Installation manual
FuelMaster
®
Installation Manual
44
approximately 400 milliamps. The total current draw will be less than 3 amps.
Errors on Power-Up: an FMU newly installed in a cool, damp environment may display errors
after power-up until the electronics dry out and warm up. Let the FMU run for a couple hours before
assuming there are non-recoverable errors.
NOTE
While voltage regulators and power conditioners both offer protection, they do not perform the
same functions. It is recommended the specifications of the device be compared to the need
before making a purchase.
Power Conditioners/Voltage Regulators. In locales where power sources fluctuate
significantly and overvoltages or brownouts occur, power conditioners or voltage regulators may be
installed between the FMU and its power source for protection against high or low power inputs.
These devices condition or regulate power to a constant or maximum output. Power conditioners
maintain a constant power input when voltage may otherwise fluctuate between highs and lows
which may not be acceptable to FuelMaster
®
. Voltage regulators protect FuelMaster from high
voltage inputs similar to what may occur when an unregulated generator is initially turned on. Power
conditioners are more complex and substantially more expensive to purchase. A power conditioner
previously tested with FuelMaster
®
is the Sola Electric constant velocity transformer, model 23-23-
150-8. In 2010, price was approximately $1000 each. A voltage regulator previously tested with
FuelMaster
®
is the APC Line-R LE-1200 (LE-1200I for international use). In 2010, the price was
approximately $50.
Surge Protection
Standard Protection: every FMU is provided with protection against surges from incoming
power and telephone lines. Optional transaction printers purchased from Syn-Tech Systems are also
provided with surge protection against surges which may enter through the input cable from the
FMU. In addition, circuit protection is built into most FMU devices receiving inputs from external wire
or cable connections. Such protection is not all encompassing. If the FMU is to be installed in an
area susceptible to frequent electrical storms or lightning strikes, additional surge protection should
be considered. A National Weather Service map showing the frequency of lightning strikes in the
United States is available at the following link:
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/lightning_map.htm.
Optional Protection: Isocomm Surge Protection has been developed for added protection of
transaction printers, satellite FMUs (including EIUs), and tank monitors; devices which may have
long runs of communications cable to a master FMU. It does not afford added protection to
standalone master FMUs. If the added protection is needed, request Isocomm from the Customer
Satisfaction Center or your FuelMaster
®
regional sales manager or distributor.
There are businesses which specialize in surge protection. If the fuel site is in a high frequency
lightning strike area, one of these businesses might be consulted.
Backup Power Sources
Backup Generators: some facilities are equipped with backup generators to supply AC power
when the regular power supply goes down. During startup of the backup generator the initial power
surge may be extremely high until all connected equipment is restored to operation. This power
surge has the same potential for damage to the FuelMaster
®
equipment as a lightning strike. Ensure
the installed equipment is protected (regulated) from current surges during startup of the backup
power source. If possible, turn off FMU power until non-regulated generator power stabilizes.
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