Furman Sound IT-REFERENCE 16 E owner’s manual, Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time

IT-REFERENCE 16 E owner’s manual

system with high current demands.

The total continuous current draw of most electronic components is typically listed in watts by their AC input cord or AC connector. Watt ratings are simply added to determine the total system RMS current draw. It should also be noted that the IT- Reference 16 E’s power correction circuitry has no actual effect on the power drawn from your utilities’ power meter. The IT-Reference 16 E draws a mere 2 watts independent of other components, so it may be left on at all times.

Soft Start - Continuous Use and

Break-In Time:

When power is first applied to the IT-Reference 16 E, (the front panel breaker- power toggle must be switched to the “on” position) the Soft Start feature is activated. There is an audible “clack” when the IT-Reference is first turned on or off. This sound is produced by the Soft Start circuit’s 30 Amp relay engaging or disengaging. There is nothing in the IT-Reference 16 E’s construction, design, or componentry to wear over the lifetime of the product, and there

is no power draw from your electric service meter aside from the LED power indicator, relay, and GFCI protection circuit. For this reason the IT-Reference 16 E may be left with its power engaged permanently. This is an added benefit, as many audio/videophiles find performance improves significantly when leaving low-powered components permanently charged (turned on). In fact, this is true of the IT- Reference 16 E. Though it will function flawlessly right from its shipping carton, the performance of its circuit parts will improve after approximately two weeks of continuous use or “break-in.”

Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI): The IT- Reference 16 E’s “Discrete Symmetrical Filtered AC outlets” incorporate a balanced AC power output, whereby both the neutral and positive leads of the AC cable run at 115 Volts AC in opposing polarity, referenced to ground (0 Volts AC). This is but one of the IT- Reference 16 E’s advantages over other AC-filter/protection designs.

Though virtually all electronic equipment is designed to detect electrical shorts and other potentially dangerous equipment problems in the line lead referenced to its Neutral, this is inadequate when power is “balanced.” With the IT-Reference 16 E, both neutral and positive legs contain 115 VAC relative to their Ground tab. This is not a problem or safety hazard, unless there is a defect in either the IT- Reference 16 E’s transformer, or the power supply of a connected component. In this instance, we need to assure that safety is always maintained. The solution is our GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).

The Furman GFCI detects any imbalance in the current flowing in the two hot legs. The missing current is presumed to be flowing through the ground conductor (the round pin on an AC outlet). Ground current often indicates a dangerous partial or full short circuit. If an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will trip the main circuit breaker/power switch. To restore operation, correct the fault and turn the unit on again. 5 mA of current is enough to cause the GFCI to trip; to troubleshoot this type of problem, start with nothing connected to the IT-Reference 16 E. Then, add each piece of equipment until the GFCI trips. Contact the manufacturer of the suspect unit for possible solutions.

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