Unless you are using smoke signals, the most basic and vital foundation to effective communication systems is power and cabling. Problems with them, such as insufficient circuit capacity, ground loops, and intermittent dropouts, can be especially worrisome to trace down and fix. Advance preparation and appropriate equipment selection can prevent a world of trouble. Power and getting it to its destination are mission-critical. The cables and power devices surveyed here show how far AV hardware manufacturers have come in answering that call.
Featuring a web-based user interface, the AtlasIED AP-S15IP power conditioner and PDU has eight outputs, and it can display voltage, current, temperature, and humidity. The rear panel outputs can be scheduled to sequence ON/ OFF individually or in groups on a 24-hour, 7-day schedule. Alarms can be configured to alert operators over the network or on fault contacts. Units connected to the network are automatically detected and identified. A temperature/ humidity probe can be placed in the rack where desired. Fault logs can also be shown on the UI.
Made for a diverse range of applications, whether indoor or outdoor, Belden Multi-Loose Tube (MLT) Cables support use-cases including conduit, direct burial, aerial, and trunking. Available in gel or dry designs with outside plant (OSP), plenum, riser, and indoor/outdoor low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) ratings, the MLT cables are rugged enough for any environment with aluminum interlocked, steel wire, or corrugated steel armor options. Other options in the MLT family are designed for specific applications, including the RailTuff Fiber Optic Cable – engineered for enhanced safety and fire protection in transportation applications, and the DataTuff Mining-Grade Fiber Cable – featuring MSHA-rated durability, real-time data transmission, and AI-ready performance in extreme environments.
The Black Box USBC2TYPEB-1M is a 3.2ft. line with a USB 3.1 connector at one end and a USB 2.0 Type-B Male at the other end. This is especially useful for connecting older USB2.0 printers to more late model computers. The USBC2TYPEB-2M is the 6.5ft. version with the same connector combination. This cable can handle a charging current of 500mA.
Constructed for more than just doing its job once installed, the C2G Bulk Category Cable is made to survive the wear and tear of installation. Its inner spool design eases pulling and helps avoid tangling. Cable can be matched to the job through a range of available technologies, jacket ratings, and colors. Among these is shielded F/UTP (Foiled Unshielded Twisted Pair) that includes an integrated metal foil screen with a crosstalk/EMI reducing drain wire. The new slim packaging reduces cardboard waste and saves cable storage space.
The Cleerline SSF Drop Cable is designed with a 4.8mm jacket to provide very high strength to suit a wide range of applications. Each line is terminated with premium Senko SC APC connectors and handling is facilitated through its Soft Peel 250µm acrylate coating. The very high bend tolerance and aramid water-blocking yarns allow this cable to work for indoor and outdoor installations, including riser spaces and duct placements.
A very handy power component housed in a half rack-space metal chassis is the DVIGear DVI-7520-PDU. Eliminating the need for Y-cables and plug-in wall warts, this power distribution unit outputs +12 VDC power on eight outputs, each of which is rated for 24W. An MTBF of over 220,000 hours demonstrates reliability, and there is an overall power reserve of 200 watts. AC power input accepts AC line voltages auto-ranging from 88 to 264 VAC and AC line frequencies from 47 to 63 Hz. Each Phoenix connector output is protected from overload, over-voltage, and overly high temperature.
DVIGear HyperLight Series Active Optical Cables utilize plenum-rated plastic optical fibers (POF), for lightweight, highly flexible yet robust and durable performance with a minimum bend radius of 35 millimeters. HyperLight cables are TAA compliant and can support up to 8K resolution and cable lengths up to 100 meters (328 ft.). The series comes in DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort/mDP 1.4 variants. Hyperlight AOC cables are immune to interference from environmental noise with a very low RFI/EMI profile for secure applications
The FSR High-Load Capacity FL-600P Floor Box (FLH6) combines the internal flexibility FSR’s FL-600P model with the heavy-duty load performance of the company’s high-load floor box line. The FLH6 features a cover rated to support 20,000 pounds, U-Access handle operation, a 190-degree hinged full-access main door, two large cable exit doors, non-skid textured or carpet pocket cover options, and configurable internal box designs.
The Furman Merit Z Series is an all-new line of rackmount power conditioners that aims to pack in a host of features at an affordable price point. Extreme Voltage Shutdown automatically shuts down the unit during unsafe voltage conditions, while a built-in breaker indicator instantly shows when a circuit has been tripped to reduce downtime. All models are equipped with USB-C and USBC connectivity, providing up to 5V/3A for USB-C and 5V/2.4A for USB-A for mobile devices and AV accessories. Select models include a multicolor warning voltmeter for real-time voltage monitoring. Up to 12 outlets on both the front and rear allow for greater installation flexibility.
For a low-cost solution to short fiber optic runs, the Hosa Technology Pro Fiber Optic Cable comes in a variety of lengths from 3 to 30ft., each of which is terminated in Toslink connectors. This plastic optical fiber (POF) cable is designed to interconnect digital audio components, and it is compatible with ADAT and all S/PDIF formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround. The polished optical terminations provide minimum signal loss, and the tough construction will stand up to demanding applications.
For a rack-mounted design with high-power distribution capacity there is the Juice Goose JG11-20. Providing eleven AC receptacles rated at 15A each, the whole unit is rated at 20A. The rear panel has nine outputs that are switched in addition to one unswitched. The front has a single unswitched AC connection. Placement is made easier by the 15ft. power cable and a fast-acting metal oxide varistor (MOV) clamps voltage between the power cable and each neutral. The level of AC line interference transmitted between these is also reduced by a capacitor.
The Kramer C−HM/HM/PRO premium high-speed HDMI cable is equipped with triple-shield bonded pairs and K-Lock connectors for assured transmission quality. These lines can handle video up to 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) at data rates as high as 18Gbps and the cables are terminated with 24K gold-plated, corrosion-resistant connectors. Plenum certified as far as 15ft. and equipped with a triple overall shield against EMI/RFI interference, they are available in 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35, 50 and 65ft. lengths. Audio formats supported include Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS–HD Master Audio, DVD Audio, and SA-CD.
One rackmount PDU with output connectors spaced to allow wall wart DC power units to connect on the rear panel is the Lowell Manufacturing ACSPR-2009. The status of its TCR triple-clamping redundant protection is monitored and indicated on front panel LEDs. The large, illuminated rocker switch beside them controls five rear outlets while the front and three of the rear outlets are unswitched. This product comes with a 9ft. attached cord terminated with a NEMA 5-20P connector.
Lending some very handy flexibility, the LynTec Dual Output DMX Relay has a 20A input that can pass through to a single output or be used to split the load between both of its outputs. This tough little unit can be mounted in a variety of places, including road cases and trusses. When it senses a DMX signal it turns on automatically, but the onboard RDM functionality can be manually used with DMX addressing to control each output separately. Each unit is CE certified.
The Middle Atlantic Select Series of PDUs has received a new firmware update that introduces greater network security, including HTTPS and SSH, along with the ability to connect to RackLink Cloud for remote control, monitoring, and management. This firmware update 2.0.1, which is deployed via a single file allows integrators to control, monitor, and manage all deployed PDUs from a single, customizable cloud-based dashboard. The new security protocols and cloud connectivity make the PDUs ideal for larger enterprise, education, and IT customers who require advanced network security for all connected devices
Heavy-duty and designed to take on harsh and demanding applications, the Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 series of connectors is able to take on any environment. The series replaces appliance couplers wherever a rugged solution in combination with a locking device is needed in order to guarantee a safe power connection. As the powerCON TRUE1 is a connector series with breaking capacity (CBC), it can be connected or disconnected under load or live. The new cable entry achieves IP65, IP66 and IP67. Its also ENEC, VDE, UL, and CSA Certified.
The rapid proliferation of DC-powered devices and systems, particularly in home automation, has demanded new and sophisticated DC power distribution and control. The Nice DC12-IP is designed to not only organize and protect DC-running AV devices but to allow power control for them from anywhere. AC filters smooth out the input power and protect against surges and other voltage fluctuations. These are indicated on the front panel of this rack unit and are sent via IP to remote operators via the Blue Bolt app.
Coming soon and developed in collaboration with Valens Semiconductor, the Opticis HUX2F20-TR this dual LC fiber optic cable supports uncompressed HDMI 2.0 4K video and USB data transmission over distances up to 300 meters. The solution inherently provides galvanic isolation, making it well-suited for applications in healthcare and industrial automation, where electrical safety, EMI immunity, and system stability are critical, enabling safe signal separation and video and USB connectivity. It provides expandability by transmitting not only HDMI 2.0 4K video and USB data, but also 1G Ethernet, Audio, and RS-232 signals.
The Pro Co RMST-PCONAB-4AC 4-output AC drop box allows power to get into all the places needed in heavy road use. The unit is fitted with a PowerCon inlet and is available with a PowerCon outlet for through-box wiring in single-circuit chains of AC distribution. The extruded aluminum chassis can absorb all the banging around expected in road shows. Each box provides two 20A duplex Edison receptacles and has a 15A total current rating.
When the power suddenly stops coming, the Snap One WB-OVRC-OLUPS-1000-1 WattBox Double Conversion UPS seamlessly takes over because its inverter is already supplying the connected equipment load. This 2RU rack device features advanced system monitoring and configuration with the user able to daisy-chain up to five extended battery packs. The WattBox user interface allows operators to monitor battery health and charge percentage along with backup run time, and there are options for custom load-shedding to extend power to the most critical loads. Battery health notification alerts facilitate proactive battery replacement.
An ideal solution for tight installations behind displays or within rack-mounted setups, the SurgeX DisplayPak+ features a small footprint while offering IP controllability. WiFi and Ethernet connectivity allow the DisplayPak+ to provide remote management and monitoring, while surge protection, power filtration, and inlet current monitoring safeguard critical equipment. Available in 120V and 240V models, the device features analytics and control triggers, allowing integrators to protect, manage, troubleshoot, and automate devices remotely while the DisplayPak+ remains discreetly out of view.
One ongoing source of unnecessary wear and tear on expensive amp/speaker systems is loud pops caused by turning on the amp first and then the gear at the inputs. To make sure things are powered up in the right order, there are power sequencers such as the SurgeX SEQ. This model has 14 rear panel outlets in 4 groups and an additional 2 that are always on. The front features a large LCD screen used to display system status. There is also a 12VDC output to control other equipment. Units can be daisy-chained, and there is a wide range of other sequencing functions along with remote control of this device
For DC power distribution, the Thinklogical PDU-12 offers twelve 5V 4A DC outputs and redundant AC/DC load sharing power supplies. Each of the twelve DC outputs has a locking power output connector. There are twin system status and fan indicators on the front panel along with two AC/DC status LEDs on the back. The two redundant, hot-swappable AC/DC power supplies are capable of load sharing and each can handle 100- 240VAC at a frequency of 50-60Hz. The back of the unit also has a phoenix connector for a dry contact alarm connection.
The Tripp Lite PDUMH30AT Automatic Transfer Switch PDU delivers 24A single phase power with separate primary and secondary inputs. This 2RU component provides redundant power through two banks of 5-15/20R outlets and a single L5-30R outlet. There is fast 1-5 millisecond switching between primary and secondary inputs. A front panel display shows output amps in four segments, kW power consumption, and input voltage. Also on the front panel, LEDs confirm power availability on both input lines. Each output bank has its own breaker.
Knowing exactly what is happening within the power is essential and the Whirlwind PLPM1RJ power meter tells the whole story while monitoring voltage, current, and frequency on 3-phase Y power with three 120V AC legs or single-phase AC with two 120V legs. Line-to-neutral and line-to-line voltages as well as line current values are measured and shown along with neutral-to-ground voltage and line frequency. All this can also be monitored remotely through any Ethernet LAN, internet, and on the phone app.
Ready to carry next-gen 4K and 5K HDR content, the Wyrestorm HAOC active optical cables use an uncompressed 4-core transmission system with each core rated at 6Gbps. They’re designed to support HDR signals as they evolve to 4K/60 4:4:4 10-bit video, plus metadata. Kevlar-strengthened lines have a detachable Type-A head on the RX end.
