Boston Acoustics LCAi220 manual New Home Construction Precautions, Retro-fitting an Existing Home

New Home Construction Precautions

The wiring and installing of in-wall electronics and devices is easier when the walls are free of insulation, prior to the drywall being applied. It is important that precautions are taken to avoid system failures. It is recommended that when wiring your open walls that you are aware of the potential hazards and the tools and hardware required to avoid them. Nails, screws and accidentally cut or exposed wire can cause failure in the system. Local hardware stores sell nail guards that cover the stud where the speaker wire passes through. Using nail guards will almost guarantee that a nail or a screw won’t damage the speaker wire.

Do not share holes in studs with electrical, alarm or other unrelated low voltage wire. Only drill the size hole necessary to feed the wire through easily. Secure the speaker wire to the stud as close to the center of the stud bay as possible using insulated staples or other methods that won’t damage the jacket of the wire. If using staples be careful not to damage the wire. Be careful while installing the wire in the walls not to pull, over exert, or radically bend the wire to a point where damage can occur. Label wires at both ends of the wire and protect those ends from label damage. Labeling wire is essential and saves significant time during the final hook- up of your system. Make sure to leave an appropriate length in each location

making installation easy and neat. DO NOT RUN SPEAKER WIRE PARALLEL WITH THE HOUSE LIGHT AND POWER CABLES. Locating speaker wire to close to electrical wire and devices can result in undesired noises such as buzzing, humming and popping noises through the speak- ers. Locating speaker wire too close to electrical wire and devices can result in undesired nois- es such as buzzing, humming and popping noises through the speakers. It is OK to cross over light and power cables if necessary but do so infrequently and only at 90° angles. When at all possible, keep speaker wire as much as 20-inches (50cm) from light and power cables and a stud bay away from electrical devices such as switches and outlets. Following these simple pre- cautions will insure that there is no noise from an electrical device.

Retro-fitting an Existing Home

Wiring and installing systems in an existing home can be difficult. If you are unfamiliar with the tools required to feed wire through existing ceilings and walls it is highly recommended that you consult an Electrician, Low voltage provider / Installer and /or custom A/V Integrator for your installation needs. Likewise, if you are unfamiliar with the construction methods of the home, please consider professional assistance.

Warning

Always turn off the amplifier when connecting volume controls, speakers, or any other components to the system. Only professionals should perform the installation of these devices or those possessing skills in construction, experience with the proper use of hand tools, knowledge of local building and electrical codes, and familiarity with the environment in which the product(s) will be installed. Install all products to meet all local building, energy and electrical codes.

Warning About System Impedance

The LCAi220 does not provide impedance matching. If multiple speakers are used, you must use a volume control and all impedance matching jumpers should be set to the same value. Not doing so will cause undesirable performance and improper protection for the central system amplifier.

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