-90 or 130-140.
Extreme (causes shutdown): below 80 or above 140.
Spike Protection Modes: Line to neutral, neutral to ground, line to ground.
Clamping Voltage: 200 volts peak.
Response Time: 1 nanosecond.
Current: 11,000 amps (8 x 20 µS 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: .75” H x 8.5” W x 10” D.
Weight: 6 lb. (2.7 kg).
Construction: All construction is of powder coated steel. The front panel
is 1/8” thick. The chassis is 18 gauge. Printed circuit boards
are double-sided glass epoxy.
Power Consumption: 6 watts.
Agency Approvals: UL/CSA listed. Tested to UL 1449.

The PowerPort is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

Mounting Options

PowerPort can be mounted in one of three methods, each
of which can be accomplished with a mounting kit from Furman.
A full-size version of the PowerPort Mounting Kit Instructions
shown below is included with each kit.

NOTE: Although PowerPort is half rack size, it does not
conform to the HR standard, and can be mounted only to other
PowerPorts for dual mounting.

SURFACE MOUNT: The PWRKIT-1 is for mounting a single
PowerPort onto a at surface, such as a wall, oor or the inside of
an equipment rack, etc. The unit may be mounted so that either
its top or bottom is in contact with the at surface. The PWRKIT-1
consists of: Two each: 401104-1275 brackets. Four each: 860034­905 6-32 x 1/4” Phillips pan head screws, black oxide.

SINGLE UNIT RACK MOUNT: The HRKIT-1 is for mounting
a single PowerPort into a single 19" wide rack space. The unit is
centered in the rack. HRKIT-1 consists of: Two each: Rack ears,
each of which attach to each side of the PowerPort, using two
6-32 x 3/8” Phillips head screws. Rack ears attach to rack with
appropriate fasteners.

DOUBLE UNIT RACK MOUNT: The PWRKIT-2 is for
mounting two PowerPorts, side by side, into a single 19" wide
rack space. PWRKIT-2 consists of: Two each: 401104-1275
brackets. Two each: 410002-820 small rack ear “A”. Eight each:
860034-905 6-32 x 1/4” Phillips pan head screws, black oxide.
Four each: 860021-686 #6 x 3/8” athead Phillips screws, black
oxide.

Accessories

RS-1 AND RS-2 SYSTEM CONTROL PANELS: Switches
that mount in any standard electrical switch box, for use with
Power Port s, Mini Port s, PowerL inks, ASD-120 Sequenc ed
Power Distros, PS-8R or PS-PRO Power Sequencers. The RS­1 is a maintained contact switch; the RS-2 uses a momentary
contact. Both feature a locking switch with a removable key, and
have LEDs for Status and Outlet On. All wiring is via a screw
terminal strip.

MIN IPO RT-15 and MINIP ORT-20 POWER REL AYS:
Low-c ost 15A and 20A relay switched outlets, suitable for
remote control via low voltage wiring. Both models are similar in
appearance. Both include 12 VDC power supply, delay features
and knockout holes for 1/2” conduit.

MiniPort-20RS-1, RS-2