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NHT
iC3 ARC In-Ceiling Loudspeaker Installation Guide
Getting Wired
Proper loudspeaker wiring methods and type and quality of wire are essential to good sound. At a minimum, 6 AWG 2-conductor
speaker wire is recommended for runs up to 50 feet or less, 4AWG for longer runs. When permanently installing wire inside walls, be
sure to use wire that is rated for in-wall use and has special jacketing for fire prevention. In the U.S., the U.L. standard is CL-2, CL-3
and CM wire, and in Canada the CSA standard is FT4 wire. The wire should be run in accordance with National Electrical Code best
practices to meet any applicable local or national building codes. Be forewarned, MDU and high-rise developments have additional
requirements and restrictions. For best results, avoid running speaker wire near AC wire, as it may induce a 60Hz hum in the audio
signal. It’s a good idea to run the speaker wire after the AC wiring has already been completed, so that you can route the speaker
wire away from the AC wiring. If speaker wire and AC wiring must run parallel, install the speaker wire within a steel conduit. Note
that low voltage wiring (doorbell, intercom, telephone, security, etc.) can also induce hum.
Drill with Caution!
Remember, these are only suggestions. There are building codes and best practices to be followed – be sure you are familiar with
them. When drilling holes through wall studs or ceiling joists, use a drill bit that is (sharp) wider than the speaker cable that will be
routed (pulled) through them. Always drill through the center of the stud or joist. If the hole must be drilled within one inch of the
edge of a wall stud, add a nail plate to the drywall side to protect the wire from possible nails and screws put in the wall later. Line
up the holes in the studs or joists as you go, so that pulling the wire through them will be easier. Maybe you consider hiring a profes-
sional installer and see a movie with some friends instead.
Installation: New Construction (ceilings not installed – you see ceiling joists when you look up)
Installation in new construction is a three-step process. () Install the appropriate pre-construction brackets in the chosen locations
according to your well though-out plan. (2) Run your speakers wires to these locations according to your well though-out wiring plan.
(3) Install the speakers after the ceiling and trim is installed and painted but just before the carpet or flooring is installed.
The iCB6 kit is the pre-construction bracket you’ll use for the
iC2-ARC
and
iC3-ARC
speakers. Each box will contain a mounting sys-
tem for one speaker, which includes:
() iCB6 Mounting Bracket
(2) Aluminum Mounting Wings
(4) 5 x 50mm flathead wood/metal screws
iCB6 Mounting Bracket
Aluminum Mounting Wings
Screws
