AMX Delta Series Considerations for Existing Construction

Wiring and Connections

Delta Series Audio Controllers

Considerations for Existing Construction

For existing construction, successful implementation can be achieved by using retrofit electrical boxes

that do not require stud mounting or metal electrical frames which are commonly used for telephone and

cable installations. These “afterthought” low voltage electrical boxes can be placed in a standard opening

in the wall. Care must be taken when using these frames that they must not come in contact with the back

of the unit, or provide a shorting path at the cable connections.

When installing near other switches, make sure the boxes are dead level and lined up with existing

electrical boxes.

A neat and careful installation in an existing construction application will increase the customer

satisfaction level as well as reduce the chance of service calls in the future. Run cables inside the walls

(wherever possible) to the attic, basement, or crawl space. Some installers cut the long straight section

from a coat hanger and chuck it into a drill to help establish a reference marker through ceilings and

floors up against the edge of a wall. The coat hanger wire is tough enough to drill through most materials

without snagging the carpet fibers. The wire is fairly unobtrusive and the length makes it easy to spot on

the other side. The small hole left behind is usually hidden by the carpet, or easily repaired. Holes in the

stud wall for the wiring can then be made by taking into account the width of the baseboard, drywall, and

half the stud (usually 1/2” + 1/2” + 1- 1/ 2 or 2- 1/ 2” from the pilot hole.)

If you must run wires in a room that is carpeted, you can carefully place the cables under the baseboard

or you can lift the edge of the carpet and place the wiring between the carpet’s tack strip and the wall. Be

careful going past doorways or across a walking path. A cable doesn’t seem too big until it’s tripped over

or causes an unsightly lump in the carpet, so please consider cable diameter where necessary. In some

cases when running wire under carpet or a threshold, you may discover that multiple 2 conductor speaker

wiring will sit flatter than a single bundled 4 conductor wire.

When running each cable, carry a fine tip permanent marker with you and mark both ends of the cable.

When you get to the keypad location, mark a couple of arrows on the cable to show you in which

direction the speakers are and in which direction the Delta Controller is. This will save you time,

eliminating the need to “Ohm-out” the cables later to find the one you’re looking for. A few additional

seconds spent during the wiring stage will save you hours of cable chasing later.

Due to the varying manufactured sizes of electrical plates and boxes carefully mark a level and plumb

outline of the switch box using the box itself as a template and make a hole in the existing wall with a

drywall or reciprocating saw. Please be careful to ensure that the space you’re cutting into does not hide

any plumbing, electrical or heating fixtures that could be damaged or cause personal injury. Care must

also be taken when dealing with outside walls. The vapor barrier should be repaired if damaged.