AudioQuest PowerQuest 2 - User Manual

USER MANUAL
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing AudioQuest’s PowerQuest 2 Power Conditioner / Surge Protector. Our Linear power ltration removes
distortion and does so far more eectively and consistently than typical power conditioners. This assures dramatically improved
performance. Unlike traditional surge protectors, non-sacricial surge suppression prevents high voltage and current from
damaging your equipment and ensures your PQ-2 won’t wear out or fail over time. See and hear everything as it was intended
with PowerQuest.
Safety Information | Warnings
Before operating the PQ-2, please read and observe all safety and operating instructions. Retain these instructions for future
reference.
• Do not disassemble or in any way modify the PQ-2. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Keep away from moisture and avoid excessive humidity.
• Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to enter the unit.
Trouble-Shooting Guide
There is no power to any of the AC outlets.
When the PowerQuest’s side-panel LED “Protection On” indicator glows, the unit is operational. If this indicator is not lit, consider the
following:
• Is the opposite side panel’s rocker switch fully ush with the chassis and in the “On” position?
• Is the input AC cord properly plugged into the wall AC service outlet?
• Is the wall’s AC outlet functioning properly?
Plug another component, product, or lamp into the wall outlet to verify that power is present and that the electrical panel’s circuit
breaker has not tripped. If there are only one or two AC outlets that have no output power, a component may be malfunctioning.
Verify the AC output with a known simple device such as a lamp.
• Is the 15-amp circuit breaker tripped?
The left side-panel has one 15-amp circuit breaker with a reset button placed above the rocker switch. Simply push the button to
reset the breaker. It is quite unlikely this would occur, but if a large appliance or a defective component were to experience a short
circuit, this breaker device will activate, thus saving itself and the connected equipment.
If you discover that one or multiple products activate the circuit breaker, check the current consumption rating of that/those
products. (Typically, this information can be found on the last page of the component’s owner’s manual; it should be listed as the
power consumption at 120VAC.) The current specication will typically be in watts. Know that 15 amps at 120VAC equals 1800
watts. (You will want to be at least slightly under that number.)
There is no power to any of the AC outlets and the red front-panel Extreme Voltage indicator is lit.
This indicates that either there is more than 140VAC (+/-3V) present on the wall’s AC service outlet, or the PQ-2’s protection circuit is
mis-calibrated. The latter is quite rare. (This circuit is adjustable, but it’s tested and retested before it leaves the factory, and it’s
designed so that shipping will not aect it.) Use an AC voltage meter to determine if your outlet has too much voltage to be safe for
operation, or if there is a wiring fault that is causing this to occur.
Once the power is brought into a safe range for operation (90VAC to 137 VAC), the PQ-2’s protection circuit will automatically switch
to operational mode and the “Protection On” indicator will light.
My home or grounds were hit by lightning. The PQ-2 seems to be functioning properly. Should it be sent in for inspection
or service?
If you see or smell smoke coming from the unit, it needs service. Otherwise, if it functions after such an event (which is very likely),
there is nothing that would be compromised or damaged. If it fails after such an event, it will fail totally. However, it’s unlikely that this
would occur. The circuit is designed to easily handle any voltage or current surge that could possibly make it past an electrical panel.
The force required to damage the PQ-2 via a power surge would melt the panel and burn the building (in which case, the PowerQuest
unit is the least of your worries).
For warranty information, visit www.audioquest.com/PowerQuest
© Copyright 2018 AudioQuest
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. This document contains proprietary information, which is
protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the
prior written consent of the author. November 2018.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K

Summary

Trouble-Shooting Guide

No Power to AC Outlets

Troubleshoots scenarios where the PowerQuest unit has no power to its AC outlets.

Extreme Voltage Indicator Lit

Addresses no power when the red Extreme Voltage indicator is lit.

Lightning Strike Scenario

Details post-lightning strike inspection and service advice.

Introduction and Safety

Product Introduction

Brief overview of the PowerQuest 2 and its performance benefits.

Safety Information and Warnings

Provides essential safety and operating instructions before using the PQ-2.

Servicing, Installation, and Hook-up

Servicing and Power Requirements

Details servicing conditions and power source requirements for the PQ-2.

Installation Options

Describes wall, baseboard, and floor-mounting options for the PQ-2.

Hook-up Guide

Provides guidance on connecting components to specific PQ-2 outlet banks.

Operation Details

Power Switch and Indicators

Explains the operation of the power switch and the LED indicators.

Overvoltage Protection

Details the overvoltage protection circuit and its indicator.

USB and Signal Protection

Covers the functionality of USB ports and signal line surge protection.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document describes the AudioQuest PowerQuest 2 Power Conditioner / Surge Protector, a device designed to enhance the performance and safety of home entertainment systems.

Function Description

The PowerQuest 2 (PQ-2) serves as a power conditioner and surge protector, offering advanced linear power filtration and non-sacrificial surge suppression. Its primary function is to remove distortion from the power supply, which significantly improves the performance of connected audio/video components. Unlike traditional surge protectors, the PQ-2's non-sacrificial design prevents high voltage and current from damaging connected equipment, ensuring the unit's longevity and consistent protection without wearing out over time. It aims to deliver a clean power supply, allowing users to experience their media as intended.

The device features six AC outlets, each with specific filtration characteristics tailored for different types of components. Outlet 1 is optimized with a 4K/8K Video Optimized Linear Filter, making it ideal for video screens, televisions, projectors, or universal players. Outlets 2, 3, 4, and 5 provide Linear Filter protection, best suited for audio/video source components, computers, modems, or routers. Outlet 6 is a High-Current outlet, recommended for soundbars, power amplifiers, audio/video receivers, or subwoofers. This specialized outlet configuration ensures that each component receives the most appropriate power conditioning for optimal performance.

In addition to AC outlets, the PQ-2 includes two High-Speed USB ports for fast charging of USB A devices, with a total capacity of 3.4 amps. It also offers Signal Line Surge Protection via 75-ohm coaxial connectors, designed for series connection to cable or satellite signals, providing additional protection against lightning strikes.

A key safety feature is the Extreme Voltage Shutdown. If the incoming AC line voltage exceeds 140VAC (+/-3V) for more than a quarter of a second, the PQ-2's circuit will instantly open a high-current relay, disengaging AC power from all outlets and activating a red "Overvoltage Protection" warning indicator. The unit automatically re-engages once the voltage returns to a safe operating range (90VAC to 137VAC). This non-sacrificial protection mechanism ensures that the unit and connected equipment are safeguarded from extreme voltage events without the need for replacement.

Usage Features

The PQ-2 is designed for straightforward installation and operation. Before use, it's crucial to read and observe all safety and operating instructions. The device should not be disassembled or modified, as it contains no user-serviceable parts. It should also be kept away from moisture and excessive humidity, and liquids or foreign objects should not be allowed to enter the unit.

For installation, the PQ-2 offers both wall/baseboard mounting and a detachable floor-mounting base. Mounting holes are located on the back of the unit, and a drill template is provided to assist with accurate placement. Screws (not included) are installed on the wall or baseboard, leaving at least 1/4" exposed, and the PQ-2 is then secured onto these screws. For floor mounting, the base attaches to the underside of the PQ-2 by inserting rectangular tabs into corresponding slots and sliding the base into place. A lock button secures the base, and an unlock button allows for easy removal. This design ensures that power cords plug straight down, making installation trouble-free.

To energize the PQ-2, after connecting components to the appropriate outlets, users firmly press the black rocker switch on the left side of the chassis until its white dot is flush with the "On" label. Typically, within a second, an audible "clack" sound indicates the relay has activated, and the "Protection On" LED indicator (on the opposite side panel) will glow, confirming the unit is operational.

The PQ-2 requires a safety ground, which is typically supplied via the power utility AC wall outlet. Ideally, the power source should be adequate for 120VAC single-phase nominal voltage, 15 amps RMS current capacity, though it will also operate well with a 120VAC 20-amp service outlet.

Maintenance Features

The PQ-2 is designed for minimal user maintenance, primarily focusing on troubleshooting and professional servicing when necessary.

A "Trouble-Shooting Guide" is provided to address common issues. If there is no power to any AC outlets and the "Protection On" LED indicator is not lit, users should check:

• If the rocker switch is fully flush and in the "On" position.
• If the input AC cord is properly plugged into the wall AC service outlet.
• If the wall's AC outlet is functioning properly (by plugging in another component or lamp).
• If the 15-amp circuit breaker is tripped. The circuit breaker, located on the left side-panel above the rocker switch, can be reset by simply pushing the button. This breaker activates if a large appliance or defective component experiences a short circuit, protecting itself and connected equipment. Users are advised to check the current consumption rating of products that trip the breaker, ensuring it is within the 15-amp (1800 watts) limit.

If there is no power to any AC outlets and the red front-panel "Extreme Voltage" indicator is lit, this indicates either more than 140VAC (+/-3V) is present at the wall's AC service outlet, or the PQ-2's protection circuit is mis-calibrated. Users can use an AC voltage meter to determine if the outlet voltage is too high or if there's a wiring fault. Once the power returns to a safe range (90VAC to 137VAC), the PQ-2's protection circuit will automatically switch to operational mode, and the "Protection On" indicator will light.

Servicing of the PQ-2 must be performed by AudioQuest and is only required under specific circumstances:

• If the PQ-2 has been exposed to rain, flooding, or extreme moisture.
• If the PQ-2 does not appear to operate normally (after troubleshooting).
• If the PQ-2 has been dropped and sustained considerable physical damage.

If the unit functions properly after an event like a lightning strike, it is unlikely to be compromised or damaged, and inspection or service is not needed. However, if smoke or a burning smell emanates from the unit, it requires service. The circuit is designed to handle significant voltage or current surges, making it highly robust.

When sending the PQ-2 for servicing, users are advised to use bubble wrap or other professional packaging materials to ensure safe transit. For questions regarding packaging requirements, AudioQuest should be contacted. Warranty information is available on the AudioQuest website.

AudioQuest PowerQuest 2 Specifications

General

Type	AC Power Distribution
Surge Protection	Yes
Noise Filtering	Yes
Dimensions	13.5 x 5.2 x 2.2 inches
Weight	3.5 lbs
Maximum Input Current	15A
Input Connector	NEMA 5-15P
Output Connectors	NEMA 5-15R
Maximum Current	15A
Voltage Rating	120V
Cable Length	6 ft