Furman PST-8D Advanced Power Conditioner User Manual

1. Introduction

The Furman PST-8D Advanced Power Conditioner is designed to protect and optimize the performance of your sensitive audio/video equipment. Modern power grids often deliver poor quality AC power, which can introduce noise and distortion, affecting equipment performance. The PST-8D addresses this by providing clean, filtered AC power.

This unit features Furman's proprietary Series Multi-Stage Protection (SMP) circuit, which includes Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) and a high-current TVZ-MOV. These technologies work together to reduce AC noise and ensure consistent peak performance from your connected devices, such as televisions, projectors, CD/DVD players, and computers.

Unlike typical AC filters that can introduce uneven noise reduction, Furman's LiFT technology suppresses AC noise evenly across a broad frequency range. Additionally, the PST-8D incorporates an automatic Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) circuit. This critical safety feature automatically powers off the unit and connected equipment if input voltage exceeds 137 volts, protecting against damaging over-voltage events.

The PST-8D also includes transient voltage suppression for Telco and cable/satellite lines, offering comprehensive protection for your entire system.

2. Key Features

• Advanced Linear Filtering (LiFT): Significantly reduces AC line noise and contamination, enhancing audio/video clarity.
• Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus (SMP+): Provides the highest level of AC surge suppression, ensuring robust protection for connected equipment.
• Automatic Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS): Guards valuable equipment from dangerous wiring faults by automatically shutting down the unit during over-voltage conditions (137V or higher).
• Zero Ground Contamination Circuitry: Ensures the delivery of pure AC power, protecting critical audio/video components from ground-related noise.
• Isolated Outlet Banks: The PST-8D features two banks of four outlets each, isolated to prevent interference between connected equipment.
• Cable, Satellite, and Telco Connectors: Delivers advanced protection to connected communication lines.

Figure 2.1: Illustration of Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) for noise reduction.

Figure 2.2: Illustration of Extreme-Voltage Shutdown (EVS) protection.

3. Setup Instructions

1. Placement: Position the Furman PST-8D in a stable location, ideally within 30 feet of your circuit breaker box, as recommended for Type 3 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs).
2. Direct Wall Connection: Plug the PST-8D directly into a grounded wall socket. Do not daisy-chain extension cords or other power strips into the PST-8D, or plug the PST-8D into another power strip.
3. Verify Grounding: Ensure the wall socket is properly grounded. The surge protection features will not function without a proper ground connection. If the unit's 'Protected' indicator light does not illuminate, or if you suspect grounding issues, test the outlet with a dedicated receptacle tester.
4. Connect Equipment: Plug your audio/video components into the 8 AC outlets on the PST-8D. The PST-8D features two isolated banks of four outlets each. For optimal noise reduction, consider isolating noise-sensitive equipment (e.g., TVs, pre-amps) from equipment that may generate more noise (e.g., DVRs, DVD players, amplifiers).
5. Connect Communication Lines (Optional): If desired, connect your coaxial cable (for TV/satellite) and Telco (phone line) to the respective input/output jacks on the PST-8D for additional transient voltage suppression.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the Furman PST-8D Power Conditioner, showing the 8 AC outlets.

4. Operating Instructions

Once the PST-8D is properly connected to a grounded wall outlet and your equipment is plugged in, the unit operates automatically.

• Power On: Ensure the power switch on the PST-8D is in the 'ON' position.
• 'Protected' Indicator: A 'Protected' indicator light will illuminate, confirming that the surge protection circuitry is active and functioning correctly. If this light is off, the unit is not providing surge protection, which may indicate an ungrounded outlet or a fault within the unit.
• Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS): In the event of an extreme over-voltage condition (above 137V), the EVS circuit will automatically shut down power to all connected outlets to protect your equipment. Once the voltage returns to a safe operating range, the unit will automatically restore power.
• Circuit Breaker: The PST-8D is equipped with a circuit breaker. If an overload occurs (e.g., too many high-current devices are connected), the circuit breaker may trip, cutting power to the outlets. To reset, disconnect some devices, then press the circuit breaker button.

5. Maintenance

The Furman PST-8D is designed for maintenance-free operation. However, to ensure its longevity and optimal performance, consider the following:

• Cleaning: Periodically wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the unit's ventilation openings (if any) are not obstructed to prevent overheating.
• Cable Management: Keep power cables organized and free from kinks or excessive tension.
• Indicator Lights: Regularly check the 'Protected' indicator light to confirm active surge protection.

6. Troubleshooting

• No Power to Outlets:
  • Check if the power switch is in the 'ON' position.
  • Verify that the PST-8D is securely plugged into a functional wall outlet.
  • Check if the circuit breaker on the PST-8D has tripped. If so, reset it after unplugging some devices.
  • The Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) circuit may have activated due to an over-voltage condition. Wait for the voltage to stabilize; power should automatically restore.
• 'Protected' Light is Off:
  • This indicates that the surge protection circuitry is not active. Ensure the wall outlet is properly grounded. If the outlet is ungrounded, the surge protection will not function.
  • If the outlet is grounded and the light remains off, the unit may require service.
• Hum or Noise in Audio/Video:
  • Ensure sensitive equipment is connected to the isolated outlet banks to minimize interference.
  • Verify all cables are properly shielded and connected.
  • While the PST-8D significantly reduces AC line noise, some environmental factors or equipment issues may still contribute to noise.
• Flat Wall Plug Instability: Some wall sockets may be internally wobbly, causing the flat wall plug of the PST-8D to feel insecure. This may require replacing the wall outlet for a more stable connection.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

The Furman PST-8D comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Please note that if you do not register your warranty within 15 days of purchase, the warranty period may be reduced to 1 year.

For warranty claims, technical support, or additional product information, please visit the official Furman store or contact Furman customer service.

Official Furman Store: Visit the Furman Store on Amazon