Furman Sound PL-8 II, PL-PLUS II, PM-8 II, PL-PLUS D II User Manual

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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Furman Series II Features

• SMP+ with extreme voltage shutdown

• LiFT (Linear Filtering Technology) with zero ground contamination

• Eight rear panel outlets and one front panel outlet

• 15 amp rating, with circuit breaker

• Three year limited warranty

PL-8 Series II Additional Features

• Two retractable, long-life, low-heat LED light xtures with dimmer

control for rack illumination

• BNC connector on the rear panel allows you to attach any standard

(12VAC 0.5 amp) gooseneck lamp to illuminate the rear of your rack

PL-PLUS Series II Additional Features

• Two retractable, long-life, low-heat LED light xtures with dimmer

control for rack illumination

• BNC connector on the rear panel allows you to attach any standard

(12VAC 0.5 amp) gooseneck lamp to illuminate the rear of your rack

• Front panel meter to display incoming line voltage ranging from 90 to

128 volts (D version has a digital meter instead of LED’s)

PL-PLUS D Series II Additional Features

• Two retractable, long-life, low-heat LED light xtures with dimmer

control for rack illumination

• BNC connector on the rear panel allows you to attach any standard

(12VAC 0.5 amp) gooseneck lamp to illuminate the rear of your rack

• Laboratory precision Digital Voltmeter displays incoming line voltage

(+/- 1 VAC)

PM-8 Series II Additional Features

• Laboratory precision Digital Voltmeter displays incoming line voltage

(+/- 1 VAC)

• True RMS Current Meter displays power draw (+/- 0.5 amp)

• BNC connector on the rear panel allows you to attach any standard

(12VAC 0.5 amp) gooseneck lamp to illuminate the rear of your rack

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

Thank you for purchasing a Furman Series II

Power Conditioner, and congratulations on
your choice. The Series II power conditioners

feature Furman’s revolutionary Series Multi­Stage Protection Plus (SMP+) circuit, as well
as our exclusive Linear Filtering Technology
(LiFT). Together, these technologies comprise
what is, without question, the world’s most
advanced and comprehensive transient
voltage surge suppressor / conditioner.

SMP+ (Series Multi-Stage Protection
Plus)

Furman’s SMP+ surge suppression virtually
eliminates service calls. Traditional surge
suppression circuits “sacrice” themselves
when exposed to multiple transient voltage
spikes, requiring the dismantling of your
system, and repair of your surge suppressor.
Not so with SMP+. With Furman’s SMP+,
damaging transient voltages are safely
absorbed, clamped, and dissipated.

Unique to Furman’s SMP+ is its unparalleled
clamping voltage. While other designs offer
clamping voltages that are well above 330 Vpk,
Furman’s SMP+ clamps at 188 Vpk, (133 VAC
RMS) even when tested with multiple 6000 Vpk

- 3000 amp surges! This unprecedented level
of protection is only available with Furman’s
SMP+ technology. Additionally, Furman’s

trusted over-voltage circuitry protects against
all too frequent accidental connections to 208
or 240 VAC, by shutting off the incoming power
until the over voltage condition is corrected.

[For E versions: Furman’s SMP+ clamps at 376

VpK, (266 VAC RMS.)]

LiFT (Linear Filtering Technology)

Unfortunately, traditional AC lter - conditioners
have been designed for unrealistic laboratory
conditions. Prior technologies, whether
multiple pole lter or conventional series
mode, could actually harm audio and video
performance more than they help, due to the
resonant peaking of their antiquated, non-linear
designs. Under certain conditions, these
designs can actually add more than 10 dB of
noise to the incoming AC line! Worse still, lost
digital data, the need to re-boot digital pre-sets,
or destroyed digital converters are frequently
caused by excessive voltage spikes and AC
noise contaminating the equipment ground.
Furman’s SMP with LiFT takes another
approach, ensuring optimal performance
through linear ltering and no leakage to
ground.

S A F E T Y I N F O R M AT I O N

To obtain best results from your Furman Series

II Power Conditioner, please read this manual
carefully before using.

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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that they are not likely to be walked on, tripped

WA R N I N G

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. Refer
servicing to qualied personnel only. The
lightning ash with an arrowhead symbol is
intended to alert the user to the presence of
un-insulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufcient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

I M P O R TA N T S A F E T Y
I N S T R U C T I O N S

(Please read prior to installation)

1. Please read and observe all safety and
operating instructions before installing your
Series II unit. Retain these instructions for
future reference.

2. Your Series II unit 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. Do not place your Series II unit near heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.

4. The PL-8 II, PL-Plus II, PL-Plus D II, and PM­8 II should only be connected to a 120 VAC,
60Hz, 15 amp grounded electrical outlet. Do
not defeat the ground or change polarization of
the power plug. (E- versions 220 – 240 VAC 50 Hz. /

J- versions 100 – 120 VAC 50 Hz.)

5. Route the power cord and other cables so

over, or stressed. Pay particular attention
to the condition of the cords and cables at
the plugs, and the point where they exit your
Series II unit. To prevent risk of re or injury,
damaged cords and cables should be replaced
immediately.

6. Clean your Series II unit with a damp cloth
only. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Never pour liquid on or into the unit.

7. Your Series II unit should be serviced by
qualied service personnel when:

• The power supply cord or the plug has been
frayed, kinked, or cut.

• Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into
the unit.

• The unit has been exposed to rain or other
moisture.

• The unit does not appear to operate normally.

• The “Protection OK” indicator is not lit.

• The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure
has been damaged.

• The retractable LED lights have failed. (not

applicable to the PM-8 II)

8. Your Series II unit requires that a safety
ground be present for proper operation. Any
attempt to operate the unit without a safety
ground is considered improper operation and
could invalidate the warranty.

9. Do not attempt to service your Series II unit
beyond what is described in this manual. All
other servicing should be referred to qualied
service personnel.

ADDITIONAL F E A T U R E S

PL-8 SERIES II

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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The PL-8 II features LED rack lights which

produce virtually no heat and provide an
extremely long life span. A dimmer control
for the rack lights allows the user to adjust
the level of illumination or simply switch the
lights off. Additionally, a rear mounted BNC
jack accepts any standard (12VAC 0.5 amp)
gooseneck lamp for rear rack illumination.

The PL-8 II has a master switch for all outlets

that glows red when the power is on. The front­panel circuit breaker can be quickly and easily
reset should the unit be overloaded. The PL-8
II also features a 10 foot, 14 gauge heavy-duty

power cable.

PL-PLUS SERIES II

The PL-Plus II features LED rack lights which

produce virtually no heat and provide an
extremely long life span. A dimmer control
for the rack lights allows the user to adjust the
level of illumination or simply switch the lights
off. A rear mounted BNC jack accepts any
standard (12VAC 0.5 amp) gooseneck lamp for
rear rack illumination.

Additionally, the PL-Plus II offers a 20
segment LED bar-graph meter that displays
incoming voltage between 90 and 128 volts
in 2-volt steps. The normal range voltages
are indicated in green, with moderately and
extremely high or low voltages in yellow and
red respectively. The voltmeter’s accuracy is ±2
volts. It can easily be re-calibrated, if necessary.

(E- versions 180 – 256 VAC in 4 volt steps / J­versions 80 - 118 VAC in 2 volt steps)

The PL-Plus II has a master switch for all

outlets that glows red when the power is on.

The front-panel circuit breaker can be quickly

and easily reset should the unit be overloaded.

The PL-Plus II also features a 10 foot, 14

gauge heavy-duty power cable.

PL-PLUS D SERIES II

The PL-Plus D II features LED rack lights

which produce virtually no heat and provide
an extremely long life span. A dimmer control
for the rack lights allows the user to adjust the
level of illumination or simply switch the lights
off. A rear mounted BNC jack accepts any
standard (12VAC 0.5 amp) gooseneck lamp for
rear rack illumination.

Additionally, the PL-Plus D II offers a laboratory

precision digital meter that displays incoming
voltage in 1-volt steps. The voltmeter’s
accuracy is ±1.5 volt.

The PL-Plus D II has a master switch for all

outlets that glows red when the power is on.

The front-panel circuit breaker can be quickly

and easily reset should the unit be overloaded.

The PL-Plus D II also features a 10 foot, 14

gauge heavy-duty power cable.

PM-8 SERIES II

The PM-8 II features two laboratory precision

digital meters that display both incoming
voltage in 1-volt steps, and a true R.M.S.
current meter that measures the AC power
draw within 0.5 amp. A rear mounted BNC
jack accepts any standard (12VAC 0.5 amp)
gooseneck lamp for rear rack illumination.

The PM-8 II has a master switch for the rear

outlets that glows red when the power is on.

The front-panel circuit breaker can be quickly

and easily reset should the unit be overloaded.

The PM-8 II also features a 10 foot, 14 gauge

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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heavy-duty power cable.

O P E R AT I O N

Retractable Rack Lights, Rear Panel Lamp
and Dimmer Control:

The PL-8 II, PL-Plus, and PL-Plus D II utilize

a dimmer control for the two retractable front
panel light tubes. The dimmer knob controls
the brightness of both light xtures. Turn
it clockwise to increase brightness; turn it
counterclockwise to decrease brightness.
When the lights are not in use, we recommend
turning the dimmer fully counterclockwise to
maximize the life of the LED’s, however, this
is not absolutely necessary. Whether the light
tubes are retracted or ush with the front panel,
there will be no appreciable heat regardless of
dimmer setting due to the efciency of our full
light spectrum LED’s.

All Series II units feature a rear rack BNC
socket which will accept any 12 VAC (0.5A)
gooseneck lamp assembly, (such as the
Furman GN-LED or GN-I). Simply slide the
BNC plug over the socket and rotate clockwise
until the connector snaps into the locked
position. The rear rack lamp can be powered on or

off with the rear light power switch located on the far
left of the front panel. The Series II’s front panel

LED lamps must be replaced by qualied
Furman service personnel.

Multi-Segment LED voltmeter:
(PL-Plus II only)

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
increments (PL-PLUS E II: 180 to 256 volts, in

4 volt increments). The normal range voltages

are indicated in green, with moderate and
extremely high or low voltages in yellow and
red respectively. The voltmeter provides three
special ashing patterns to indicate abnormal
conditions.

(1) If only the single leftmost (beneath the

90V mark – 180V for E version) LED
ashes, the input voltage is marginally

low.

(2) If all of the LED’s on the voltmeter
ash, the input voltage is marginally
high. Power to the PL-Plus’s outlets
will remain unless the incoming voltage
rises above the Extreme Voltage

Mains Vltg. Voltage Status Voltmeter Reading Outlets

80-90 Low Marginal The LED beneath the 90V mark ashes 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 illuminates OFF

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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Shutdown cutoff voltage (135 - 140
volts, 260 – 265 volts E version, 120

- 125 volts J version).

(3) If none of the LED’s on the voltmeter
are lit, and the Extreme Voltages
LED indicator is illuminated, then the
PL-Plus II has shut down power to its
outlets because the input voltage is in
a range considered extreme (in excess
of 135 volts - 260 volts E version, 120
volts J version).

Digital Voltmeter:
(PL-Plus D II and PM-8 II only)

Furman’s laboratory precision AC digital
voltmeter continually measures incoming
voltages, within a typical tolerance of +/-

1.5VAC. It should be noted that the voltage
reading is incoming. No adjustment should be
necessary on these units.

Digital Current Meter: (PM-8 II only)
Furman’s laboratory precision AC digital
current meter continually measures the total
circuit AC load, within a typical tolerance of

+/- 0.5 amp. Because these meters feature

true R.M.S. technology, the current readings
are accurate regardless of load conditions
(capacitive, inductive or resistive).

NOTE: The PL-8 II, PL-Plus II, PL-Plus D
II, and PM-8 II do 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 benet from the use of
one of Furman’s AC Line Voltage Regulators.

On/Off Rocker Switch:

This 15 amp capacity power switch is specically

designed to stand up to the enormous high inrush
current demands of many Power Ampliers.
Additionally, the semi-transparent rocker lights
when switched to the “ON” position. (E-versions

feature 10 amp capacity)

Extreme Voltage Shutdown Indicator:

This LED is normally off. It monitors a hazard

common in the entertainment industry: wiring
faults – for example, accidental connection
to 220VAC where 120VAC is expected, or an
open neutral from a 208 or 240VAC feed. The
Series II SMP+ circuit senses voltages that are
so high that operation would be impossible and
shuts the power down before damage can occur.
Upon initially applying power to these units, the
Extreme Voltage indicator LED will light if the
input voltage is above the extreme voltage cutoff,
and power will not be applied to the unit’s outlets.
If the unit has been operating with an acceptable
input voltage and subsequently that voltage
exceeds 135V, it will shut off power to the outlet
and the Extreme Voltage LED will light.

E version: over voltage shut down is 260 VAC

J version: over voltage shut down is 125 VAC

Guards against open neutral and accidental
connection to 300+ VAC

Protection OK Indicator:

Although the Furman SMP circuit assures virtually

free protection from transient voltage spikes and
surges, nature has a way of occasionally creating
electrical forces that are beyond the capabilities
of any TVSS device to absorb without some
degree of damage. In the rare instance that this
occurs, the green “Protection OK” LED indicator
located on your front panel will dim. If this
happens, some level of protection from voltage
surges will remain, but the Furman’s clamping

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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voltage rating will be compromised. The unit

must be returned to Furman Sound, or an

authorized Furman Service center for repair.

NOTE: If the mains power is above the high
cutoff voltage and has caused the unit to
remove power from its outlets, it cannot restore
power without the operator manually turning
the unit off, then on again. Avoid turning the
unit back on, without rst checking the source

of the problem, and perhaps changing the AC

source.

T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G G U I D E

1.) Symptom: No power to the AC outlets.

Possible Cause: Circuit breaker has tripped

due to excessive load.

Action Needed: Remove one piece of
equipment from the Series II unit, and push the
square re-set tab into the Circuit breaker bezel.

2.) Symptom: No power to the AC outlets,

“Protection OK” indicator is not lit.

Possible Cause: Either the AC outlet to which
your Series II device is connected has no AC
voltage present, or the unit has been subjected
to a sustained voltage in excess of 400 Volts.

Action Needed: Plug the Series II unit into an
AC receptacle where AC voltage is present. If
the problem persists, the protection circuit may
be damaged, and require factory service.

3.) Symptom: Extreme Voltage indicator lit.

Possible Cause: Input voltage is above 135- 140

volts (260 – 265 volts E version, 120

- 125 volts J version), causing power to the unit’s

outlets to be shut down. Additionally, if the voltage
is below 85 - 90 volts at turn on, the unit will not
allow AC voltage to reach the outlets.

Action Needed: Correct the line voltage, then

turn the unit on. Consider installing a Furman

voltage regulator.

DEFINITIONS

SPIKE: This is a pulse of energy on the

power line. Spikes can have voltages as
high as 6000 volts. Though they are usually
of very short duration, the energy they
contain can be considerable, 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, lightning
strikes and other factors. Spikes (also called
surges or transients) are absorbed by special
components in the PL-8 and PL-PLUS 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 rather than transient in nature.
It is not likely to cause 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

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

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into AC lines by nearby radio transmitters,
certain kinds of lighting, electric motors, and
other sources. Because noise occurs at higher
frequencies than the 50 or 60 Hz AC line, it can
be effectively reduced through use of low-pass
ltering.

THREE YEAR LIMITED

WARRANTY

Furman Sound, LLC., having its principal place
of business at 1997 South McDowell Blvd.,
Petaluma, CA 94954 (“Manufacturer”) warrants
its 15 amp Series II Power Conditioners (the

“Product”) as follows:

Manufacturer 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. The Purchaser of the product
is allowed fteen days from the date of purchase
to complete warranty registration by mail or on­line at the Furman website. If the Product does
not conform to this Limited Warranty during the
warranty period (as herein above specied),
Purchaser shall notify Manufacturer in writing
of the claimed defects. If the defects are of
such type and nature as to be covered by this
warranty, Manufacturer shall authorize Purchaser
to return the Product to the Furman factory or to
an authorized Furman repair location. Warranty
claims should be accompanied by a copy of the
original purchase invoice showing the purchase
date; this is not necessary if the Warranty
Registration was completed either via the mailed
in warranty card or on-line website registration.
Shipping charges to the Furman factory or to
an authorized repair location must be prepaid
by the Purchaser of the product. Manufacturer
shall, at its own expense, furnish a replacement
Product or, at Manufacturer’s option, repair the

defective Product. Return shipping charges back
to Purchaser will be paid by Manufacturer

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.

Manufacturer does not warrant against damages
or defects arising out of improper or abnormal
use of handling of the Product; against defects
or damages arising from improper installation,
against defects in products or components
not manufactured by Manufacturer, or against
damages resulting from such non-Manufacturer
made products or components. This warranty
shall be cancelable by Manufacturer at its
sole discretion if the product is modied in any
way without written authorization from Furman
Sound. 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 Manufacturer.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole

and exclusive obligation of Manufacturer shall
be to repair or replace the defective Product in
the manner and for the period provided above.
Manufacturer 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 Manufacturer be liable for incidental, special,
or consequential damages. Manufacturer’s

employees or representatives’ ORAL OR
OTHER WRITTEN STATEMENTS DO NOT
CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES, shall not be relied

upon by Purchaser, and are not a part of the

contract for sale or this limited warranty. This

Limited Warranty states the entire obligation of

Manufacturer with respect to the Product. If any

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

9

part of this Limited Warranty is determined to be
void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full
force and effect.

S E R V I C E

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. 121.
Please display your RA Number prominently on
the front of all packages.

Make sure to pick up one of
Furman’s goosneck lights -

the perfect accessory

for your Series II unit.

GN-LED

GN-I

SPECIFICATIONS

Current rating:

15 amps (“E” versions 10 amps)

Operating Voltage:

90 to 140 VAC (“E” versions 180 to 260 VAC)

Over Voltage Shutdown:

140 VAC typically (“E” versions 260 VAC typically, “J”
versions 125 VAC typically)

Voltmeter Accuracy:

PL-PLUS II only: ±2 VAC, calibrated with internal
trimpot adjustments
PL-PLUSD & PM-8: ±1.5 VAC,

Current meter: ±0.5A

Spike Protection Modes:

Line to neutral, zero ground leakage

Spike Clamping Voltage:

188 Vpk @ 3,000 amps, (133 VAC RMS)
(“E” Version: 376 Vpk (266 VAC RMS)

Response time:

1 nanosecond

Maximum surge current:

6,500 amps

Noise attenuation:

10 dB @ 10 kHz
40 dB @ 100 kHz
100 dB @ 10 MHz
Linear attenuation curve from 0.05 - 100 ohms
line impedance

Mechanical:

Dimensions: 1.75” H x 19” W x 10.5” D.
Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg).
Construction: Steel chassis, .125” brushed and
black anodized aluminum front panel; glass epoxy
printed circuit boards

Power Consumption:

PL-8 II, 6 watts
PL-PLUS II, 12 watts
PL-PLUS D II, 12 watts
PM-8 II, 12 watts

Safety Agency Listings:

CE, NRTL-C

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

10

PL-8 Series II

Light Switch

Additional Switched Outlet

Circuit Breaker

Dimmer Control

PL-PLUS Series II

Light Switch

Dimmer Control

PL-PLUS D Series II

Light Switch

Dimmer Control

PM-8 Series II

Light Switch

Voltmeter

LED Rack Lights

Voltmeter

LED Rack Lights

Voltmeter

LED Rack Lights

Current meter

Power Switch

Circuit Breaker

Additional Switched Outlet

Circuit Breaker

Additional Switched Outlet

Circuit Breaker

Power Switch

Power Switch

Power Switch

Rear of all

8 Switched Outlets

Additional Switched Outlet

BNC Connector for Goosneck Light

SERIES II 15 AMP POWER CONDITIONERS

111804-C

Furman Sound, LLC.

1997 South McDowell Blvd.

Petaluma, California 94954-6919 USA

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Web: www.furmansound.com

E-mail: [e-mail]