Description
The 30 amp AR-1230 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-1230 is designed to provide a steady, stable 120 VAC output. It accepts input voltages from 97V to 141V and transforms them 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-1230 can handle loads totaling up to 30 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-1230 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-1230 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-1230 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-1230 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-1230 has one 30A, NEMA L14-30P twistlock inlet, one 30A NEMA L14-30R twistlock outlet, and six 15A outlets on the rear panel, plus two 15A outlets 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 bargraph 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.) Also provided is a 10-LED bar- graph meter to indicate output current. The unit is housed in a compact, two-space rackmount chassis, 3.5" high and 17" deep (8.9 x 43.2 cm) and weighs only 35 lbs. (16 kg).
Optional Accessory
RRM-2 Rear Rack Mount Ears: Adjustable rear rack ears so the AR-1230 can be securely attached both in front and in back.
Related Model
Model AR-1230J: Has a rear-panel Output Voltage switch, allowing for either 100V or 120V operation.
Features
Delivers a stable 120 ±5 VAC whenever the input AC line voltage is between 97V and 141V
Output capacity 30 amps
One regulated, conditioned 30A twistlock outlet and six 15A outlets on the rear, plus two 15A outlets on the front
Eight-tap toroidal autoformer
10-LED bargraph Input Voltage meter
10-LED bargraph Output Current meter
Extreme overvoltage/undervoltage causes instant shutdown, protecting equipment
Extreme Voltage Shutdown indicator LED
Output In Regulation indicator
Low stray magnetic field leakage
Rear panel fan provides cooling for continuous operation
Specification
Current Rating: 30 amperes for input voltages of 124 or higher (104 or higher for AR-1230J set for 100V operation); derate at 150 mA per volt to a minimum of 24A
"In Regulation" Range: Provides regulation ±5V in 120V mode for inputs of 97 to 141V, 60 Hz; (AR-1230J only: also provides regulation + or -4V in 100V mode for inputs of 80 to 122V, 50/60 Hz)
Shutdown Range: 120V mode: Below 75V or above 150V. (AR-1230J only: 100V mode: Below 65V or above 135V)
Inlet: One 30A NEMA L14-30P twistlock connector
Outlets: One 30A NEMA L14-30R twistlock connector, six 15A outlets on rear panel and two 15A outlets on front panel
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: 3.5" H x 19" W x 17" D (8.9 x 48.3 x 43.2 cm)
Weight: 35 lbs. (16 kg)