Common Power Problems and Solutions
PROBLEM
Electrical – AC Transient Spikes
Definition and Cause:
Extremely brief increases in delivered AC voltage and current (spike). Caused by lightning (most severe) or, far more commonly, spikes caused by the utility
substation and major appliances switching on and off
Effect on A/V Equipment:
Lightning can destroy an entire system with one strike. The multiple daily AC spikes slowly break down sensitive circuits, causing lockups, decreased performance, and
premature equipment failure.
SOLUTION
Protect-or-Disconnect
System Benefit:
Protection from small to catastrophic events, resulting in improved reliability, longevity and performance.
Available in:
All Panamax power management products.
PROBLEM
Brownouts and Over-voltages
Definition and Cause:
Brownouts are commonly caused by overuse on the grid or utilities temporarily cutting back on available power.
Over voltages are commonly caused by wiring faults within a home, generators, or downed power lines.
Effect on A/V Equipment:
When subject to extended periods of voltage under 90V or over 140V, components can sustain permanent damage or fail completely.
SOLUTION
Extreme Voltage Protection
Panamax: AVM
System Benefit:
Maximized system life due to protection from extreme or catastrophic voltage events.
Available in:
All Panamax power management components: M4, M8 and Component Families
PROBLEM
AC Line Noise
Definition and Cause:
AC line distortion caused by radio frequency interference, electro-magnetic interference, and signals induced into the AC line by electronic components and switch mode
power supplies.
Effect on A/V Equipment:
Compromised picture and sound quality due to the masking of high definition audio/video signals. Higher levels manifest as audible clicks, pops, radio interference, or
visual “snow”.
SOLUTION
Linear Noise Filtration
System Benefit:
Increased audio and video performance, increased reliability of digital components.
Available in:
All Panamax power management products feature standard noise filtration. Linear Noise Filtration is available in 4300 Series and up.
PROBLEM
Unstable AC Voltage Conditions
Definition and Cause:
Voltage consistently or intermittently outside of the “ideal” range of 115V-125V. Caused by many factors, including: utility adjustment for peak demand, faulty utility
delivery, or large variances in load on grid.
Effect on A/V Equipment:
AC Voltages outside the ideal range can cause component power supplies to overheat, while others will exhibit unreliable behavior and compromised performance.
SOLUTION
AC Voltage Regulation
System Benefit:
Increased component reliability and longevity. (Note: the majority of residences do not need voltage regulation)
Available in:
Panamax M5400-PM (Low noise toroid)
Panamax MB850 (Two Boost Stages)
Panamax MB1000, Panamax MB1500
PROBLEM
AC Blackouts
Definition and Cause:
Short or extended interruptions in power (0 Volts delivery). Commonly caused by faults in transmission infrastructure or downed power lines in a storm or accident.
Effect on A/V Equipment:
Failure of data storage (media hard drives), loss of data. Failure of components that need a fan to cool after use (such as projectors).
SOLUTION
Battery Backup / UPS
System Benefit:
Protection from data loss and increased longevity of components such as lamp-based projectors.
Available in:
Panamax MB850
Panamax MX5102
Panamax MB1000
Panamax MB1500
PROBLEM
Current Compression
Definition and Cause:
Restricted or insufficient electrical current for power amplifier’s power supplies. Instantaneous current is required to reproduce acoustic dynamic range. When heavy
filtration or regulation is used, current can be limited or “compressed.” Current Compression limits amplifier’s ability to fully reproduce the dynamic range of the
sound track.
Effect on A/V Equipment:
Anemic, weak audio reproduction, even with premium components. Causes audio to sound muddy, losing definition, bass extension, and visceral impact.
SOLUTION
High Current Outlets
System Benefit:
When connected to High Current Outlets, amplification equipment is not limited by additional filtration, resulting in uncompromised audio reproduction.
Available in:
All “PRO” products and most Component products.