What Is the WattBox 800 Series and Why Does Your AV Rack Need It?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Makes It Different from a Standard Power Strip
• Core Features
• Available Models and Form Factors
• Technical Specs at a Glance
• Mounting and Installation
• Networking and Remote Control
• UPS Battery Backup Option
• Things People Often Overlook
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

If your internet keeps dropping and your fix is unplugging everything and starting over, you already know how frustrating that process gets. You unplug the modem, wait, plug it back in, wait again, then do the same for the router, the switch, the access points, and the cameras one by one. The WattBox 800 Series IP Power Conditioner was built to eliminate that process entirely. With a single tap on your phone, every device in your rack reboots in the right order automatically.

All About The WattBox 800 Series

What Makes It Different from a Standard Power Strip

A regular power strip just delivers power. The WattBox 800 Series gives you individual control over every outlet, real-time power data for each connected device, built-in surge protection, and remote access from anywhere. If a device loses internet connectivity, the system can detect it and reboot just that outlet automatically without any manual intervention.

This matters in real-world setups where a rack might have a modem, router, switch, multiple access points, IP cameras, and automation equipment all running together. Managing that manually is time-consuming and easy to get wrong.

Core Features

• Individual outlet control: You can switch any single outlet on or off without affecting the rest of the rack.
• Per-outlet metering: Each outlet reports its own current and voltage readings in real time, which helps with remote troubleshooting.
• Auto-reboot (self-healing): Through OvrC integration, the system detects connectivity loss and automatically reboots the affected device.
• Surge protection: Professional-grade surge protection rated at 3,240 joules with L-N, L-G, and N-G protection modes.
• Safe Voltage protection: If voltage levels go outside safe limits, the unit automatically disconnects your equipment to prevent damage.
• Power scheduling: You can set on/off schedules for any outlet directly from the app.
• Threshold alerts: The app sends notifications when current, voltage, or power usage crosses a level you set.
• Power insights dashboard: Tracks energy consumption per outlet over time.
• Telnet API: Compatible with third-party control systems for broader automation integration.

Available Models and Form Factors

There are also 2-outlet versions available in both wired and Wi-Fi configurations for smaller or space-constrained installs.

Technical Specs at a Glance

Mounting and Installation

The 800 Series supports several mounting options depending on your setup:

• Standard 1U or 2U rack ears for equipment racks
• Wall mount for networking closets
• Under-table mount for conference rooms or media cabinets
• In-wall boxes or flush/deep-inset with clips for hidden installs

For the install itself, you need a standard 120V AC outlet — preferably a dedicated 15 to 20 amp circuit if you are running a full load. An Ethernet connection is required for IP control, though select models support Wi-Fi. Some units have front-facing buttons for local resets without needing app access.

Cable management is an important part of rack installs. The units are designed to fit into space-constrained AV racks and closets, but proper cable routing will keep things clean and accessible.

Networking and Remote Control

The WattBox 800 Series connects to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and integrates with OvrC, a remote management platform. Through OvrC, you or your technician can:

• Access all connected devices from anywhere
• Set up auto-reboot rules for specific devices
• Receive alerts and view power data
• Manage client systems without being on-site

The system uses three layers of defense: automatic reboot when connectivity is lost, manual control through the app, and remote diagnostics to identify problems without a service call.

UPS Battery Backup Option

The 800 Series is compatible with optional UPS battery packs in 1500VA and 2000VA sizes. These connect through a single cable and add:

• Pure sinewave output for sensitive equipment
• Automatic voltage regulation (AVR)
• Graceful shutdown during extended outages
• OvrC monitoring of battery health and load shedding

Runtime estimates for the 1500VA pack:

• At full load (1200W): approximately 5.5 minutes
• At half load: approximately 13.5 minutes

Note that UPS compatibility requires specific pairing with the right WattBox model, so this is worth confirming before purchase.

Planning a better-connected home? Start with our guide to home network equipment and installation

Things People Often Overlook

A few details that come up often in real installs:

• Some rack models include an accessory outlet on the front face, which is useful for temporary connections during setup.
• Heat can build up in enclosed racks. Make sure there is adequate ventilation, especially with higher-outlet units running at full load.
• Firmware updates are delivered through OvrC and should be applied regularly to get the latest features and fixes.
• Threshold alerts for voltage, current, and power draw are available in the app but are not always configured during setup — they are worth turning on.
• UPS battery pack compatibility is model-specific. Not every WattBox 800 unit pairs with every battery pack.

Conclusion

The WattBox 800 Series IP Power Conditioner is a practical solution for anyone managing AV, networking, security, or automation equipment in a rack. It removes the manual reboot problem, gives you per-outlet visibility and control, protects your equipment from power issues, and lets you or your technician handle most problems remotely.

RMS Installs provides ongoing support and professional network equipment installation for a wide range of smart home systems and devices. Whether you need help selecting the right solution or maintaining your current setup, our team is here to help. Call (470) 456-3108 to speak with us.

FAQs

What does the WattBox 800 Series actually do? 

It is a networked power conditioner that gives you remote control and real-time monitoring of every outlet in your AV rack. It also protects connected equipment from surges and voltage fluctuations.

Do I need to be on-site to reboot devices connected to a WattBox? 

No. Through the OvrC app, you can reboot any individual outlet remotely from your phone or computer, regardless of your location.

What is the auto-reboot feature and how does it work? 

If a connected device loses internet connectivity, the WattBox detects this and automatically cycles power to that outlet. You do not need to do anything manually.

Can the WattBox reboot devices in a specific sequence? 

Yes. The system supports sequenced power-up and power-down, which is important for networking gear where the modem needs to come up before the router, and the router before the switch.

Does the WattBox 800 Series work with third-party control systems? 

Yes. It supports Telnet API integration, which makes it compatible with a range of control platforms beyond OvrC.

What is the difference between the 6-outlet and 12-outlet models? 

Mainly outlet count and physical size. The 6-outlet is more compact and suited to smaller racks or media cabinets, while the 12-outlet handles medium to large residential or commercial systems.

Does the WattBox 800 Series include surge protection? 

Yes. Every model includes professional-grade surge protection rated at 3,240 joules, covering line-to-neutral, line-to-ground, and neutral-to-ground modes.

What is the Safe Voltage feature? 

It is a built-in protection that automatically disconnects your equipment if incoming voltage goes outside safe operating limits, which prevents hardware damage during power events.

Can I add battery backup to the WattBox 800 Series? 

Yes. Optional UPS battery packs in 1500VA and 2000VA sizes are available. They connect via a single cable and are monitored through OvrC. Compatibility depends on the specific WattBox model.

How long does the battery backup last during a power outage? 

At full load (1200W), the 1500VA pack provides approximately 5.5 minutes of runtime. At half load, that extends to around 13.5 minutes.

Can I schedule outlets to turn on or off at specific times? 

Yes. Power schedules can be set for individual outlets directly through the app.

What kind of network connection does the WattBox 800 Series need? 

Most models require a wired Ethernet connection. Select models also support Wi-Fi for installs where running a cable is not practical.

How do I know if a device connected to the WattBox is using too much power? 

The app allows you to set threshold alerts for current, voltage, and power draw. You will receive a notification if any outlet exceeds the limits you configure.