Summary #
GHL Powerbars and PowerHubs provide individually switchable sockets or relay outputs controlled by the ProfiLux. Three connection types are available: PAB-connected Powerbars and PowerHubs, analog Powerbars via S-port, and digital Powerbars via S-port. This article covers the setup and configuration of each type.
Applies to #
- Powerbar6E-PAB
- Powerbar C13 IL
- Powerhub 1 IL
- Powerbar5.1-PAB
- Powerbar6D-PAB
- Powerbar6D
- Powerhub6D-PAB
- STDL4-4
- Compatible controller:
- ProfiLux 4 Series (incl. Industrial Line / IL)
- ProfiLux 3 Series
- Software:
- GHL Connect (App, Webinterface, myGHL)
- GHL Control Center
PAB Powerbars and PowerHubs #
PAB-connected Powerbars and PowerHubs connect to the PAB chain and must be assigned via the PAB device list as described in the PAB – Connection & Configuration Guide. Multiple PAB Powerbars can be daisy-chained via PAB. Once assigned, access the configuration via the PAB device list: in GHL Connect, navigate to System → ProfiLux Aquatic Bus (PAB) → Assign and configure connected PAB-devices and tap the gear icon next to the Powerbar; in GHL Control Center, navigate to System, expand the PAB node, select the Powerbar, and click Configuration.
Socket Start Number #
Sets the number of the first socket on this Powerbar or PowerHub. Sockets are then numbered sequentially from this start number. When multiple PAB Powerbars are connected, set the start numbers so that socket numbers across all devices are sequential without gaps or overlaps.
Initial States (Fallback) #
Each socket can be assigned a defined state that activates if the Powerbar loses communication with the ProfiLux — for example if the controller is powered off or the PAB connection is interrupted. Set the initial state per socket using the checkbox for each socket. An unchecked socket switches off; a checked socket remains on.
Powerbar 5.1 – Dimmable Socket #
The Powerbar5.1-PAB includes a special fifth socket that can be switched between Switchable and Dimmable mode. When set to Dimmable, select a Dimm channel — this corresponds to an illumination channel (channels 1–8 are available). The socket’s output then follows the brightness curve of the selected illumination channel, allowing a connected light or device to be dimmed rather than simply switched on or off. The initial state for this socket is entered as a dimming percentage (0–100%) rather than on/off.
Analog Powerbars (S-Port) #
Analog Powerbars such as the STDL4-4 connect to an S-port on the ProfiLux using the supplied cable. Each S-port connection provides four switchable sockets. No special setup is required beyond the physical connection — sockets are numbered automatically based on which S-port the Powerbar is connected to. The S-ports are numbered on the rear panel of the ProfiLux from left to right starting at 1; the leftmost port provides sockets 1–4, the next port provides sockets 5–8, and so on, followed by the S-ports of any expansion cards installed in the ProfiLux.
When connecting via an Expansion Box, the starting socket number for that Expansion Box’s S-ports is set in the Expansion Box configuration — see the Expansion Box – Setup Guide for details.
Once connected, each socket can be assigned a function via the Switch Channels settings.
- Important: When connecting an analog Powerbar to one of the ProfiLux’s internal S-ports, make sure the Digital powerbar connected checkbox is not enabled for that S-port group in the Switch Channels settings. If it is enabled while an analog Powerbar is connected, the sockets will switch on and off rapidly and uncontrollably.
Digital Powerbars (S-Port) #
Digital Powerbars such as the Powerbar6D connect via S-port directly to the ProfiLux’s own internal S-ports — not to expansion card or Expansion Box S-ports. After connecting, the digital Powerbar must be activated and configured via the Switch Channels overview.
In GHL Control Center, scroll to the bottom of the Switch Channels overview page. Enable the checkbox for the corresponding S-port group (e.g. Digital powerbar connected on S1–S4) and click Program digital powerbar or dosing pump unit to configure socket numbering and initial states.
In GHL Connect, tap Configure digital Powerbars/Dosing units to open a wizard that guides you through activating the digital Powerbar and configuring socket numbering and initial states.
For full details, see the Switch Channels – Configuration Guide.
Next Steps #
Once a Powerbar or PowerHub is connected and set up, each socket is controlled by assigning it a function in the Switch Channels settings. Functions such as temperature control, timers, feed pauses, and programmable logic can be assigned to individual sockets — see the Switch Channels – Configuration Guide for details.