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New Home Construction Precautions
T
he 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.