Niles WVC100 Troubleshooting guide

Niles Audio Corporation
www.nilesaudio.com
12331 S.W. 130 Street
Miami, Florida 33186
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
BLENDING HIGH FIDELITY AND ARCHITECTURE®
©2003 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are reg-
istered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners. Some of Niles products (or components thereof) are manufactured under one or more
U.S. Patents, foreign equivalents and/or pending patents (see product for details). Because we constantly strive to improve our
products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications, descriptions, and prices without notice. The technical and
other specifications of information contained herein is not intended to set forth all technical and other specifications of Niles
products. Additional information can be obtained at www.nilesaudio.com or by calling Niles at 1-800-289-4434. Printed in
China 7/03 DS00311ACN
Weatherproof Stereo Volume Controls
WVC100
WVC100 WVC100E
WVC100E
DS00311ACN/WVC100-WVC100E 11/12/03 11:00 AM Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and
Benefits 2
Installation
Considerations 3
Installation 5
Operation 6
Specifications 8
Contents 9
WVC100
WVC100E
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
INTRODUCTION
The WVC 100 and WVC 100E are weatherproof stereo impedance-magnifying volume
controls that connect between the speaker-level output of an amplifier, speaker selector, or
a Niles VCS HUB8 distribution hub and your speakers.
The WVC 100 is a wall-mounted volume control designed specifically for environmental use.
The WVC 100E is a freestanding volume control mounted in a PVC junction box for use in
environmental where a wall-mounted volume control would be impractical.
Both models adjust the volume of remotely located speakers to which they are connected
by attenuating the amplifier signal. To assure minimal dissipation of internal power with
virtually no power wasted as heat, Niles volume controls use autoformers instead of L-pads as
the volume-controlling element.
The WVC 100 and WVC 100E are impedance-magnifying (IM) volume controls. Unlike other
brands, they have additional autoformer windings that magnify the impedance of connected
speakers, while allowing all 12 steps to adjust the volume of the sound. Switches on the PC
board select these windings.
With the volume control providing impedance protection for your amplifier, you can create
systems with no additional impedance-matching devices between the volume control and
the amplifier.
In a typical application of IM controls, a system has eight pairs of 8-ohm speakers throughout
the house and in outdoor locations. Connect each pair of speakers to a WVC 100/E volume
control with its switch in the 8x position, eliminating the need for an external impedance-
matching device to protect the amplifier. Even when playing all eight speaker pairs at once, the
amplifier runs at normal operating temperatures.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The weatherproof WVC 100 and WVC 100E offer a number of
improvements over other weatherproof volume controls:
• WVC 100: Designed for environmental wall-mount
installation.
• WVC 100E: Enclosed in a freestanding PVC junction box,
designed for installations where wall mounting would
be impractical.
• Both models: A rubber gasket fits behind the faceplate during
installation to seal out moisture.
• An impedance-magnifying switch on the front of the volume
control sets the impedance of connected speakers. You
can magnify the speakers’ impedance by a factor of two, four,
or eight.
• Unlike other impedance-matching volume-control products,
Niles IM volume controls maintain a 12-position adjustment
regardless of how much impedance magnification you use,
with total attenuation >48dB.
• Pop-free switching between all steps.
• 100-percent tested, electronically and acoustically, for
frequency response, distortion, and power handling.
• WVC 100: Mounting depth of only 2-9/16". Fits into standard
18-cubic-inch one-gang junction boxes.
• WVC 100E: Fits into PVC junction box (supplied).
• Standard faceplate and knob included.
• Isolated left- and right-channel grounds ensure safety with
any amplifier.
• May be used with 4-, 6-, or 8-ohm speaker systems.
• Ideal for home and commercial sound installations.
• UL-rated to comply with all local building codes.
• Installation requires only a screwdriver and wire stripper.
• Power handling: 100W/channel RMS.
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz ±1.5dB.
• WVC 100: Available colors: Bone and White.
• Ten Years parts and labor warranty.
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
2
Some speakers have selectable impedance.
Before you proceed, please confirm that any
selectable-impedance speakers in your system
are properly set for the system you are installing.
TECH TIP
DS00311ACN/WVC100-WVC100E 11/12/03 11:00 AM Page 3

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Calculating the Impedance Magnification Setting
Use the following instructions and the accompanying charts to
select the correct switch setting for the number and type of
speakers in your system.
CAUTION! Every speaker pair
in the system must be connected
to an impedance-magnifying
volume control and set to the
same magnification.
1. Count the number of pairs of
4-ohm speakers and the number
of pairs of 8-ohm speakers you
are connecting. Count pairs of
6-ohm speakers as 4-ohm pairs.
2. Determine whether the amplifi-
er should see a 4-ohm load or
an 8-ohm load. You should find this information in the
owner’s manual of the amplifier.
3. Read the correct switch position from the charts on page 7.
See Figure 3 if your amplifier can drive a 4-ohm load. See
Figure 4 if your amplifier must have an 8-ohm speaker load.
4. Set the switches on all of the controls to the same position
(1x, 2x, 4x, or 8x).
Limitations in Volume with High Magnification Settings
Using an 8x setting limits the power to each speaker pair to
one-eighth of the amplifier’s output.
In a typical application of IM volume controls, a system has
eight pairs of 8-ohm speakers throughout the house. Each pair
of speakers is connected to an IM volume control with its
switches set for 8x.
With eight pairs of speak-
ers, one-eighth of the
amplifier’s power is
available to any pair.
Therefore, an amplifier
rated at 100W per chan-
nel RMS into 8 ohms will
deliver up to 12.5W to
each of the eight pairs –
whether you play all eight
pairs or just one pair. This
translates into a drop in
the maximum volume capability of about 9dB at the 8x setting.
USING SPEAKER SELECTORS WITH IM VOLUME
CONTROLS
Although IM controls provide volume and on/off at the volume-
control location, they do not give you central control of speak-
ers playing throughout the house. Speaker-selection systems
give you central control, but some speaker selectors have
non-defeatable impedance-protection circuits. Combining IM
controls with such a selector will reduce your maximum
volume substantially. To solve this problem, specify a speaker
selector with a defeatable protection circuit (Niles models
HDL-4, HDL-6, SPS-4, or SPS-6). Then keep the protection cir-
cuit off at all times.
JUNCTION BOXES
WVC 100: The mounting depth of the WVC 100 is 2-9/16".
When installed, the unit extends 2-1/16" behind the sheetrock
wall (assuming 1/2" sheetrock). For installation, use a
standard 18-cubic-inch (or larger) junction box. Suitable junc-
tion boxes are available from your Niles dealer or local electri-
cal-supply company.
WVC 100E: Use the PVC junction box (supplied), mounted
atop a PVC conduit through which the wires will run.
TYPE OF SPEAKER WIRE
We recommend 16-gauge stranded copper speaker wire for
most connections, and 14-gauge wire for runs longer than 80
feet. Don’t use speaker wire larger than 14 gauge, because larg-
er wire may not fit into the connectors. Never use solid-core,
aluminum, or Romex wire with an IM volume control. For
speaker-wire runs within walls, most U.S. states and munici-
palities require a special type of speaker wire with a specific CL
fire rating, such as CL-2 or CL-3. Consult your Niles dealer,
building contractor, or local building-inspection department if
you aren’t sure what kind of wire is best for your application.
MOUNTING LOCATION
WVC 100: Convenient mounting locations include:
• On a porch or patio wall.
• Near doorways.
• Close to a telephone.
• Near other wall-mounted controls.
WVC 100E: Convenient mounting locations include:
• At poolside.
• Near a hot tub.
• Near a barbecue.
• In other locations where a wall-mounted volume control
would be impractical.
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
43
TOOLS REQUIRED
• 1/8" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• 1/4" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• Wire Stripper
12 AWG
14 AWG
TECH TIP
Wire size is expressed by its
AWG (American Wire Gauge)
number. The lower the AWG
number, the larger the wire.
Thus, 12 AWG wire is physically
larger than 14 AWG.
DS00311ACN/WVC100-WVC100E 11/12/03 11:00 AM Page 5

nector plug is keyed. Insert the smooth side of the connector
plug into the smooth side of the socket. Don’t force the scal-
loped side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the
socket. See Figure 5.
5. Set the Impedance Magnification Switch (See Figure 6) as
determined by the IM charts (Figures 3 and 4).
6. Plug the connectors into the volume control as shown in
Figure 5. The inputs of the IM volume control are the con-
nector pins labeled AMPLIFIER. The outputs are the connec-
tor pins labeled SPEAKERS.
NOTE: If you reverse these connections, the volume control
won’t function properly.
7. Secure the volume control to the junction box. Insert the
1-1/4" device screws into the oblong screw holes on the top
and bottom of the volume control. The oblong shape of the
screw holes helps you place the volume control in a vertical
position. Align the screws with the threaded holes in the
junction box. Tighten the screws using a Phillips screwdriv-
er. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. If necessary, loosen these
screws several turns so the volume control fits flush with the
faceplate.
8. Set the rubber gasket inside the faceplate and be sure it is
seated properly.
9. Use the shorter plate screws to fasten the gasketed faceplate
to the volume control. DON’T OVERTIGHTEN THE PLATE
SCREWS, WHICH COULD DAMAGE THE FACEPLATE.
Align all the screws in the same direction for a clean, fin-
ished look.
OPERATION
1. Make sure the amplifier or receiver power is OFF and set the
volume to minimum.
2. Set the volume on the volume con-
trol to maximum (fully clockwise).
3. If you are using a Niles speaker-
selection system, locate the
ON/OFF button that corresponds to
the speaker pair you wish to play.
Set it to the ON position. Make sure
the defeatable protection circuit is
not enabled. See Using Speaker
Selectors with IM Volume Controls,
on page 4.
4. Turn ON the amplifier or receiver and select a source, such
as the tuner or CD player.
Some states or municipalities allow installation of devices such
as the WVC 100 in the same junction box as 110V devices, with
a low-voltage partition between the devices. We do not rec-
ommend this, because speaker wires can act as an antenna for
electrical noise. Locating speaker wires too close to a light
switch or dimmer may cause the speakers to emit a popping or
buzzing sound. If you must locate the IM volume control near
electrical devices, install it in a separate metal junction box,
ground the box to the electrical-system ground, and route the
speaker wires several feet away from the electrical wiring.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
WVC 100: Before you install the WVC 100 into an existing
wall, consider the possibility of hidden obstructions inside the
wall, such as wood and metal studs; electrical, telephone, or
other wiring; plumbing; and conduit.
1. Install the junction box in the usual manner.
2. Run all necessary wiring to the volume control. Label the
wires for future reference (Figures 1).
WVC 100E:
1. Run the necessary wiring up through the conduit and the
opening at the base of the enclosure. Label the wires for
future reference (Figures 1).
2. Mount the entire enclosure atop the PVC conduit.
INSTALLATION
1. Locate the connector plugs
(and remove them if they are
plugged in).
2. Strip 1/4" of insulation from
the end of each wire. Tightly
twist the end of each wire
until no frayed ends remain.
3. Use a small flathead screw-
driver or your thumbnail to
raise the locking tabs, expos-
ing the holes on the remov-
able connector plug.
4. Insert each wire into the
appropriate hole on the
removable connector plug,
and snap the locking tab
down.
NOTE: Maintain proper phasing. Connect the positive termi-
nals on the volume control to the positive terminals on the
amplifier and speakers, and connect the negative terminals on
the volume control to the negative terminals on the amplifier
and speakers. To help you avoid improper phasing, the con-
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
65
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
WVC100/E
From Amplifier
(Input)
To Speakers
(Output)
Speakers
Receiver
Figure 1
Wiring Diagram
Figure 2
Loosening the
Screws for a Flush Fit
DS00311ACN/WVC100-WVC100E 11/12/03 11:00 AM Page 7

5. Slowly turn up the amplifier or receiver volume and set it to
a comfortable – not maximum – listening level. Don’t over-
drive or "clip" your amplifier. If the sound becomes muddy
or distorted, you have reached the limit of your amplifier’s
volume capability. Reduce the volume at once to avoid
damaging your speakers.
6. Use the volume control to adjust the volume of the speakers
to the desired listening level. If all the speaker pairs in your
system are equipped with Niles volume controls, you can set
the amplifier or receiver volume at one position and use the
Niles controls exclusively.
7. To turn off the speakers, turn the knob on the volume control
fully counter-clockwise, or press the ON/OFF button on your
speaker selector.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Power Handling
100W/channel RMS
200W/channel peak music power
Mounting
WMVC-100: In-wall, fits into most 18-cubic-inch single-gang
junction boxes at least 2-3/4" deep
WMVC-100E: Enclosed in a PVC junction box (supplied)
Wiring Requirements
14-18 gauge, two individual runs of two-conductor speaker
wire, or one run of four-conductor speaker wire.
Unit Dimensions
1-5/8" wide x 2-5/8" high
Faceplate Dimensions
Faceplate: 2-3/4" wide x 4-1/2" high
Depth Behind Faceplate
2-9/16"
87
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLSWEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
Figure 6
Figure 5
8x
4x
8x
8x
8x
4x
4x
AMPLIFIER
’
S
MINIM
U
M
S
PEAKER L
O
AD I
S
8
O
HM
S
4
O
H
M
S
p
eake
r
P
a
ir
s
0
1
2
3
4
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2x
8x
AMPLIFIER’S MINIMUM SPEAKER LOAD IS 4 OHMS
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2x 4x 8x
012345678910111213141516
8 OHM Speaker Pairs
4 OHM
Speaker
Pairs
1x
Figure 4
Figure 3
When using a receiver, set all of your IM volume
controls at maximum volume. Then turn up the
master volume on the receiver until you reach the
maximum listening level. Finally, turn down the
volume controls.
TECH TIP
DS00311ACN/WVC100-WVC100E 11/12/03 11:00 AM Page 9

109
WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS WEATHERPROOF STEREO VOLUME CONTROLS
CONTENTS
WVC100
• WVC100 volume control
• Standard wallplate
• Knob
• Device mounting screws X2
• Faceplate screws X2
• Removable speaker connector X2
• Gasket
WVC100E
• WVC100E Volume Control
• Knob
• Device mounting screws X2
• Removable speaker connector X2
• Standard Faceplate screws X4
• Enclosure X1
• Gasket
WVC 100E
Figure 7
(a) Knob
(b) Faceplate
(c) Gasket
(d) Volume Control
(e) Enclosure
b
c
d
e
a
a
b
c
d
WVC 100
DS00311ACN/WVC100-WVC100E 11/12/03 11:00 AM Page 11