Neptune Systems Energy Bar 8 Expansion Unit (EB8) Information

The EnergyBar 8 module from Neptune Systems features 8 independently controllable outlets. With power failure detection, active electrical current monitoring, and failsafe features make this power bar far better than any competing units.

Product Highlights
•8 independently controllable 120V Outlets (Max 5 Amps, total current must be less than 15 Amps)
•Plug and Play
•Built-in 6 Port hub so that accessories can be easily added
•Less than $20.00 per controllable outlet (Best in Industry)
•Active electrical current monitoring and logging
•Fail-safe features. On communication failures outlets revert to user settable default settings
•High reliability direct wired connection to the Apex System(does not use X10)
•Completely Silent Operation on 6 of the solid state switched outlets
•Two of the outlets use mechanical relays for switching
•"Soft-Start" for reduced pump wear
•Up to 240 EB8s can be daisy chained together for up to 1920 switched outlets
•All 8 outlets independently controllable
•Built-in circuit breaker Protected
•4 Mounting Holes for easy installation
•Compact custom aluminum enclosure (10.0" x 3.75" x 1.8")

So Much More Than Just a Power Strip!
The Energy Bars available for Apex systems are much more than a glorified power strip. In fact, this component of your aquarium controller equipment is far more important than most people realize – and not all systems are created equal! It is obvious that this component is key to controlling things on your aquarium, but what is not so apparent is how it is critical to preventing catastrophe in your aquarium. Here’s how:

Let’s Start with Construction
Neptune Systems put a lot of thought into the construction of their Energy Bars. Unlike their competitors and simple power strips, Neptune Systems Energy Bars are made out of 16 gauge, powder-coated aluminum. They are built to be bullet proof – almost literally! Other controller companies use slick, inexpensive plastic enclosures, but they do not provide you with the best protection against catastrophic failure. You see, plastic timer powerstrips and power bars can easily catch fire should saltwater enter them and cause a short. With Neptune Systems solid metal Energy Bars, if such a short did occur, it would be far less likely to spread to the tank or your home.

Controlled Outlets
Each of the independently controlled outlets on the Energy Bar is independently switched and easily carry the current load specified on the label. In fact, Neptune Systems intentionally underrate their outlets just to provide that extra level of security. So, depending on which Energy Bar you purchase, each outlet is rated from 5A to 10A at 120V AC or 8A on our 240V European model.

Current Sensing Device
The Energy Bars continually send their information on their present current drain to the Apex controller. This is incredibly useful information for a number of reasons. First, it enables you to recognize what the overall power consumption is on any Energy Bar so that you can better distribute the load across your multiple Energy Bars. Also by having this feature you can accurately determine the power utilization of your tank to compare different lights, pumps, protein skimmers, etc. (Not available on Energy Bar 6)

Soft-Start Extends the Life of Pumps
Imagine revving the engine in your car and dropping the shifter from P to D. That is exactly what happens when many controllers turn on the power to your pumps. Just like in a car, this kind of instantaneous application of power to your return pump after a feed cycle or to your powerheads will certainly lead to early failure. With the Energy Bar, power is slowly ramped on so that every motor is safely brought up to speed without the damaging torque.

Power Failur