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.
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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 that’s 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
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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
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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
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6000V 100 kHz Ring Wave Test), adding a level of protection rarely found in the industry.
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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.
iQ™ reduces 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
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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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