Furman Merit M-8S 15A Power Sequencer and Rack Power Conditioner

The Furman Merit M-8S is a 15-amp AC power sequencer and rack power conditioner designed for professional audio, video, broadcast, and commercial AV systems. It provides three stages of delayed power sequencing, surge protection, and AC noise filtering in a compact 1RU rack-mount chassis.

The M-8S helps prevent excessive inrush current when multiple pieces of equipment are powered on at the same time. Its sequenced outlets turn on and off in an orderly progression, making it well suited for equipment racks containing amplifiers, mixers, processors, wireless systems, control equipment, and other sensitive electronics.

Three-Stage Power Sequencing

The Furman M-8S provides six sequenced rear-panel outlets arranged in three banks, with two outlets controlled by each sequencing stage.

When the sequence is activated, the three outlet banks power up in order. The same controlled sequence is used when powering the system down, helping reduce the electrical stress that can occur when large amounts of equipment are switched on or off simultaneously.

The M-8S supports both momentary and maintained sequencing control, providing flexibility for different rack control and automation requirements.

15-Amp AC Power Distribution

The M-8S supports loads up to 15 amps at 120VAC and uses an integrated thermal circuit breaker for overload protection.

In addition to the six sequenced outlets, the M-8S provides:

• Two rear-panel unswitched outlets
• One front-panel unswitched convenience outlet
• Six rear-panel sequenced outlets
• Nine total AC outlets

The rear-panel outlets are spaced to accommodate larger AC adapters and wall-wart power supplies while helping prevent them from blocking adjacent outlets.

AC Noise Filtering

Built-in RFI/EMI filtering helps reduce high-frequency electrical noise that can enter audio and video equipment through the AC power line.

The M-8S uses a Pi LCR filter and provides greater than 26dB of noise attenuation from 100kHz to 1MHz, helping maintain cleaner operating conditions for connected professional equipment.

Surge Protection

The Furman M-8S includes Merit Class surge protection to help protect connected equipment against damaging voltage spikes.

Its line-to-neutral protection design provides a maximum clamp voltage of 500 volts peak and a peak impulse current rating of 12,000 amps.

Flexible Remote Sequencing Control

For installed systems, the M-8S provides rear-panel control and triggering connections that allow the sequencing function to be integrated with external control equipment.

Configuration options include:

• 12V mode
• Ground-triggered mode
• Momentary or maintained operation
• +5–30VDC remote input
• 12VDC output
• Rear-panel status connection
• Fine adjustment for sequencing delay

A rear-panel potentiometer allows the sequencing delay to be fine-tuned for the installation.

Front-Panel Monitoring

LED indicators provide quick visual confirmation of the M-8S operating status. The front panel displays:

• Delay 1
• Delay 2
• Delay 3
• Power
• Protection OK

A front-panel sequence rocker switch and resettable thermal circuit breaker provide convenient control and protection.

Compact 1RU Rack-Mount Design

The M-8S occupies just 1RU of rack space, making it an efficient choice for professional equipment racks where space is limited.

Its fixed 10-foot, 14 AWG AC power cord terminates in a standard NEMA 5-15P plug for connection to a 120VAC power source.

Applications

The Furman Merit M-8S is suitable for a wide range of professional and commercial installations, including:

• Professional audio equipment racks
• Recording studios
• Live sound systems
• Installed sound systems
• Commercial AV systems
• Broadcast equipment racks
• Houses of worship
• Conference rooms
• Control rooms
• Audio amplifier racks
• Theater and production systems
• AV integration projects

Key Features

• 15A, 120VAC maximum AC current rating
• Three-stage power sequencing
• Six sequenced rear-panel outlets
• Two rear-panel unswitched outlets
• One front-panel convenience outlet
• Nine total AC outlets
• RFI/EMI AC noise filtering
• Greater than 26dB noise attenuation from 100kHz–1MHz
• Merit Class surge protection
• 12,000A peak impulse current protection
• 500V peak maximum clamp voltage
• Momentary or maintained sequencing operation
• Remote +5–30VDC triggering
• 12VDC remote output
• Rear-panel sequence delay adjustment
• Front-panel sequence and power controls
• Thermal circuit breaker with push-to-reset
• Front-panel status LEDs
• 10-foot 14 AWG power cord
• 1RU rack-mount chassis
• 5.3 lb. weight
• C/CSA/US safety agency certification

Specifications

Specification	Furman M-8S
Maximum AC Current	15A, 120VAC
Protection	Thermal circuit breaker
AC Cord	14 AWG x 3, 10 ft., fixed
AC Plug	NEMA 5-15P
Front Convenience Outlet	1 unswitched NEMA 5-15R
Rear Unswitched Outlets	2 NEMA 5-15R
Sequenced Outlets	6 NEMA 5-15R
Sequencing Banks	3
AC Surge Protection	Merit Class
Protection Mode	Line-to-neutral
Max Continuous Operating Voltage	130V RMS
Max Clamp Voltage	500V peak
Peak Impulse Current	12,000A
Energy Rating	225 Joules
AC Filtering	Pi LCR filter
Noise Attenuation	>26dB, 100kHz–1MHz
Operating Temperature	40°F–105°F (5°C–40°C)
Humidity	<90% RH
Remote Input	+5–30VDC
Remote Output	12VDC, 12mA
Remote Connector	4-pin Phoenix-style screw terminal
Rack Size	1RU
Dimensions	1.75" H x 19" W x 6.5" D
Weight	5.3 lbs.
Power Consumption, No Load	5W
Safety Certification	C/CSA/US

Why Choose the Furman Merit M-8S?

The Furman M-8S combines power sequencing, surge protection, AC noise filtering, and convenient rack power distribution in a single 1RU unit. Its three-stage sequencing system is particularly useful for professional audio and AV racks where equipment needs to power up and shut down in a controlled order.

For integrators and system designers looking for an affordable 15-amp rack power sequencer with power conditioning and surge protection, the M-8S provides the essential features needed for professional equipment racks without taking up valuable rack space.