User manual NILES IPOWER AC-6

I N S TA L L AT I O N & O P E R AT I O N G U I D E TM Intelligent Power Management Systems. AC-6+ 6 OUTLET POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE ® IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Your iPOWERTM product represents the latest in power management and protection technology. However, like any electronic device, an inappropriately or improperly installed device may not perform as intended. By following a few common sense precautions, your iPOWERTM product will give you a lifetime of worry-free performance. The following safety precautions apply to all iPOWERTM products. READ AND OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AT ALL TIMES. WARNING! Power Source: Use only with a 3-prong standard AC outlet or a GROUNDED 2 to 3 prong adapter. iPOWERTM products cannot provide power protection without a grounded AC source. Never use a 3 to 1 adapter plug -- this will disable all protection from your iPOWERTM unit and will void the Limited Lifetime Warranty and Connected Equipment Guarantee. All rooftop devices connected to your iPOWERTM products should be grounded according to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Do not place any rooftop device where it can come into contact with power lines or any power circuit. WARNING! Operating Voltage: Any equipment plugged into an iPOWERTM product must have a 120V, 60Hz rating. WARNING! Power Rating: Check the power consumption (watts) of each device that will be powered by an iPOWERTM product. Be sure that the total of all devices being connected does not exceed 1800 watts. WARNING! Water and Moisture: Do not use any iPOWERTM product in an area where it may get wet, such as near a bathtub, sink, laundry facility, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool. WARNING! Ventilation: While iPOWERTM products do not generate a significant amount of heat, they should not be placed directly on a bed, rug, or sofa that may obstruct the unit's natural heat dissipation abilities. IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAUTION! Heat: iPOWERTM products should not be placed on or in close proximity to heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or on top of other devices (including amplifiers and receivers) that produce heat. WARNING! Power Cord Protection: Power cords and remote trigger cables should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on, chewed by pets, or pinched by objects placed on them. Pay special attention to the place where the cord meets the plug and where the cord enters the device. WARNING! Object And Liquid Entry: Care should be taken that no objects or liquids fall onto or into the device. Do not use alcohol on the device. WARNING! Damage Requiring Service: Customers should not attempt to repair iPOWERTM products. These devices should be serviced by an authorized service technician when: · The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged · Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled, into the device · The device has been exposed to rain · The device shows a marked change in performance or does not appear to function normally · The device has been dropped, or the enclosure has been damaged CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for purchasing a Niles iPOWERTM Intelligent Power Management System. Niles iPOWERTM products are the result of years of research and development and are the most advanced and complete power management devices available. With iPOWERTM in your system, you have complete confidence knowing that your audio/video components have a clean power supply free of noise and distortion. The result--your home entertainment system will perform as is designers intended, while being fully protected from electrical noise and potentially damaging spikes and surges. In addition to power protection and performance enhancement, the iPOWERTM AC-6+ offers triggering options which allow for control of your system's start-up and shut-down procedures. With a little planning, your AC-6+ can put control of your home entertainment system at your fingertips. Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full-line catalog write: Niles, Catalog Request, P .O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818 or visit our web site at www.nilesaudio.com. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION KEY TECHNOLOGIES UNIT DETAILS INSTALLATION OVERVIEW PACKAGE CONTENTS PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM PLANNING YOUR AC CONNECTIONS MAKING CONNECTIONS USING THE REMOTE TRIGGER FEATURE TROUBLESHOOTING SPECIFICATIONS 3 4 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 17 19 2 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 3 Never in the history of power protection has there been a product line that has revolutionized the industry the way that Niles' iPOWERTM has. iPOWERTM Intelligent Power Management Systems represent a breakthrough in three main areas: power protection, noise filtration, and power management. Based on solid scientific principles, clever engineering, and fastidious execution, iPOWERTM devices are built to the most stringent standards in the industry and provide the maximum electrical protection and advanced performance enhancing technology. iPOWER's i3TM (instantaneous, impenetrable, and virtually indestructible) three-stage power protection circuitry stands head and shoulders above the industry in terms of delivering instantaneous response time. Its clamping levels are among the lowest in the industry, providing unrivaled electrical protection for its connected equipment. Its iQTM Optimal Q Impulse Noise Filtering technology has the ability to reduce detail-obscuring "noise" on the AC power line, resulting in performance that's sure to please even the most demanding eyes and ears. In fact, iPOWERTM may be the first "audiophile-approved" power protection technology available at any price. Additionally, its iDefinitionTM HDTV-ready coax circuitry provides protection while minimizing signal loss from input to output so images are razor sharp and colors are vivid. Plus, with a full complement of true line diagnostics, an intuitive, flexible triggering protocol, and user-friendly one button operation, your AC-6+ puts you in complete control of your system. Model AC-6+ 6 Outlet Power Management System KEY TECHNOLOGIES KEY TECHNOLOGIES i3TM Three-Stage Circuit Topology -- Power Protection for the Real World iPOWER's i3TM (instantaneous, impenetrable, and virtually indestructible) circuit topology represents a breakthrough in power protection technology. A three-stage design comprised of Gas Tubes, Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV's) and a proprietary Low-Impedance In-Line Filter, the i3TM circuitry delivers instantaneous protection. Most MOV-based surge protection devices use a circuit topology that is sacrificial in nature. Like an air bag in an automobile, they are designed to "blow up," sacrificing their internal circuitry in order to protect the connected equipment during a severe surge event. Sooner or later they fail in the line of duty leaving connected equipment unprotected. As a radical departure from this philosophy, all Niles iPOWERTM products with i3TM protection technology are non-sacrificial in nature. This unique design enables iPOWERTM to protect your equipment time and time again. While UL's® most rigorous standard for voltage let through is 330 volts, Niles iPOWERTM products with i3TM protection technology have a consistent clamping level of less than 300V. In addition, all iPOWERTM products clamp at a mere 40V over peak standard line voltage (ANSI/IEEE C62.45 6000V 100 kHz Ring Wave Test), adding a level of protection rarely found in the industry. iQTM Optimal Q Noise Filtration All of the Power -- None of the Noise. Computers, household appliances, and RF broadcasts can introduce "noise" onto the AC power line, obscuring audio detail and video resolution. By their very nature, conventional AC power line noise filtration circuits limit electrical current flow, stealing the "punch" from high-current power amplifiers. The Niles iPOWER iQTM optimal Q impulse noise filtration circuitry simultaneously achieves both noise reduction and the proper power line loading necessary for dynamic performance. Through careful research and with the deployment of advanced electrical components, a sophisticated design that varies the Q of the circuit topology was created. With this design, iPOWERTM products achieve an outstanding 50dB of common mode rejection and 60dB of differential mode rejection--without current choking. iPOWERTM delivers both the performance iQ reduces up to 99.9% (60dB) of AC power line noise. and the power. The above graphics simulate AC power line noise reduction. TM 4 Unrivaled System Integration and Ease of Use iPOWERTM features an elegant and intuitive user interface. As a pioneer of home audio/video customization, Niles understands that technology is only useful if it is used. iPOWERTM provides the installer with the flexibility to design and execute a spectacular system in a package that the end-users can actually operate. For the end-user, Niles iPOWERTM meets the needs and budget of nearly any enthusiast. Its intuitive interface allows the most complex systems to be controlled with one-button operation with displays that are clear and easy to understand. Installers will appreciate features such as true line diagnostics and feedback, and a versatile dual-zone trigger system which responds to 12V DC 200mA. Real Line Diagnostics Your AC-6+ is equipped with a sophisticated set of line diagnostic indicators. These indicators not only ensure that the AC-6+ is working, but also let you know that the wiring in your house has been installed properly. This is particularly useful in older homes where electrical systems may have been installed at different times during the life of the home. When illuminated, the Ground OK LED on the AC-6+ indicates that the house wiring is properly grounded. If the LED does not illuminate, there is a line problem. Without a proper ground, your AC-6+ will not be able to provide protection from electrical surges and spikes. DO NOT OPERATE YOUR AC-6+ WITHOUT A PROPER GROUND. IF THE GROUND OK LED DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, DISCONNECT THE UNIT IMMEDIATELY. When illuminated, the LINE OK LED on the AC-6+ indicates that the wall outlet does not have a line problem such as polarity inversion. If the LED does not illuminate, there is a line problem. This is common, especially in older homes. Call your electrician to have the line repaired. DO NOT OPERATE YOUR AC-6+ WITH A LINE PROBLEM. IF THE LINE OK LED DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, DISCONNECT THE UNIT IMMEDIATELY. The Switched LED on the AC-6+ illuminates when the Power Button is activated indicating that the Switched outlets are ON. In addition, when the Switched LED is ON, the Triggered outlets are in stand-by mode and can be automatically powered on or off using the AC-6+'s Trigger feature. KEY TECHNOLOGIES 5 When the Power Button is not initiated, the Switched LED does not illuminate, indicating that there is no power at the Switched Outlets. Additionally, the Trigger feature of the AC-6+ will be disabled so that the Triggered outlets cannot be automatically powered on or off, regardless of whether there is 12 volts present at the 12 Volt Trigger Inputs. KEY TECHNOLOGIES UL 1449 Second Edition Listing The UL 1449 Second Edition procedure is considered to be the most rigorous and demanding series of tests for surge protection devices in the world. In order for a surge protection device to obtain this UL certification, it must pass a battery of "torture" tests ensuring that the product will meet a set of established safety and performance standards. Your AC-6+ is UL 1449 Second Edition listed. 6 UNIT DETAILS UNIT DETAILS 7 The AC-6+ features three pairs of premium quality, wall transformer-spaced outlets. One outlet is Always On, one outlet is Switched on by the power button, and two pairs are Triggered on via either of the 12V trigger inputs. Power Button turns on Switched outlets and puts Triggered outlets into standby mode for remote triggering. Switched LED indicates the status of the Switched outlets and that Triggered outlets are in standby mode. Ground OK LED indicates that the wall outlet wiring is properly grounded. Line OK LED indicates that the wall outlet is free of any problems such as a polarity inversion. Dual Zone 12V Input Triggers enable you to turn on your system from either of two components (includes unique 12V DC 200mA wall adapter for triggering a device). Bus Output Trigger enables the 12V inputs to automate turn-on of other iPOWER products or protected equipment whenever the 12V trigger input is used. 6 ft. industrial grade, high-current handling power cord with flat, 360º rotating plug. Patent pending i3TM power protection circuitry ensures protection time after time. 15 Amp Circuit Breaker. UL 1449 2nd Edition Listed Rugged steel chassis with molded rubber endcaps can be wall or floor mounted. INSTALLATION OVERVIEW INSTALLATION OVERVIEW The following is an overview for installing your iPOWERTM product. · Unpack all of the contents of the AC-6+ carton. · Plan your system and lay out all of the equipment that will be connected to the AC-6+. · Place the AC-6+ in the location where it will be used, being sure to follow both the safety precautions listed in the front of this manual and the placement recommendations on (page 11). DO NOT plug the unit in yet. · Plug each of the components into the AC-6+. You may want to make a note on paper listing the component connected to each outlet. · With all of the attached components in the OFF position, plug the AC-6+ into the wall. · With the AC-6+ OFF, attach remote triggering cables (if applicable). · Test for proper operation. 8 PACKAGE CONTENTS PACKAGE CONTENTS 9 (1) AC-6+ (1) Installation & Operation Guide (1) 12V, 200mA remote trigger power supply PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM Think about which components need to work together, and place them in close proximity to one another. You may also want to consider putting frequently handled components in the most convenient locations. Decisions about triggering options for your AC-6+ will depend on many factors including the type of components in the system and whether they are self-controlled or part of a multi room or whole-house system. By carefully planning the system's architecture in advance, your AC-6+ can be integrated into any configuration you choose. IMPORTANT NOTE All components in a system must be connected to an iPOWERTM Power Management System in order for the system to be protected from electrical disturbances and to realize maximum noise filtration benefits. This includes AC power cables, coaxial connections, and telephone cables used with pay-per-view systems. Failure to do this will degrade system performance and leave it vulnerable to electrical damage. PROPER GROUNDING Your iPOWERTM product will not be able to provide surge protection or noise reduction without a proper ground. If the AC line in your house is properly grounded, the GROUND OK light will illuminate. If the GROUND OK light does not illuminate, stop your installation. Check the AC connection and make sure that the unit is plugged in properly. If the GROUND OK light still fails to illuminate, have the AC outlet in the house checked by an electrician to diagnose the ground problem. 10 Placement PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM 11 It is recommended that the AC-6+ be placed in a location easily reached when manually operating the other controls in the system. There should be a clear line of sight between the operator and the unit to allow easy user feedback of system status. The AC-6+ should be placed on a flat, stable shelf or platform or, if desired, it can be wall mounted. See the following section for directions on wall mounting. IMPORTANT: Be sure to follow the "Safety Precautions" in the front of this manual to ensure proper product performance and safety. Wall Mounting Once you have decided where your AC-6+ should be placed, you may wish to permanently mount it in that location. Mounting screw slots are provided on all AC Series iPOWERTM products for such purposes. On the back of each unit you will find a series of L-shaped slots designed to accommodate mounting screws. The L-shape of the openings allows for both vertical and horizontal positioning of the unit. Additionally because the screw hole distances are uniform you can rotate the unit without having to reposition the screws (see illustration). After you've located the desired positioning you can mark the distance between the screw locations using the special indents found on your AC iPOWERTM unit (see illustration). Once you've located your desired positioning you can mark the screw locations using the special indents found on your AC iPOWERTM unit. Plus, because the screw hole distances are uniform you can rotate the unit without having to reposition the screws. PLANNING YOUR AC CONNECTIONS PLANNING YOUR AC CONNECTIONS Always On Outlet For the Always On outlet, power will be routed to attached components at all times, regardless of whether the Power Button on the AC-6+ is initiated or not. This outlet is appropriate for any component that has a clock, timer, or that will be used as a master control or triggering unit for the rest of the system. Devices such as a VCR, DBS receiver, cable TV box, or any item with a microprocessor should use the Always On outlet. Switched Outlet The Switched outlet powers up the moment the Power Button is initiated. This outlet is appropriate for devices with latching power supplies* such as some CD players, tuners, tape decks, and some televisions. If the power button on your iPOWERTM unit is left permanently engaged, the Switched outlet will function identically to the Always On outlet described above. Triggered Outlets The Triggered outlets enable the connected devices to power on and off automatically. When the Power Button is initiated it places the Triggered outlets in stand-by mode. When there is 12 volts present at either of the 12V Trigger Inputs, the AC-6+ automatically turns on the Triggered outlets. When the 12 volt signal is not present it disconnects power to the Triggered outlets. This is an immensely valuable tool for simplifying control over one's audio/video system. For more information, see the section "Using The Remote Trigger Feature" on page 14. These outlets are appropriate for devices with latching power supplies* such as some CD players, tuners, tape decks, and some televisions. IMPORTANT NOTE: The Power Button must be initiated for the Trigger feature to work. * You can tell if a component has a latching power supply by unplugging it from the wall while it is turned on, waiting three minutes, and then plugging it back in. If the power comes back on, it is latching. 12 MAKING CONNECTIONS MAKING CONNECTIONS 13 IMPORTANT NOTE All components in a system must be connected to an iPOWERTM Power Management System in order for the system to be protected from electrical disturbances and to realize maximum noise filtration benefits. This includes AC power cables, coaxial connections, and telephone cables used with pay-per-view systems. Failure to do this will degrade system performance and leave it vulnerable to electrical damage. Connecting Devices to the AC Outlets Be sure that the plugs are inserted all the way into the outlet to ensure a proper electrical connection. To simplify set-up, make a note as to which components are connected to which outlets. USING THE REMOTE TRIGGER FEATURE USING THE REMOTE TRIGGER FEATURE Trigger Activation Your AC-6+ has (2) Trigger Inputs and (1) Bus Trigger Output which provides a wide array of possibilities for automated turn-on and shut-off of the Triggered outlets. Each Trigger Input can be activated with 12V DC 200mA input via standard 3.5mm mini plug jacks found on the AC-6+. This dual-trigger input configuration allows for two zone control of the system, while the single bus output allows the AC-6+ to be "daisy chained" to other iPOWERTM products or any other protected, triggerable device. In addition, the Trigger Output can be utilized to generate a "power status" signal for use with compatible Niles infrared or audio/video distribution products. IMPORTANT NOTE All components in a system must be connected to an iPOWERTM Power Management System in order for the system to be protected from electrical disturbances and to realize maximum noise filtration benefits. This includes AC power cables, coaxial connections, and telephone cables used with pay-per-view systems. Failure to do this will degrade system performance and leave it vulnerable to electrical damage. Using The Trigger Inputs NOTE:The Triggered outlets can only be triggered by the Trigger Inputs if the Power button is initiated. Your AC-6+ has (2) Trigger Inputs which can be used for remote turn ON and turn OFF of the Triggered outlets. The Trigger can be activated with any 12V DC trigger voltage. Many control amplifiers, preamps/receivers and system integration centers have a voltage output which can be used to activate the AC-6+'s Trigger feature. If your system includes a control device with provisions for remote triggering, simply connect the voltage output from the control device to the Trigger Input on your AC-6+. If the control device has a switched outlet, plug the 12V DC 200mA Remote Trigger Power Supply (included) into the control's device switched outlet and the 3.5mm mini plug into one of the AC-6+'s Trigger Inputs (see illustration, next page). Now, every time the control device's 14 switched outlet is turned on, it will turn ON the Triggered outlets. In turn, when the control device is shut off, it will turn OFF the triggered outlets. Since there are (2) Trigger Inputs, the AC-6+ can be Triggered by a second control device in the same manner, allowing for multi-zone operation. USING THE REMOTE TRIGGER FEATURE 15 IMPORTANT NOTE IMPORTANT! The control device must be plugged into the AC-6+ to ensure proper protection. The illustration offers one example of automating the turn on and turn off of the Triggered outlets. The 12V DC 200mA Remote Trigger Power Supply (included) is plugged into the switched outlet of a preamp/receiver. Its 3.5mm jack plugs into one of the Trigger Inputs on the AC-6+. Using The Trigger Output USING THE REMOTE TRIGGER FEATURE The AC-6+ has a bus Trigger Output jack which provides a convenient pass through from the remote Trigger Input. Simply connect the output jack on the AC-6+ to any protected triggerable device, and the input voltage that controls the Triggered outlets will be passed through the AC-6+ to another device. IMPORTANT NOTE IMPORTANT! The control device must be plugged into the AC-6+ to ensure proper protection. The Trigger Output can be used to pass the input trigger voltage through the AC-6+ to automatically turn on additional protected equipment or iPOWER products. Additional Remote Trigger Power Supplies If you require additional Remote Trigger Power Supplies, they can be obtained from your authorized Niles dealer (Stock# FG00665). 16 TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM AC-6+ does not power-up. There is no power to the connected equipment. TROUBLESHOOTING 17 POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE · Check that the unit is plugged in and that there is power to the outlet. · Check the AC-6+'s circuit breaker located by the power cord and reset if necessary. · First, re-check the trigger lines to ensure a positive connection. then check that the trigger is going to the TRIGGER IN jack on the AC-6+. · If all connections are properly made and the AC-6+ fails to respond, it is most likely that the trigger signal has too low a voltage (below 12V). Check the trigger source to be sure that the signal is 12V DC 200mA. · Check that the Power Button is initiated. The Triggered outlets will not function if the Power button is not in the "ON" position. Trigger lines are attached, but the AC-6+'s trigger outlets will not power up via the Trigger input. The GROUND OK light on the front panel of the AC-6+ does not light up. ·This indicates that the wall outlet is not properly grounded or possibly another type of line problem. Without a proper ground, your AC-6+ will not provide power protection. 1. STOP YOUR INSTALLATION. Check the AC connection and make sure that the AC-6+ is plugged in properly. If the GROUND OK light still fails to illuminate, have the AC outlet in the house checked by an electrician to diagnose the problem. 2. DO NOT operate your AC-6+ without a proper ground. The LINE OK indicator on the front panel of the AC-6+ does not light up. · This indicates that the wall outlet has a line problem such as polarity inversion. This is common, especially in older homes. DO NOT operate the AC-6+ with a line problem. Call your electrician to have the line repaired. TROUBLESHOOTING (continued) SYMPTOM Both the LINE OK indicator and the GROUND OK light on the front panel of the AC-6+ do not light up. The circuit breaker on the AC-6+ continues to trip. TROUBLESHOOTING POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE · This indicates that either the wall outlet is not properly grounded, or the wall outlet has a line problem such as a polarity inversion, (or both). See the above two items for more information. · Your AC-6+ is equipped with a 15 Amp circuit breaker to provide overload protection. This breaker will allow up to 1800 watts of power to pass through the AC-6+ to your components. If the breaker continues to trip after being reset several times, there may be a short in the system. If no short is apparent, or the problem is intermittent, this indicates that the components are drawing more than the 1800 watts the AC-6+ can supply. Check with your Niles dealer or installer to see what other iPOWERTM products can be used in addition to the AC-6+ to provide sufficient power for your system. · Many components will create "thumps," "clicks," and "pops" when they are first turned on. This can happen while their internal power supply "settles in," which usually only takes a few seconds or so. This is common, and while annoying, it usually will not harm loudspeakers. Niles offers several iPOWERTM models with features designed to prevent this condition. See your Niles dealer for more information. There is an audible "thump," "click," or "pop," coming from my loudspeakers during the powerup function of my AC-6+. 18 SPECIFICATIONS AC OUTLETS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS UL 1449 Clamping Rating ............................330 Volts (lower value is better) ANSI/IEEE 100 kHz Ring Wave Test ............<40 volts above peak standard line voltage Response time ..............................................Instantaneous [<1 nanosecond (<1 billionth of a second)] Surge Voltage ................................................Tested to 6,000 Volts Energy dissipation ........................................1550 Joules Line voltage ..................................................120VAC 15A, 50/60 Hz Peak impulse current ....................................100,000 Amps Protection Modes..........................................Line to Neutral, Line to Ground, Neutral to Ground EMI/RFI noise reduction ..............................Up to 60dB (99.9%) 100 kHz to 100 MHz TRIGGER CIRCUIT Trigger Inputs ................................................12V DC 200mA Trigger Output................................................Direct pass-through from 12V DC Trigger Inputs Connections ..................................................3.5 mm jacks TRIGGER WALL ADAPTER 12V DC 200mA with in-line power supply and 3.5 mm plug Net Weight ..................................................3 lbs. 6 oz. Dimensions ............................................Width: 8-1/4"; Height: 6-3/8"; Depth: 2" SPECIFICATIONS 19 449E Niles Audio Corporation 12331 S.W. 130 Street Miami, Florida 33186 Tel: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0185 www.nilesaudio.com 1449 Second Edition E195090 ©2005 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. iPOWER, i3, iDefinition and iQ are trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Because we constantly strive to improve our products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. The technical and other information contained herein is not intended to set forth all technical and other specifications of Niles products. Additional information can be obtained on-line at www.nilesaudio.com or by calling Niles at 1-800-289-4434. Printed in USA. 04/05 DS00251B