Alesis RA500 User Manual - Page 12

Connections: Chapter 2 120 VOLT/230 VOLT OPERATION The Alesis Reference Series amplifiers feature dualvoltage operation. The AC input voltage is selected by a recessed switch on the back panel. The tab is recessed and a tool (small screw driver, pencil, pen, etc.) is required to shift from 120-volt to 230-volt operation. Units sold in areas with 120V power (as in the United States) should come with the switch already set to that position. Before connecting the amplifier to AC power for the first time, make sure that this switch is set correctly for the country you're using the amp in. If you change the voltage when travelling, you must also replace the power fuse with the proper amperage (see page 10) and obtain the proper detachable IEC power cable for the country. FUSE If the fuse blows, replace with a fuse of the correct type only; use of any higher amperage value will void the warranty. FUSES ARE FOR YOUR PROTECTION-NEVER SUBSTITUTE A FUSE OF A HIGHER RATING, OR BYPASS IT. All fuses are the "Slo-Blo" type, sized at 5mm diameter x 20mm: Model RA150 RA300 RA500 100-120 volt T3.15AL250V T6.3AL250V T10AL250V 220-240 volt T1.6AL250V T3.15AL250V T5AL250V The fuse will not blow unless the unit is overstressed. Before replacing the fuse, correct the condition that caused it to blow in the first place. 10 ELECTRICAL SERVICE TO THE RA150/300/500 One of the most important considerations for proper installation and operation of a power amplifier is the capacity of the circuit feeding the AC mains voltage to the amplifier. If the line does not have sufficient current and voltage capacity, the amplifier may not be able to deliver its full rated output, both steady state and peak, with the result that the sound character can dramatically suffer. In short, any amplifier will only sound good when connected to adequate AC power. The maximum audio output rating of each amp (200 watts bridged for the RA150 to 1000 watts bridged for the RA500) does not represent the total AC power consumption by the unit. The following table shows the power consumption at rated output: Model RA150 RA300 RA500 Rated AC consumption 270 watts 500 watts 840 watts Maximum (peak) 390 watts 650 watts 1080 watts Note that in typical studio applications the average power consumption will be much less. When not being driven, current consumption is 30 watts or less. Under most circumstances, normal household or commercial power outlets will be adequate. (A standard 15-amp circuit is capable of supplying 1800 watts.) However, peak power consumption may momentarily be 100 to 200 watts higher on transient peaks; if you're connecting a lot of other equipment to the same circuit you should plan for an extra 20% headroom to avoid blowing a circuit breaker. Note that when multiple devices are plugged into a single AC outlet, the possibility of overheated connections can exist. Long AC extension cables may also degrade the supply power. Electrical standards have taken enormous strides toward increased safety over the past few decades thanks to circuit breakers, ground fault interrupters, and improved wiring and insulation materials. Unfortunately, some clubs are situated in older buildings whose wiring may not meet current safety standards, or have wiring that has deteriorated over the years. Make sure the circuit supplying power to the RA150/300/500 can supply enough current to run it properly. If the circuit has to supply other high-powered consumption units such as RA150/300/500 Reference Manual