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NOTE: Operator is cautioned to review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. iIf there are questions regarding the safe operation of this powering system, please contact Alpha Technologies or your nearest Alpha representative. NOTE:...
Table of Contents Safety Notes .......................... 7 Introduction ......................... 8 Operating Principle ..................8 Standard Confi gurations ................10 Optional Features ..................12 Installation......................... 14 Pole Mount Installations ................. 14 2.1.1 Wooden Poles ..................14 2.1.2 Concrete and Steel Poles ..............15 Wall Mount Installations .................
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List of Figures Fig. 1-1, Ferroresonant “Tank” Circuit and Resulting Output Waveform ..........9 Fig. 1-2, Pole Mount Enclosure ......................11 Fig. 1-3, APX Main Transformer Assembly ..................11 Fig. 1-4, The Alpha APX (PM) and Installable Options1 ..............13 Fig. 2-1, APX Enclosure Pole Mounting ..................... 15 Fig.
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Table 2-1, High-Magnetic Breakers for Square D Service Entrances ..........27 Table 2-2, APX Output Voltage Reconfi guration ................. 39 Table 4-1, Troubleshooting Guide ....................... 42 Table 4-2, Replacement Parts ......................43 Table 5-1, APX Series Specifi cations ....................46 016-030-B0-005, Rev. C...
Safety Notes Review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If there are any questions regarding the safe installation or operation of the system, contact Alpha Technologies or the nearest Alpha representative. Save this document for future reference.
1.0 Introduction The Alpha APX Series Non-standby Power Supply provides conditioned power to signal amplifi ers in cable television and broadband distribution systems. The modular design, consisting of a baseplate, transformer assembly and enclosure cover, supplies the load with current-limited, regulated AC power, that is free from spikes, surges and other forms of power line transients.
Introduction, continued Operating Principle, continued Ferroresonant Transformer and AC Capacitor Noisy Input Waveform Clean Output Waveform Fig. 1-1, Ferroresonant ‘Tank’ circuit and resulting output waveform AC power enters the module where it is converted to a “quasi” square wave and regulated (at the required output voltage).
Introduction, continued Standard Confi gurations The APX Series non-standby power supplies are available in the following confi gurations: Available Confi gurations Description APX 6008 120VAC, 60Hz Input; 8A, 480VA, 60V Output; available in Pole, Rack, Wall, Shelf, or Pedestal Mount confi gurations.
Introduction, continued Standard Confi gurations, continued Main Transformer Assembly (MTA) Enclosure Cover Baseplate Assembly Holes for Padlock Fig. 1-2, Pole Mount Enclosure Fig. 1-3, APX Main Transformer Assembly 016-030-B0-005, Rev. C...
Introduction, continued Optional Features You can equip the APX Series with the following options.See Section 2.10, for installation instructions. Option Description Part Number Security lock for pole mount enclosures. PM models are GLK-PED: 740-263-22; Enclosure Locks equipped with a security hole to accomodate a standard GLK-PM: 744-229-21 padlock.
Introduction, continued Optional Features, continued See Table 1-1 for a complete description of these features. Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) Enclosure Locks ® Enclosure Cover LA-M ACAT-3P SIL-C TDR-M AMM-C Fig. 1-4, The Alpha APX (PM) and Installable Options 016-030-B0-005, Rev. C...
2.0 Installation Pole Mount Installations The APX-PM can be mounted on wooden, steel, or concrete poles. Most local codes require that the base of the enclosure be at a minimum height from the ground. Always verify height restrictions before proceeding. NOTE: Poles are typically the property of the local utility.
Installation, continued Pole Mount Installations, continued Service Drop Enclosure Mounting Bracket 5/8" Diameter Bolts and Associated Hardware APX Enclosure NOTE: If mounting to a steel or concrete pole, use these two strap slots 4 1/2” center-center VSF Output Connector Cable Output Utility Power Input To Service (from Service Entrance)
Installation, continued Wall Mount Installations The wall mount version is equipped with an adaptor bracket to ensure that the APX pole mount enclosure can be mounted on a fl at, vertical surface. If the wall mount bracket cannot be installed on a fl at, vertical surface and positioned over a wall stud (2x4; 2x6; etc), use appropriate anchors and lag bolts.
Installation, continued Pedestal Mount Installations The pedestal mount (PED) is constructed of weather-resistant steel and is ideal for ground mount applications. The PED model is supplied with a stake for soil-mounting applications. An optional concrete mounting kit may be ordered for mounting to a concrete pad. NOTE: Before you install the MTA, fi...
Installation, continued Pedestal Mount Installations, continued Wing nut PED Enclosure Hood PED-Universal Bracket (UB1) PED Enclosure Mounting Stake Base Unit and Hardware Fig. 2-4, PED Enclosure NOTE: If a more secure confi guration is required, mount the enclosure level with the surrounding soil (with no depression), place a wooden form around the outside of the enclosure, and pour concrete to a depth of 3 or 4 inches.
To mount the enclosure to the pad, use a 3/8" lock washer and nut on each mounting bolt. NOTE: To prevent damage, you must mount the enclosure on a fl ush smooth surface. Do not over-torque. Alpha Technologies is not responsible for damages incurred to the enclosure by improper mounting on uneven surfaces. Procedure: (Concrete Mount) Before proceeding, remove both the MTA (if installed) and universal bracket (UB1) from the PED.
Installation, continued Rack Mount Installations The APX is also available in a rack mount version that can be installed into a standard 19" rack. NOTE: Install and connect all optional features, before installing the MTA. Procedure: To mount the APX into a standard 19" rack, secure the APX to the rack rails, using 10-32 screws and cup washers (not supplied).
Installation, continued Shelf Mount Installations The shelf mount version of the APX consists of the standard MTA (Modular Transformer Assembly) which rests on a mounting plate (SM). You can install the mounting plate and MTA into a number of Alpha enclosures, including the PED-M, PWE or UPE. The shelf mount option also includes an input AC power extension cable (APX model only) and an APX-SPI adaptor.
Installation, continued Connecting Utility Power CAUTION! Contact your local utility for approval before you install the power supply and connect to utility power. All work should be performed by qualifi ed service personnel in compliance with local electrical codes. NOTE: UL and NEC require the installer to connect a service disconnect switch (UL listed) between the power source and the Alpha power supply.
Installation, continued Connecting Utility Power, continued 2.6.1 Wiring the Enclosure Utility Service, continued CAUTION! Before you begin, turn off all utility power. Do not plug APX into AC receptacle at this time. Procedure (120VAC, 60HZ) If the Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) is installed it must be completely removed during utility wiring.
Installation, continued Connecting Utility Power, continued 2.6.1 Wiring the Enclosure Utility Service, continued Procedure (230VAC, 50 HZ): If the MTA is installed, completely remove it prior to utility wiring. To remove the transformer assembly, loosen the captive screw on the bottom of the baseplate and lift.
Use a high-magnetic 15A circuit breaker to accomodate the high inrush currents normally associated with the start-up of ferroresonant transformers (400A, no-trip, half cycle). Conventional service entrance breakers are not recommended. High-magnetic breakers for Square D service entrances enclosures are available from Alpha Technologies: Description Alpha Part Number Square D Part Number...
Installation, continued External Service Disconnect, continued NOTE: Service electric ground must be unbroken to service disconnect. All local utility and building codes apply. Fig. 2-16, Service Entrance / Meter Connections, 120VAC To Utility Ground Clamp Ground (GREEN) Neutral (WHITE) L2 (RED) #8AWG (minimum) Copper Ground Wire L1 (BLACK)
Installation, continued Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA) The modular transformer assembly in the APX is designed for quick installation and removal. A captive screw in the baseplate secures the MTA into the enclosure. NOTE: Prior to installing the MTA, the enclosure must be mounted and utility and cable lines must be wired as previously described in this manual.
Installation, continued Modular Transformer Assembly (MTA), continued Fit tab on baseplate through slot in MTA. Main Transformer Assembly Output Connector Baseplate Assembly Fig. 2-18, MTA Mounted on Baseplate Assembly of PM Enclosure MTA Mounting Tab Universal Bracket (UB1) Wing Nut Receptacle Box APX Output Connector Extended Mounting Bracket...
Installation, continued AC Output Connection Procedure Prepare the incoming coaxial cable used for the distribution of power (including external fi ttings not supplied by Alpha). Loosen the APX brass seizure screw output fi tting to accommodate the center pin of the cable connector.
Installation, continued 2.10 Options Options for the APX can be installed easily in the fi eld in a minimum amount of time. See Section 1.3, Optional Features, for a complete list of available options. CAUTION! Always disconnect the power supply from the unit by unplugging the power cord before you install options.
Lightning arrestors provide additional protection to sensitive electronic equipment from line disturbances caused by lightning strikes, surges, and spikes. LA-M (Lightning Arrestor for the APX Series) The LA-M requires no hard-wiring and plugs directly into the 2-pin receptacle to the right to the APX’s power receptacle.
Installation, continued 2.10 Options, continued LA-E (Lightning Arrestor for APX-E Version) The LA-E lightning arrestor is hard-wired into the receptacle housing of the APX base unit. Install the device when initially wiring the APX to the 230VAC mains. NOTE: The APX-E receptacle box does not contain a separate receptacle for the LA-E. Procedure, Wiring the LA-E lightning arrestor: If the MTA is installed, remove it from the baseplate.
Installation, continued 2.10 Options, continued LA-E (Lightning Arrestor for 230VAC Rack Mount Models) The LA-E lightning arrestor mounts to the back of the front panel and is secured by the existing screw. This option must be hard-wired into the Rack Mount unit using quick-connect connectors.
Installation, continued 2.10 Options, continued AMM-C (Ammeter) The AMM-C Ammeter displays output current to the load and provides a visual indication of the load applied to the APX. You can also use the AMM-C to determine if an open or short circuit condition exists.
Installation, continued 2.10 Options, continued Install 8" wire here Fig. 2-28, AMM-C Installation TDR-M (Plug-in Time Delay Relay) The TDR-M briefl y delays power to the output during utility start-ups (after an outage has occurred). With the easily accessible potentiometer, you can vary the delay time between 10 and 60 seconds.
Installation, continued 2.10 Options, continued 3-Pin Connector with Shorting Wire TDR-M Mounted in Upper Slot 3-Pin Connector SEMS Mounting Screw 2-Pin Connector ACAT-3P Mounted in Lower Slot Fig. 2-30, TDR-M and ACAT-3P Options Installed in the APX ACAT-3P (AMP Clamp) The ACAT-3P clamps dangerous spikes and surges to ground protecting sensitive electronic equipment.
Installation, continued 2.11 APX Output Voltage Reconfi guration The APX 90V series has a user-selectable output voltage between 60VAC, 75VAC, and 90VAC. Verify appropriate output voltage selection for each application. The default setting is 90VAC. To reconfi gure the output voltage, move the 12-gauge black wire to the appropriate output tap on the transformer.
3.0 Operation Start-up and Test After all utility and cable connections are complete, test the APX before placing it into service. Test Procedure: Before you apply power, verify that the AC LINE circuit breaker is in the OUT (off) position. The white portion of the stem will be visible. If it is not, press the breaker button. Plug the APX power plug into the receptacle provided in the internal AC receptacle box.
Operation, continued Shutdown and MTA Removal WARNING! Use heavy gloves when handling a power module that has just been taken out of service. The ferroresonant transformer generates heat and may cause burns if handled with bare hands. Shutdown Procedure: Switch the external service disconnect circuit breaker to OFF. Unplug the power cord.
NOTE: Do not use popcorn-type material. Alpha Technologies is not responsible for damage caused by improper packing on returned units Alpha products may be returned by either method listed below: •...
Troubleshooting and Repair, continued Replacement Parts The following parts, available from Alpha Technologies, can be replaced in the fi eld. When you order parts, please specify both the model number from the nameplate and the part number listed below Type...
5.0 Specifi cations APX Schematics The schematic diagram displays the main components of the APX Series, as well as where the options are electrically installed in the circuit. See Section 2.10 for details on installing available options.. 016-030-B0-005, Rev. C...
7.1" x 2.7" x 2.0" (180mm x 69mm x 51mm) w/PM unit installed 11.5" x 7.85" x 10.75" (298mm x 200mm x 267mm) Weight 21/14.5 30/13.6 24/10.9 34/15.4 22/10 48/21.7 (lbs/kg) Table 5-1, APX Series Specifi cations 016-030-B0-005, Rev. C...
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