IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER’S MANUAL
Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time
When power is fi rst applied to the IT-Reference
20, (the front panel breaker- power toggle must
be switched to the “on” position) the Soft Start
feature is activated. There is an audible “clack”
when the IT-Reference is fi rst turned on or
off. This sound is produced by the Soft Start
circuit’s 30 Amp relay engaging or disengaging.
There is nothing in the IT-Reference 20’s
construction, design, or componentry to wear
over the life time of the product, and there is
no power draw from your electric service meter
aside from the LED power indicator, relay, and
GFCI protection circuit. For this reason the
IT-Reference 20 may be left with its power
engaged permanently at a cost of pennies
per month. This is an added benefi t, as many
audio/videophiles fi nd performance improves
signifi cantly when leaving low-powered
components permanently charged (turned
on). In fact, this is true of the IT- Reference 20.
Though it will function fl awlessly right from its
shipping carton, the performance of its circuit
parts will improve after approximately two
weeks of continuous use or “break-in.”
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI)
The IT- Reference 20’s “Discrete Symmetrical
Filtered AC outlets” incorporate a balanced
AC power output, whereby both the neutral
and positive leads of the AC cable run at 60
Volts AC in opposing polarity, referenced to
ground (0 Volts AC). This is but one of the
IT- Reference 20’s advantages over other AC-
fi lter/protection designs.
Though virtually all domestically produced
electronic equipment is designed to detect
electrical shorts and other potentially
dangerous equipment problems in the
Line lead referenced to its Neutral, this is
inadequate when power is “balanced.” With
6
the IT-Reference 20, both neutral and positive
legs contain 60 VAC relative to their Ground tab.
This is not a problem or safety hazard, unless
there is a defect in either the IT- Reference 20’s
transformer, or the power supply of a connected
component. In this instance, we need to assure
that safety is always maintained. The solution is
our GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).
The Furman GFCI detects any imbalance in the
current fl owing in the two hot legs. The missing
current is presumed to be fl owing through the
ground conductor (the round pin on an AC outlet).
Ground current often indicates a dangerous
partial or full short circuit. If an imbalance is
detected, the GFCI will trip the main circuit
breaker/power switch. To restore operation,
correct the fault and turn the unit on again. 5 mA
of current is enough to cause the GFCI to trip;
to troubleshoot this type of problem, start with
nothing connected to the IT-Reference 20. Then,
add each piece of equipment until the GFCI trips.
Contact the manufacturer of the suspect unit for
possible solutions.
Testing the IT-Reference 20’s GFCI once a
year is recommended. Simply press the button
marked “TEST – GFCI protected.” If the GFCI
is functioning properly, this will cause the main
circuit breaker/power switch to trip and cut
off power. After verifying the GFCI’s proper
operation, simply restore power by switching the
Circuit Breaker/Power Switch to the ON position.
AC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression
The IT-Reference 20 is capable of suppressing
virtually any instantaneous voltage surge from
lightning or commercial power companies.
This is due in part to the mammoth reactive
elements in the IT-Reference 20’s AC power
correction circuitry. Further, the circuit is not
easily damaged by huge instantaneous peaks of
