Niles Audio Power Supply AC 8CX User Manual

I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N G U I D E  
Intelligent Power Management Systems.  
AC-8CX  
8 OUTLET POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  
®
B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E  
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
CAUTION! Heat: iPOWER 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 iPOWER  
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 iPOWER Intelligent Power Management  
System. Niles iPOWER products are the result of years of research and devel-  
opment and are the most advanced and complete power management devices  
available. With iPOWER in your system, you have complete confidence know-  
ing 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 poten-  
tially damaging spikes and surges.  
In addition to power protection and performance enhancement, the iPOWER  
AC-8CX offers triggering options which allow for control of your system’s start-up  
and shut-down procedures. With a little planning, your AC-8CX can put control of  
your home entertainment system at your fingertips.  
Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation com-  
ponents 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  
1
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
INTRODUCTION  
3
KEY TECHNOLOGIES  
UNIT DETAILS  
4
8
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW  
PACKAGE CONTENTS  
PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM  
PLANNING YOUR AC CONNECTIONS  
MAKING CONNECTIONS  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
SPECIFICATIONS  
9
10  
11  
13  
14  
15  
17  
18  
NOTES  
2
 
INTRODUCTION  
Never in the history of power protection has there been  
a
product line that has  
revolutionized the industry the way that Niles' iPOWER has. iPOWER 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, iPOWER devices are built to the most stringent standards in the industry and  
provide the maximum electrical protection and advanced performance enhancing technology.  
iPOWER's i3 (instantaneous, impenetrable, and virtually indestructible) three-stage power protec-  
tion 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 iQ Optimal Q Impulse Noise Filtering  
technology has the ability to reduce detail-obscuring “noise” on the AC power line, resulting in  
performance thats sure to please even the most demanding eyes and ears. In fact, iPOWER may  
be the first "audiophile-approved" power protection technology available at any price. Additionally,  
its iDefinition 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, and user-friendly one button operation, your AC-8CX puts you in complete control  
of your system.  
Model AC-8CX  
8 Outlet Power Management System  
3
 
KEY TECHNOLOGIES  
i3 Three-Stage Circuit Topology — Power Protection for the Real World  
iPOWER's i3 (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 i3 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 iPOWER products with i3 protection technology are non-sacrificial in nature. This unique  
design enables iPOWER to protect your equipment time and time again.  
®
While UL’s most rigorous standard for voltage let through is 330 volts, Niles iPOWER products  
with i3 protection technology have a consistent clamping level of less than 300V. In addition, all  
iPOWER 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.  
iQ 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 iQ optimal Q impulse noise fil-  
tration 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, iPOWER products achieve  
an outstanding 50dB of common mode rejection and  
60dB of differential mode rejection—without current  
choking. iPOWER delivers both the performance  
and the power.  
iQreduces up to 99.9% (60dB) of AC power line noise.  
The above graphics simulate AC power line noise reduction.  
4
 
iDefinition Constant Impedance Technology  
Unfortunately, many surge suppression devices protect coax connections  
with little regard to the impact on performance. In these circuits, the signal  
comes in as a specific frequency but leaves as something entirely different.  
This signal variation often results in ghosting, a lack of detail and impact,  
and even drop-out. iPOWER's iDefinition circuitry strives to maintain a  
perfect 75 ohm impedance throughout the entire circuit. It combines  
superior components with a proprietary circuit that both protects your coax  
connections from harmful surges and minimizes the signal loss from input  
to output. The result, razor sharp images and full compatibility with both  
existing and upcoming digital video sources like DSS, DTV and HDTV.  
You'll have both peace of mind and enjoy all the breathtaking performance  
that digital audio and video deliver.  
Above graphics simulate digital  
signal degradation.  
Groundbreaking F-Connector Technology  
Screw machine cut  
threads & core  
(not die cast)  
Gold plating  
(no corrosion,  
better contact)  
It has been said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest  
link, and this is just as true for an electrical circuit. Electronic  
devices have become increasingly more sophisticated over the  
years, while the basic hardware supporting their use has gone  
unchanged for decades. At Niles, we realized early in the  
Brass body  
development of iPOWER that one of the weakest links in the  
power management chain was in F-connector quality and  
construction. Your AC-8CX’s F-connectors incorporate six  
major advances in materials, design and construction that  
ensure the highest audio and video resolution possible.  
Dual lead  
contact  
Teflon®  
dielectric  
Beryllium copper wire  
(center conductor)  
Machine-Cut Threads. Unlike most products which have inexpensive stamped threads, iPOWER  
products use only machine-cut threads on their connectors. While machine cutting is a more time-  
consuming and expensive process, it allows for a much closer manufacturing tolerance. iPOWER’s  
F-connectors are easier to connect, make for a superior electrical contact, and minimize signal loss.  
5
 
Dual Lead Contact. A dual lead contact makes a more positive connection and is much more  
durable, ensuring a lifetime of service.  
®
®
Teflon Dielectric. A Teflon dielectric greatly reduces signal loss and preserves the color and  
clarity of the source signal.  
Solid Brass Body. Brass allows for a more precise thread to be cut, increases conductivity, and is  
the most dependable material for electrical connectors. The Brass body offers an unrivaled level of  
dependability and extended life.  
Gold Plating. Gold plating increases surface conductivity, decreases signal loss and preserves  
signal integrity.  
Beryllium Copper Wire Center Conductor. This advanced material increases conductivity and  
resists oxidation for maximum performance and extended life.  
Unrivaled System Integration and Ease of Use  
iPOWER 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. iPOWER 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 iPOWER 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.  
Real Line Diagnostics  
Your AC-8CX is equipped with a sophisticated set of line diagnostic indicators. These indicators not only  
ensure that theAC-8CX 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.  
6
 
When illuminated, the Ground OK LED on the AC-8CX indicates that the house wiring is proper-  
ly grounded. If the LED does not illuminate, there is a line problem. Without a proper ground, your  
AC-8CX will not be able to provide protection from electrical surges and spikes. DO NOT OPER-  
ATE YOUR AC-8CX 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-8CX 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-8CX WITH A LINE PROBLEM. IF THE LINE OK LED DOES NOT  
ILLUMINATE, DISCONNECT THE UNIT IMMEDIATELY.  
The Switched LED on the AC-8CX illuminates when the Power Button is activated indicating that the  
Switched outlets are ON. When the Power Button is not initiated, the Switched LED does not illumi-  
nate, indicating that there is no power at the Switched Outlets.  
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-8CX is UL 1449 Second Edition listed.  
7
 
UNIT DETAILS  
The AC-8CX features four pairs of premium quality, wall transformer-spaced  
outlets. Two pairs are Always On, two pairs are Switched on by the power  
button.  
Power Button turns on  
Switched outlets.  
Proprietary iDefinition™  
coax circuitry is fully  
Cable TV, DBS/DSS, DTV  
and HDTV compatible  
and features custom  
Switched LED  
indicates the status of  
the Switched outlets.  
machined, gold-plated  
F connectors with Teflon®  
dielectric for optimum  
performance (includes two  
6 ft. premium quality, quad-  
shielded RG-6 cables with  
gold plated connectors).  
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.  
6 ft. industrial grade,  
high-current handling  
power cord with flat,  
360º rotating plug.  
Rugged steel chassis with  
Patent pending i3 power  
15 Amp Circuit  
Breaker.  
UL 1449  
2nd Edition Listed  
molded rubber endcaps can protection circuitry ensures  
be wall or floor mounted. protection time after time.  
8
 
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW  
The following is an overview for installing your iPOWER product.  
Unpack all of the contents of the AC-8CX carton.  
Plan your system and lay out all of the equipment that will be connected to the AC-8CX.  
Place the AC-8CX in the location where it will be used, being sure to follow both the safety pre-  
cautions listed in the front of this manual and the placement recommendations on (page 12).  
DO NOT plug the unit in yet.  
Plug each of the components into the AC-8CX. You may want to make a note on paper  
listing the component connected to each outlet.  
Connect any device with coaxial outputs to the F-connectors.  
With all of the attached components in the OFF position, plug the AC-8CX into the wall.  
Test for proper operation.  
9
 
PACKAGE CONTENTS  
(1) AC-8CX  
(1) Installation &  
Operation Guide  
(1) Quad-shielded RG-6  
cables with gold-plated  
connectors  
10  
 
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 con-  
venient locations. By carefully planning the system’s architecture in advance, your AC-8CX can be  
integrated into any configuration you choose.  
IMPORTANT NOTE  
All components in a system must be connected to an iPOWER 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 iPOWER 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.  
11  
 
Placement  
It is recommended that the AC-8CX 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-8CX should be placed  
on a flat, stable shelf or platform or, if desired, 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-8CX should be placed, you may wish to permanently  
mount it in that location. Mounting screw slots are provided on all AC Series iPOWER 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 loca-  
tions using the special indents found on your AC iPOWER unit (see illustration).  
Once you’ve located your desired positioning you can  
mark the screw locations using the special indents  
found on your AC iPOWER unit. Plus, because the  
screw hole distances are uniform you can rotate the  
unit without having to reposition the screws.  
12  
 
PLANNING YOUR AC CONNECTIONS  
Always On Outlets  
For the Always On outlets, power will be routed to attached components at all times, regardless of  
whether the Power Button on the AC-8CX is initiated or not. These outlets are 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 outlets.  
Switched Outlets  
The Switched outlets power up the moment the Power Button is initiated. These outlets are appropri-  
ate for devices with latching power supplies* such as some CD players, tuners, tape decks, and some  
televisions. If the power button on your iPOWER unit is left permanently engaged, the Switched out-  
lets will function identically to the Always On outlets described above.  
* 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.  
13  
 
MAKING CONNECTIONS  
IMPORTANT NOTE  
All components in a system must be connected to an iPOWER 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.  
Connecting to Coaxial Lines  
For coaxial line connection, use the (1) RG-6 cable included with your AC-8CX to make  
connections to your DBS tuner, or any other device requiring a high quality connection. The  
premium cable is quad-shielded, has gold-plated F connectors, and will provide superior  
performance. Be sure to follow the markings on the AC-8CX that indicate IN (from the signal source),  
and OUT (to the component). Your AC-8CX, equipped with iDefinition constant impedance  
technology, will provide protection from virtually all types of electrical surges while preserving the  
integrity of the source signal. Plus, the coax circuit is fully Cable TV, DSS, DTV and HDTV compatible.  
The following is an example of a system utilizing connec-  
tions for cable TV. Actual connections may vary depending  
upon your system.  
Cable TV  
In from grounding  
block (connected to  
incoming Cable TV  
cable).  
Out to Cable Box  
or TV.  
14  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING  
SYMPTOM  
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE  
AC-8CX does not power-up.  
There is no power to the  
connected equipment.  
Check that the unit is plugged in and that there is power at the  
outlet.  
Check the AC-8CX’s circuit breaker located by the power cord  
and reset if necessary.  
•This indicates that the wall outlet is not properly grounded or  
possibly another type of line problem. Without a proper  
ground, your AC-8CX will not provide power protection.  
The GROUND OK light on the  
front panel of the AC-8CX does  
not light up.  
1. STOP YOUR INSTALLATION. Check the AC connection  
and make sure that the AC-8CX 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 diag-  
nose the problem.  
2. DO NOT operate your AC-8CX without a proper ground.  
This indicates that the wall outlet has a line problem such as  
polarity inversion. This is common, especially in older homes.  
The LINE OK indicator on the  
front panel of the AC-8CX does  
not light up.  
DO NOT operate the AC-8CX with a line problem. Call your  
electrician to have the line repaired.  
15  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING (continued)  
SYMPTOM  
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE  
Both the LINE OK indicator and  
the GROUND OK light on the  
front panel of the AC-8CX do not  
light up.  
• This indicates that either the wall outlet is not properly ground-  
ed, or the wall outlet has a line problem such as a polarity  
inversion, (or both). See the above two items for more infor-  
mation.  
There is no picture on the TV.  
Check your signal routing from the source to the AC-8CX and  
the entire chain of components through which the signal  
passes. Secure all connections and double-check that the cables  
are connected to the IN and OUT jacks in the proper way.  
The circuit breaker on the  
AC-8CX continues to trip.  
Your AC-8CX is equipped with a 15 Amp circuit breaker to pro-  
vide overload protection. This breaker will allow up to 1800  
watts of power to pass through the AC-8CX 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-8CX can supply. Check with your Niles dealer or installer to  
see what other iPOWER products can be used in addition to  
the AC-8CX to provide sufficient power for your system.  
There is an audible "thump,"  
"click," or "pop," coming from my  
loudspeakers during the power-  
up function of my AC-8CX.  
• Many components will create "thumps," "clicks," and "pops"  
when they are first turned on. This can happen while their inter-  
nal 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 iPOWER mod-  
els with features designed to prevent this condition. See your  
Niles dealer for more information.  
16  
 
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  
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR EACH COAX CIRCUIT  
Clamping level ..............................................70 Volts  
Response time ..............................................Instantaneous (<75 nanoseconds)  
Energy dissipation ........................................340 Joules  
Peak impulse current ....................................20,000 Amps  
Connections ..................................................Machined, gold-plated Female F-connectors with Teflon Dielectric  
Net Weight ..................................................4 lbs.  
Dimensions ............................................Width: 8-1/4"; Height: 7-3/8"; Depth: 2-1/2"  
17  
 
18  
 
19  
 
449E  
Niles Audio Corporation  
1449 Second Edition  
E195090  
12331 S.W. 130 Street  
Miami, Florida 33186  
Tel: (305) 238-4373  
Fax: (305) 238-0185  
©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 respec-  
tive 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  
Printed in USA. 04/05 DS00250B  
 

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