1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon
®
!
The ABH 4 Expansion Hub that
you have purchased will enable you to extend the capabilities of an A-BUS
®
-
based multiroom system to four or more rooms, with a Harman Kardon
A-BUS/
READY
receiver as the control point. In applications in which you wish to
add A-BUS connectivity to a receiver, preamplifier or surround processor that is
not A-BUS/
READY
, a few simple connections to a multiroom or tape output will
enable you to add the power and simplicity of A-BUS to your home.
We strongly recommend that you carefully read this instruction sheet before
installing your new ABH 4. It contains important information that will guide you
step by step through the correct and safe installation of the unit. If you do not
have experience installing in-wall electrical and telecommunications components,
you are advised to consult with a qualified low-voltage contractor or custom
installer.
If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its operation,
please contact your retailer or custom installer. He or she is your best source of
product information.
Designed for simple installation by a custom installer or advanced do-it-yourself
hobbyist, the ABH 4 will add to your listening pleasure by distributing sound
throughout your home with the level of performance and product design
elegance for which Harman Kardon has been famous for more than fifty years.
Features
• Simple connection to any A-BUS/
READY
Harman Kardon receiver
• Easy interface with existing audio/video receivers, preamplifiers or processors
to add A-BUS capability for multiroom systems with only a single Category 5
cable run to each remote module
• Designed for easy mounting on wire back-boards, or for shelf placement
IMPORTANT SAFETY AND INSTALLATION INFORMATION!
Wire Separations
Remote control wiring systems must be installed to minimize the possibility of
accidental contact with hazardous power and lighting wiring. Never place remote
control wiring near bare power wires or lightning rods, antennas, transformers,
steam or hot water pipes, or heating ducts. Never place remote control wire in
any conduit, box, channel, duct or other enclosure containing power or lighting
circuits of any type. Always provide adequate separation of remote control wiring
and other electrical wiring according to code. When in doubt about separation
distances, the “Rule of Sixes” can be used. This rule requires 6 feet of separation
between remote control wiring and open high-voltage wiring, lightning grounding
wire or grounding rods. It requires 6 inches of separation from all other high-
voltage wiring, unless in conduit.
Cutting and Drilling
Always observe trade safety rules for concealed wiring. Be extremely careful not
to cut through or drill into concealed wiring or pipes. Make a small inspection
opening before cutting or drilling.
Additional Installation Information
Common wire-splicing techniques may cause the wire to break, resulting
in poor circuit integrity. This can cause interference and result in poor system
performance.
Dust or dirt can cause special problems on wiring contacts. Be sure all contacts
are clean and that all parts are installed correctly to protect them from dust
and dirt.
Your new Harman Kardon ABH 4 A-BUS Expansion Hub has been custom-
designed for use with A-BUS products. Do not connect the RJ-45 jacks to
any other device.
Make sure to follow all instructions when preparing wiring for use with the ABH 4
Expansion Hub and associated equipment. Failure to do so may result in a
potential safety hazard, including possible danger to persons and/or equipment.
If you will be running RJ-45 cable through a ventilation plenum, remember to
use plenum-rated cable to comply with NEC and other safety requirements.
Failure to do so may result in a potential fire or safety hazard.
If you have any doubt about your ability to work with electrical and telecommuni-
cations wiring, you are advised to hire a professional licensed electrician or
custom installer to install this product.
Installation Planning
When installed, the ABH 4 may be placed flat on a shelf or mounted to a wire
back-board using standard wood screws and the keyhole notches on the outer
edge of the ABH 4. The unit’s power supply must be placed on a shelf and
should not be attached to a back-board. When planning an installation, remem-
ber to allow sufficient clearance for all wires and connectors that will be attached
to the ABH 4 so that severe angle bends of connecting cables are avoided.
The wiring used to connect the ABH 4 to the A-BUS/
READY
receiver and A-BUS
modules in remote rooms may be Category 5 or 5e wiring. Be certain that any
specific safety rating requirements for riser or plenum wiring are taken into
account, if needed. The speaker wiring should also be in-wall-rated as required,
and may not exceed 14 AWG. To simplify wiring, you may wish to use two pairs
of (4x14) CL-3-rated in-wall wiring and run a single cable from the ABH 4 to
both locations. One pair will be used to connect the first speaker and the other
will continue to the second speaker.
What Is Included
Your ABH 4 should be packed with the following items. If any of the below are
missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer service.
• ABH 4 Expansion Hub
• Power Supply
• AC Power Cord
• RJ-45 Connection Jumper Cable
