Filter
Top Products
Connections: Chapter 2
10 RA150/300/500 Reference Manual
120 VOLT/230 VOLT OPERATION
The Alesis Reference Series amplifiers feature dual-
voltage 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 100-120 volt 220-240 volt
RA150 T3.15AL250V T1.6AL250V
RA300 T6.3AL250V T3.15AL250V
RA500 T10AL250V 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.
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 Rated AC
consumption
Maximum
(peak)
RA150 270 watts 390 watts
RA300 500 watts 650 watts
RA500 840 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