The ELAC Protek PR71-S is an 8-outlet component surge protector designed to safeguard electronic equipment from AC power surges. It offers comprehensive protection and power management features for a variety of devices, from high-current audio amplifiers to lower-current source components and USB-powered devices.

Function Description

The primary function of the PR71-S is to provide surge protection and filtered power to connected electronic devices. It incorporates internal protection mechanisms that disconnect the surge protective component at the end of its useful life, while maintaining power to the outlets (though they will become unprotected). The device is designed to protect equipment from AC power surges up to its rated specifications. It also includes EMI/RFI filtration to ensure clean power delivery, which can enhance the performance of sensitive audio and video equipment.

The surge protector features a total of eight AC outlets, divided into two groups, and two USB charging ports. These outlets are designed to accommodate different types of electronic equipment, optimizing protection and performance.

Usage Features

The PR71-S offers several user-friendly features for power control, monitoring, and device connectivity:

Power Button (1): This button allows users to power on and off the rear AC outlets. A short press (0.5 to 1 second) toggles power. Pressing and holding the button for 10 seconds initiates a factory reset of the unit, restoring it to its default settings.
Reboot Button (2): Pressing and holding the REBOOT button for 1.5 seconds will power cycle all outlets in Group 1. This is useful for quickly resetting connected devices without having to manually unplug them.
Dimmer Button (3): This button controls the brightness of the LCD display and other LED indicators. Users can adjust the brightness to 10%, 35%, 70%, or 100% to suit their viewing preferences and ambient lighting conditions.
Voltage Display (4): The integrated display shows the voltage of the AC outlet into which the surge protector is plugged. This allows users to monitor the incoming power supply and ensure it is within acceptable operating parameters.
LED Indicators (5): A set of LED indicators provides visual feedback on the status of the surge protector and the quality of the incoming power:
- Protected / Clean Power: When this blue LED is on, it indicates that the outlets are protected and receiving clean power. If it's off, surge protection is not working, and connected devices are unprotected.
- Ground OK: A lit blue LED signifies that the wall outlet is properly grounded. If this LED is off, the wall outlet is not properly grounded, and a licensed electrician should be consulted to resolve the issue.
- Reversed Polarity: If this LED is off, the wall outlet polarity is correct. If it's on, reverse polarity is detected, and a licensed electrician should be contacted to address the problem.
- Unsafe Voltage: This LED is off when normal voltage is detected. If it turns on, it indicates unsafe voltage, and the surge protector will disconnect power to connected devices. In such a case, a licensed electrician should be consulted.
Front AC Outlet (6): This outlet is always on, providing continuous power, unless an unsafe voltage condition is detected. It is ideal for devices that require constant power.
Front Outlet Indicator (7): This LED indicates the power status of the front AC outlet.
Dual USB Charging Ports (8): The PR71-S includes two USB-A ports that deliver 5V and up to 2.4 amps of total power. These ports are convenient for charging compatible USB devices such as smartphones, tablets, or other portable electronics.
Group 2 AC Outlets (9): These five outlets provide 58dB of EMI/RFI filtration. They are specifically designed for source components and lower-current devices, ensuring clean and stable power delivery for optimal performance.
Group 1 AC Outlets (10): These two outlets are designed for high-current devices, such as audio amplifiers. They are optimized to handle the power demands of such equipment while still providing surge protection and filtration.
Overload Breaker (11): This breaker trips if the surge protector is overloaded, protecting both the surge protector and connected devices from damage. After resetting the breaker, it is crucial to ensure that the "Protected/Clean Power" LED is on. If it remains off, the surge protector may need replacement.

To use the surge protector, users should first ensure that all devices to be connected are powered off. The surge protector should then be plugged into a properly grounded AC wall outlet and turned on. It is important to verify that the "PROTECTED" and "GROUNDED" blue LEDs are illuminated. If the "PROTECTED" LED is not lit, the surge protector is not functioning correctly and will not protect connected devices. If the "GROUNDED" LED is not lit, the outlet is not properly grounded and should not be used until a licensed electrician has resolved the issue. Once these checks are complete, equipment can be plugged into the appropriate outlets, and USB devices can be connected for charging.

Maintenance Features

While the PR71-S is designed for reliable operation, certain aspects relate to its maintenance and longevity:

End-of-Life Indication: The "Protected / Clean Power" LED serves as a critical maintenance indicator. If this LED is off, it signifies that the surge protective component has reached the end of its useful life. Although the outlets may still provide power, they will no longer be protected from surges. In such cases, the surge protector should be replaced to ensure continued protection for valuable electronic equipment.
Overload Breaker Reset: The overload breaker is a safety feature that requires user intervention to reset if tripped. After an overload event, users must manually reset the breaker. This action also serves as a prompt to check the "Protected / Clean Power" LED to confirm the unit's protective status.
Grounding and Polarity Checks: The "Ground OK" and "Reversed Polarity" LEDs provide continuous monitoring of the wall outlet's electrical integrity. If either of these LEDs indicates a problem (e.g., "Ground OK" is off, or "Reversed Polarity" is on), it signals a fundamental issue with the building's wiring. This is not a fault of the surge protector itself but a critical alert that requires attention from a licensed electrician to prevent potential hazards and ensure proper operation of connected devices.
Unsafe Voltage Detection: The "Unsafe Voltage" LED acts as a protective mechanism. If it illuminates, the surge protector automatically disconnects power to connected devices. This feature protects equipment from potentially damaging voltage fluctuations. Users should consult a licensed electrician if this indicator lights up.

The PR71-S is designed for use in dry, indoor locations only. It should not be "daisy-chained" with other surge protectors or plugged into another relocatable power tap. It is also important not to connect it to an ungrounded outlet or use it with aquarium equipment. Adhering to these guidelines ensures the longevity and effective operation of the surge protector and the safety of connected devices.

Protek ELAC PR71-S - Page 4

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