Installation
If you are installing the VCS-2S into an existing wall, take time to
consider any possible obstructions which may be hidden inside the
wall, such as wood and metal studs; electrical, telephone or other
types of wiring; plumbing; conduit; old wall safes; etc.
1. Install the electrical box or p-ring in the usual manner.
2. Run all the necessary wiring to the VCS-2S. Label the wires for
future reference.
3. Make the connections to the VCS-2S. Locate the connectors for
the VCS-2S (remove them if they are plugged in). Next, strip 1/4” of
insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly twist the end of each
wire until there are no frayed ends. Insert each wire into the appro-
priate hole on the removable connector blocks; secure the wiring to
the connectors by tightening the small connector screws.Be certain
that proper phasing is observed—connect the positive terminals on
the VCS-2S to the positive terminals on the amplifier and speakers;
the negative terminals on the VCS-2S to the negative terminals on the
amplifier and speakers. (See
Figures 3and 4
).
4. Plug the connectors into the VCS-2S as shown. (See
Figure 5
).
The inputs of the VCS-2S are the connector pins labeled
“AMPLIFIER”
. The outputs are the connector pins labeled
“SPEAKERS”
. Be sure not to reverse these connections or the
VCS-2S will not function properly.
5. Secure the VCS-2S to the electrical box or p-ring. Insert the 1-1/4”
long device screws into the round-shaped screw holes on the top
and bottom of the VCS-2S front plate. Position the VCS-2S so that
the screws are aligned with the threaded holes in the electrical box
or p-ring. Tighten the screws using a standard slotted screwdriver.
P-Rings and Electrical Boxes
The mounting depth of the VCS-2S is 2-9/16”. When installed, the unit
extends 2-1/16” behind the sheetrock wall (assuming 1/2” sheetrock).
For installation, you must choose between a standard light switch plas-
ter ring (p-ring) or a standard 18 cu. in. (or larger) electrical box.
Suitable p-rings and electrical boxes are available from your Niles deal-
er or local electrical supply company. Using the p-ring is best because
it gives you unobstructed access to the full depth of the wall. In some
instances, the use of a p-ring may be inappropriate, such as in a retro-
fit (existing) installation, or when building codes require that wall
devices be enclosed in electrical boxes. Contact your local building
code and inspection department if unsure.
Type of Speaker Wire
For most applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18 gauge, strand-
ed copper speaker wire for the VCS-2S connections. For wiring runs
longer than 80 feet, 14 gauge wire is recommended. Using speaker wire
larger than 14 gauge for the VCS-2S connections is not recommend-
ed—the wire may not fit into the connectors. Never use solid-core, alu-
minum, or “Romex” type wire with the VCS-2S. When running speaker
wires inside walls, most states and municipalities in the U.S. specify that
you must use a special type of speaker wire. Usually, the requirement is
that the wire has a specific “CL” fire rating, such as “CL-2” or “CL-3”.
Consult your Niles dealer, building contractor, or local building and
inspection department if unsure about which type of wire is best for
your application.
VCS-2S Mounting Location
Convenient mounting locations for the VCS-2S are near entryways or
exits, near a desk, at your bedside, close to a telephone, or near other wall
controls.
DO NOT INSTALL THE VCS-2S INTO ELECTRICAL BOXES
WITH 110 VOLT DEVICES
Some states or municipalities allow devices such as the VCS-2S to be
installed into the same electrical box as 110 volt devices, provided a “low-
voltage partition” is used between the devices. We do not recommend
this. Speaker wires can act as an “antenna” for electrical noise. Locating
speaker wires too close to a light switch or dimmer may cause a “pop-
ping” or “buzzing” sound to be heard through the speakers. If you must
locate the VCS-2S near electrical devices, install it in a separate metal elec-
trical box, ground the box to the electrical system ground, and route the
speaker wires several feet away from the electrical wiring.
Installation Considerations
TOOLS
REQUIRED
• 1/8" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• 1/4" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• Wire Stripper
"TECH TIP"
Wire size is
expressed by it's
AWG (American
Wire Gauge)
number. The lower
the AWG number,
the larger the wire,
i.e., 12 AWG wire is
physically larger
than 14 AWG.
Figure 3
Wiring the connectors
Figure 4
Wiring Diagram
Figure 5
Installing the block
