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Thread: Read this first - Energy Bars and outlets

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    Read this first - Energy Bars and outlets

    EBx Energy Bars


    • EnergyBars EB4, EB6, and EB8 may be used with any model of Apex
    • EnergyBar 832 requires an Apex (2016) or Apex EL; the EB832 is not backward-compatible with older Apexes (Apex Classic/Gold, Apex Lite, Apex Jr); please do not attempt to connect an EB832 to a Classic Apex



    Energy Bar Model Number of Outlets Max module Amperage (all outlets total) Max Amp/Outlet Voltage Number TRIAC outlets Number Relay Outlets
    EB4 4 15A 8A (#3 is 12A) 120v 0 4
    EB6 (all international variants) 6 10A @ 230v 8A 230v 0 6
    EB8 8 15A 5A (outlets 1-3, 5-7)
    10A (outlets 4 & 8)
    120v 6 2
    EB832 8 15A 7A 120v 0 8

    Additional notes about the EB8 module:
    (this does NOT apply to the EB832).

    EB8 outlets 4 and 8 are activated with mechanical relays. These have a distinct "click" whenever they switch on/off. Mechanical relays (think light switch in your house) have been around for a long time, are inexpensive and very reliable. They handle both high and low current devices equally well.

    EB8 outlets 1-3 and 5-7 are TRIAC (TRIode for Alternating Current) solid state outlets. They are completely silent. An example of a TRIAC switch can be found on your Christmas tree lights. They are very, very fast and can switch in fractions of a second and do that all day long without wearing out like a mechanical switch/relay would. Another advantage that TRIAC switches have over mechanical switches is that they “time” their switch to the point when the current sine wave is at or near zero (what Neptune calls ‘soft start’). This virtually eliminates the possibility of “arcing” that can happen with mechanical relays that are indiscriminate about where in the sine wave they open/close.

    One problem with TRIAC controlled outlets however is that they sometimes cannot detect very low power factor devices and as a result may not switch off correctly. They may appear to be in the OFF state, but may still be passing electrical current. This only happens with very low power devices, < 4-5 watts. So, if you have any device like that, you might consider putting it on EB8 outlets 4 or 8. Dosing pumps and very small AC-powered power heads are good examples of problematic devices with TRIAC outlets.
    Last edited by RussM; 01-02-2014 at 10:16.

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