Furman AR-1215 Voltage Regulator
The 15 amp AR-1215
AC Line Voltage Regulator is intended to protect audio, video, computer and
other electronic equipment from problems caused by AC line voltage
irregularities-sags, brownouts, or overvoltages that can cause sensitive digital
equipment to malfunction, or, in extreme cases, to sustain damage.
The AR-1215 is designed to provide a steady, stable 120 VAC output. It accepts
any input voltage from 97V to 141V and transforms it to a constant 120V, ±5V.
Voltages beyond that range may also be converted to usable levels, depending on
how far out of range they are. The AR-1215 can handle loads totaling up to 15
amps as long as the input voltage is above 124 volts. For voltages below that
level, its capacity must be derated at approximately .15 ampere per volt.
The AR-1215 has been designed specifically with the unique needs of audio and
video in mind. Its technology differs from that of computer-oriented voltage
regulators in many important ways. For example:
The AR-1215 does not use a ferro-resonant transformer, which would be heavy and
bulky, radiate a large magnetic field, and be too frequency-sensitive to be
usable with generators. Instead, it uses a use a design based on an eight-tap
toroidal autoformer. The toroidal design assures minimal leakage of stray
magnetic fields.
The AR-1215 circuitry monitors the incoming line voltage with each cycle,
comparing it to an extremely precise voltage reference, accurate to ±0.15%. If
a voltage fluctuation requires that a different tap be selected, the new tap is
electronically switched exactly at the zero-crossing, to avoid distorting the AC
waveform. (Most commercial voltage regulators using multiple-tapped transformers
switch taps at uncontrolled times, thereby creating voltage spikes, and often
creating clicks that can leak into the audio.) Hysteresis of 1.5V in the
switching circuits avoids "chatter." The design is not sensitive to
small errors in line frequency, making them ideal for use with generators.
The AR-1215 also features power conditioning that is truly in a class by itself,
thanks to the quantity, quality and configuration of the overvoltage suppression
devices used. These include MOV's, high voltage inductors and capacitors, and
precise high-inrush magnetic circuit breakers. This unique combination can
safely divert large spikes as well as filter audible high frequency noise.
An additional feature, Extreme Voltage Shutdown, senses dangerously high or low
voltages and shuts down the output before any damage is done. The output remains
off until the overvoltage or undervoltage is removed, with an LED indicating the
shutdown condition. This invaluable feature provides positive protection to your
equipment from accidental connection to incorrect line voltages (for example,
220V when 120V is expected-- a not uncommon hazard in the entertainment
industries.)
The AR-1215 has eight outlets on the rear panel, and one on the front panel. All
outlets are regulated, spike-suppressed, and filtered against RFI with a 3-pole
filter. There are no controls except the circuit breaker/on-off switch. A
bar-graph meter comprised of 10 LED's indicates input voltage, while another LED
indicates "In Regulation" status (i.e., that the output voltage is
within ±5V of 120V.) The unit is housed in a compact, single-space rack-mount
chassis, 1.75" high and 8" deep (8.9 x 43.2 cm) and weighs only 12
lbs. (5 kg).
Current Rating: 15 amperes for input voltages of 124V (104V for AR-1215J in 100V mode) or higher; derate at 113 mA per volt to a minimum of 12.3A
"In Regulation" Range: AR-1215: Provides regulation ±5V in 120V mode from 97 to 141V. AR-1215J: Provides regulation + or - 4V in 100V mode from 80 to 122V
Shutdown Range: 120V mode, below 75V or above 150V; 100V mode, below 65V or above 135V
Voltmeter Accuracy: + or - 5V
Spike Protection Modes: Line to neutral, neutral to ground, line to ground
Spike Clamping Voltage: Initial turn-on at 200V; TVSS rating of 400 volts peak at 500 A, L-N, N-G, L-G (tested to UL-1449)
Response Time: 1 nanosecond
Maximum Surge Current: 6,500 amps (8 x 20 ms pulse)
Maximum Spike Energy: 80 joules per node; 240 joules total
Noise Attenuation: Differential mode: Greater than 40 dB. Transverse and common modes: Greater than 60 dB, 1-200 MHz.
Dimensions: 1.75" H x 19" W x 8" D (4.5 x 48.3 x 20.5 cm)
Weight: 12 lbs. (5
kg)