Installs Powered Speakers vs. Power Sequencer

urban79 · Sep 30, 2016

I have my electrician working on this problem as well... We have a new sound system being installed in one of our gym/performance spaces. A couple of Yamaha powered speakers and a powered sub. Electric needs to be run to the install location of the speakers, which isn't too bad... but we would like to have the power controlled by the sequencer in the rack. Is it possible to do this and still be code-compliant? It's not intended to be a portable system - i.e. extension cords are not the answer. Surely this must be a common enough problem since powered speakers have gained prevalence, and I can't imagine the only answer is a motorized breaker panel.

Thanks!

Chris

JD · Sep 30, 2016

Easy way to stay code compliant would be to have your speaker power controlled by a contactor (relay) and have the low voltage relay coil driven by a wall-wart plugged into your sequencer. So, your electrician would wire from the panel to the contactor to the speakers, and supply a jack that feeds the 12 volts to the relay coil. Once you are in the 12 volt world, things get a lot easier.

RonHebbard · Sep 30, 2016

urban79 said:
I have my electrician working on this problem as well... We have a new sound system being installed in one of our gym/performance spaces. A couple of Yamaha powered speakers and a powered sub. Electric needs to be run to the install location of the speakers, which isn't too bad... but we would like to have the power controlled by the sequencer in the rack. Is it possible to do this and still be code-compliant? It's not intended to be a portable system - i.e. extension cords are not the answer. Surely this must be a common enough problem since powered speakers have gained prevalence, and I can't imagine the only answer is a motorized breaker panel.

Thanks!

Chris

Lyntech

urban79 said:
I have my electrician working on this problem as well... We have a new sound system being installed in one of our gym/performance spaces. A couple of Yamaha powered speakers and a powered sub. Electric needs to be run to the install location of the speakers, which isn't too bad... but we would like to have the power controlled by the sequencer in the rack. Is it possible to do this and still be code-compliant? It's not intended to be a portable system - i.e. extension cords are not the answer. Surely this must be a common enough problem since powered speakers have gained prevalence, and I can't imagine the only answer is a motorized breaker panel.

Thanks!

Chris

Lyntech (https://www.google.ca/?gws_rd=ssl#q=lyntec+power+sequencer) are the kings of power sequencing, from very simple systems to larger systems such as one I helped install in Toronto's Four Season's Centre with six full size panel boards powereing all of the sound system including a small mountain of Meyer's powered units. Lyntech has it covered even from the very bottom end of things. They also offer DMX controlled breaker panels. No, I don't work for Lyntech but I've installed my share of their sequencers and have nothing but good words to say / write about them.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard.

MNicolai · Sep 30, 2016

A Lyntec panel is overkill for this application.

A few lightweight options, in no particular order.

1) Drop a standalone relay brick at your speaker locations and run a light-gauge control wire back to an on/off switch at your control location.

2) See if your speakers have an idle mode. If so, just make sure you have a solid mute switch in place. More and more powered speakers detect when no signal has been present for awhile and go into a standby mode all on their own.

3) Have your electrician put a couple ice cube relays in a junction box in-line with your circuit breaker and your receptacles at your speakers and run a control wire out to a switch at your control location.

RonHebbard · Oct 1, 2016

MNicolai said:
A Lyntec panel is overkill for this application.

As to either of Lyntec's full blown breaker panel systems, agreed in this case Mike, but my point is they have this covered from the smallest, low end, applications, up. I maintain my position. Lyntec is still worth looking into.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard.

microstar · Oct 1, 2016

Middle Atlantic and Lowell make low-voltage controlled relays that have a line cord in and receptacle out.

om4eccv · Oct 18, 2016

We mounted Furman MP-20Q boxes behind our powered speakers. Next to that, there's an XLR jack for the audio, and a small hole & grommet for the 12VDC trigger wire.

urban79 · Oct 18, 2016

Thanks everyone - I've passed each idea along to our building electrician, and will keep you updated!

Jay Ashworth · Dec 12, 2016

Well?

urban79 · Dec 12, 2016

Haha stuck in the abyss of "it's not my job..." The project got put on hold by our maintenance department months ago, and it's not high on my priority list to keep badgering them about it! I will let you know when they finally get their butts in gear and we make a decision!

RonHebbard · Dec 12, 2016

urban79 said:
Haha stuck in the abyss of "it's not my job..." The project got put on hold by our maintenance department months ago, and it's not high on my priority list to keep badgering them about it! I will let you know when they finally get their butts in gear and we make a decision!

Speakers may well be passe by then.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard.

Installs Powered Speakers vs. Power Sequencer

urban79

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