Supra LoRad Mains Distribution Blocks Mark 3

UPDATED: Summer 2020

New investment has seen an updating of the very successful MD06 Mk 2 range of Mains Distribution Blocks, which are now being made in the factory in Sweden (instead of using a 3rd party sub-contractor to assemble them).

The new range is available with UK 13Amp sockets...or other types availabe are: Schuko (EU), Belgian, French, Swiss, Australian and US types of sockets and in a wide range of configurations, from 2-way up to 6, 8, 10, even 15 sockets per block.

BS Approval was granted in October 2017 and UK versions are now available.

British Standard versions (for UK and some other markets such as Ireland, Hong Kong, Malta, Cyprus, Gibraltar).

Three types of mains blocks are on sale:
----------------------------------------
Unfiltered (Custom),
Non-Intrusive Filtered (NIF)
Surge-Protected (SP+NIF)

What are the differences between them?

For the UNFILTERED version, the internal conductors feed each of the outlet sockets in series…with no intervening filters to hinder the mains voltage and current.

(This type is relevant as *some* audio equipment power supplies can be affected by using any type of FILTER prior to the equipment inlet socket and this can lead to a poorer sound).

The NON-INTRUSIVE FILTERED versions, feature a number of in-line ferrite “rings”, through which the internal conductors pass. These ferrite rings helps to detune specific RF frequencies, making them less likely to cause interference being passed on to any mains powered equipment, plugged into the outlets of the mains block. This can be helpful in areas where there is a high level of RF signal generation, which can be “picked up” by the mains cables outside the home and which are then carried into the home vioa the mains wiring and can affect some audio equipment.

The SURGE PROTECTED versions feature a Supra-designed Surge Protection circuit, that helps to prevent mains “spikes”, (short duration pulses of more than 230V that can be caused by switches and/or relays associated with central heating and/or refrigeration systems) from being passed through the mains block to any audio equipment plugged into it.

So, depending on customers requirements and on any specific local issues that the customer is experiencing, allows said customer to choose a mains block that can help eliminate any issues and therefore allow their audio equipment to operate better and with less interference.

Buying Tips:
If you only need extra outlets and are concerned that any filtering might affect the performance of your hi-fi or AV system, then choose the Custom version.

If you have any spurious RF signals through your audio system, then choose the Non-Intrusive Filtered version.

If you hear clicks and other noises through your system (especially when central heating thermostats or fridge/freezer pumps start up), then choose the Surge Protected version.

Available Products:
We now have a range of multiple outlets, from 2-way, all the way up to 11-way. Each block features a 16 Amp High Current C20 IEC inlet socket, which is more desireable to have, given that the UK ring mains system can support up to 13 Amps of power...the "standard" IEC inlet socket is only rated at 10 Amps !!

The line-up of versions available to the UK are:
(Note: The MD(number) shows the number of outlet sockets on each version).

Non-Filtered:
MD04 Mk3 BS/Custom - in stock
MD06 Mk3 BS/Custom - in stock
MD07 Mk3 BS/Custom - in stock
MD09 Mk3 BS/Custom - in stock
MD11 Mk3 BS/Custom - in stock

Non-Intrusive Filtered:
MD04 Mk3 BS/NIF - in stock
MD06 Mk3 BS/NIF - in stock
MD07 Mk3 BS/NIF - in stock
MD09 Mk3 BS/NIF - in stock
MD11 Mk3 BS/NIF - in stock

Surge Protected:
MD02 Mk3 BS/SP+NIF - in stock
MD04 Mk3 BS/SP+NIF - in stock
MD06 Mk3 BS/SP+NIF - in stock
MD08 Mk3 BS/SP+NIF - in stock
MD10 Mk3 BS/SP+NIF - in stock

For all Filtered/Surge Protected versions, up to and including 6 socket outlets, the FIRST socket is UNFILTERED.

For all Filtered/Surge Protected version of more than 6 outlets, the FIRST AND SECOND sockets are UNFILTERED.

This is to allow certain amplifiers that are sensitive to filtering, to be able to be conencted to these blocks without possible sonic degradation.

European (Schuko) versions:
For Europe, there is a further option available (only on the 6-way blocks at present) of a high current On/Off switch, mounted at the input end of the block, which essentially switches off power to all the output sockets.

The 2-way up to 6-way blocks are fitted with 10 Amp C14 IEC sockets, while the 8-way, 10-way and 15-way blocks are fitted with 16 Amp C20 IEC sockets.

The current line up is:

Non-Intrusive Filtered:
MD02 Mk3 EU NIF (unswitched)
MD03 Mk3 EU NIF (unswitched)
MD04 Mk3 EU NIF (unswitched)
MD06 Mk3 EU NIF (unswitched)
MD06 Mk3 EU NIF (switched)

Surge Protected:
MD06 Mk3 EU/SP+NIF (unswitched)
MD06 Mk3 EU/SP+NIF (switched)
MD08 Mk3 EU/SP+NIF (unswitched)
MD10 Mk3 EU/SP+NIF (unswitched)
MD15 Mk3 EU/SP+NIF (unswitched)

Note: For the Surge-Protected versions, one (or two) sockets do not have the Non-Intrusive Filtering fitted, as this can lead to sonic degradation with some "sensitive" amplifiers.

Other territories:
As mentioned previously, Supra also produce versions for other countries, such as Belgium and Australia. Please enquire if you require one of these.

Common features to all versions:
The chassis are made from extruded Aluminium and as such, the case work is shielded and hence helps to prevent 50 Hz (or 60 Hz) mains getting into other cables nearby, while at the same time, reducing radio (and other mains borne) interference.

Please note that these blocks are NOT supplied with any mains cables - this is so that you can purchase the correct length of cable to go between your wall socket and the position of the Mains Block.

A range of pre-terminated lengths of both LoRad 1.5, 2.5 and 2.5 SPC are available with factory fitted with mains plugs (to suit your territory) and a suitable IEC connector, in lengths of 1m, 1.5m, 2m and 4m.

For UK mains blocks, we recommend the LoRad 2.5 cables on the "input side" to the mains block, as these are rated up to 16 Amps and they are fitted with 16 Amp IEC connectors (C19 types).

Or you can buy the LoRad 1.5 or LoRad 2.5 cable "off the drum" and make up your own bespoke length.