owi ICM8 8 Inch 2 Way In Ceiling Speaker Installation Guide
- June 10, 2024
- owi
Table of Contents
owi ICM8 8 Inch 2 Way In Ceiling Speaker Installation Guide
PRODUCT FEATURES
ICM8 SPEAKER PRODUCT FEATURES
Thank you for purchasing your new OWI ICM8 High Output Ceiling Speakers. The ICM8 ceiling speaker is a high output device, intended to meet the needs of the professional sound contractor. Operational in 25V, 70V, 100V and 8 Ohms formats, these products will deliver high quality sound over a wide coverage area.
Your ICM8 speaker comes complete with all the necessary mounting hardware, and can be flush-mounted into any ceiling type, or alternatively it can be suspended in an open ceiling situation. In addition, a paint cover cap is included which can be used to cover the speaker when painting the bezel and grill to match any ceiling color.
PACKING LIST
Figure | Quantity | Part |
---|---|---|
A | 2 | Speaker system |
B | 4 | Tile rails |
C | 2 | Split-ring supports |
D | 2 | Grill |
E | 1 | Owner’s manual |
F | 4 | Screws |
G | 2 | Terminal connector |
H | 1 | Warranty registration card |
I | 1 | Cutout template |
PRODUCT FEATURE IDENTIFICATION
Figure 2- Feature Identification
INSTALLATION AND WIRING
The OWI ICM8 speaker installation system has been designed so that the entire installation can be done from beneath the ceiling. In some cases, with a suspended grid ceiling, it may be easier to access from both the top and bottom of the ceiling tile during the installation process. Typical installation hardware needed for either suspended ceilings or sheetrock ceilings is included.
Step 1 – Cut the Hole
Cut out the hole using a circular cutter set to the appropriate cutout size or by tracing the cardboard cutout template included with your speakers.
Figure 3- Cut Celling hole
If the wiring had been pre-installed, pull the wiring through the cutout hole.
Step 2 – Install Split Ring and/or Tile Rail
All OWI ICM8 speakers come packaged with two types of backing hardware:
- Split Ring (a c-shaped backing plate) and
- Tile Rails
Suspended Ceilings – Insert the split ring through the hole cut in the ceiling
tile. Place the split ring around the hole with the tabs located as shown in
Figure 4. Insert the tile rails through the hole cut in the ceiling tile. Snap
the two rails into the two tabs in the split ring and align the rails so that
the ends extend OVER the T-channel grid on the side of the tile. Secure the
rails onto the split ring tabs by inserting a screw through each tab into the
rail, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4- Secure ralis to split ring
This can all be accomplished from below the ceiling tile if necessary.
SAFETY TIP: IMPORTANT TO USE ALL BRACKETS
ALL included support brackets -split ring and tile rails- MUST be used when installing into suspended ceiling tiles. A support safety line must always be installed (see Step 6)
Tile Rails: The tile rails are designed to fit either standard 24-inch wide tiles or 600mm wide tiles. The tile rail pieces do NOT physically attach to the T-grid struts. Instead, the inverted-V shape at the ends of the rails sit OVER the T-grid strut. Normally, the rails are supported by the edge of the ceiling tile. In the unlikely event that the tile comes out or falls apart, the ends of the support rails are designed to catch onto the T-grid, providing secure support to hold the loudspeaker assembly in place.
Vibration Reduction:
These loudspeakers can generate substantial vibration, which can cause buzzing
of the ceiling materials or structure. Depending on the character of the
ceiling tile and structure, the installer might need to place neoprene or
other dampening material under the tile rails or the edges of the tiles to
eliminate rattles.
Cutout Placement:
The tile rails are pre-punched with attachment holes along their length.
Placement is not limited to the center of the tile as is the case with many
other tile rail support systems.
Non-Suspended Ceiling Types – The split ring can be used by itself to reinforce the ceiling material and to spread out the pressure from the speaker hold-down tabs. Insert the split ring through the hole cut in the ceiling and place it on the back side of the hole before inserting the speaker.
Step 3 – Expose the input-terminal on the rear of the speaker
Remove the rear cover plate, complete with wire strain relief, by loosing the two screws holding it in place, and sliding the plate off. Once the cover is removed, open the strain relief fitting by loosening the horizontal screws.
Figure 5- removing the Strain-relief fitting
Run the speaker wires through the strain relief opening. After passing about 4 to 6 inches of wire through the fitting, tighten the screws on the strain relief to secure the fitting and back plate to the speaker wire. DO NOT over tighten or you may damage the wire jacket, a snug fit is all that is required.
Figure 6- Running wires through opening in strain rellef fitting
Tightening onto flexible or hard conduit – The supplied fitting accommodates up to 3/8 inch (9.5mm) flexible conduit. Insert the conduit into the strain relief fitting. Using the two horizontal screws that clamp the fitting together, clamp the conduit securely between them. Be sure to leave at least 4 to 6 inches of cable beneath the strain relief fitting.
Using an Alternate Fitting – the existing strain relief fitting accommodates many common fitting requirements. Sometimes, alternate fittings are required, such as for larger diameter conduit or to meet specific code requirements.
In these cases, the existing fitting can be easily replaced with a number of available off-the-shelf fittings. Simply remove the existing fitting by unscrewing the two hold-down screws, exposing a 7/8 inch (22mm) knockout hole. Then, install the alternate fitting.
CAUTION:
ALWAYS USE THE PROPER FITTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AREA’S BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS
Step 4 – Attach Wiring to the Removable Locking Connector
Connect the end of the wiring to the removable locking connector that is included with the speaker by stripping the insulation back about 5mm, inserting the bare end of the wire into the connector and screwing down the holddown screw until tight. Tighten any unused screws to avoid vibration.
Figure 7-Attaching wires to connector
Guide to the Pins for Connection
The removable locking input connector contains 4 terminals. These are numbered on the connector. The label located on the terminal cover plate lists the pin functions.
Figure 8 -Connector pins
Pins 2 & 3 are the “+” and “-” inputs to the speaker. Pins 2 & 3 are connected to pins 1 & 4 respectively (i.e. Pin 1 connects to Pin 2 and Pin 3 connects to Pin 4) inside the speaker. Pins 1 & 4 are intended as loop-through connections to other loudspeakers. There are two possible layouts for wiring a group of speakers. Choose whichever hookup pattern accommodates your installation best.
Parallel Wiring:
Connect the wire pair of the subsequent speaker to pins 2 & 3 (in parallel with the input wiring). In this hook-up scheme, no wires get connected to pins 1 & 4.
Figure 9 – Parallel Wiring
PARALLEL WIRING
Whenever the connector is pulled out of the speaker for troubleshooting,
subsequent speakers will stay connected. It can be useful during
troubleshooting to be able to disconnect a single speaker at a time.
Daisy-chain Wiring (Using Loop-Through Terminals – Pins 1 & 4):
To daisy-chain the wiring, connect the wire pair of the follow-on speaker to pins 1 and 4.
Figure 10 – Daisy-chain wiring
DAISY CHAIN WIRING
By connecting the wire pair of the subsequent speaker to pins 1 & 4, then all
subsequent speakers will be disconnected when this speaker’s connector is
disconnected during troubleshooting. This can be a useful way to isolate
problems to a section of the distributed line while leaving the wires attached
to the connector.
Step 5 – Plug connector into connector socket
With all wiring to the connector completed, plug the connector into the socket
in the
speaker’s terminal cup. Remember to tighten any loose screws to eliminate any
vibration. Slip the input terminal cover back onto the rear of the speaker and
tighten the two screws that keep it in place.
Figure 11 – Plug connector into connector socket
Step 6 – Connect a Secondary Support Line
A tab is provided on the back of each speaker. This tab allows for connection to an independent and secure anchor point. Some construction codes require using this secondary support point, so please consult the building code in your region.
IMPORTANT:
OWI ICM8 ceiling speakers can generate substantial vibration. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to use the tab as a secondary support point in case the ceiling tile or structure breaks.
Figure 12 – Attach secondary support line
Step 7 – Mount the Speaker Into the Ceiling
Push the speaker into the ceiling through the hole until the front baffle rim is flush with the ceiling.
Tighten the mounting tabs by turning the cantilever screws as follows:
IMPORTANT – For each cantilever screw, first turn 1/2 turn COUNTER CLOCKWISE to release the mounting tab from its guide.
Then tighten the mounting tabs by turning the screw CLOCKWISE until tight. The first 1/4 clockwise turn rotates the attachment tabs outward. The remaining turns tighten the tabs down onto the back of the ceiling surface. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Figure 13 – Tightening the mounting tabs
Step 8 – Adjust Tap Selector
The tap selector switch is located on the front baffle. Adjust the speaker to the appropriate tap setting before inserting the grill. In some installations it is advisable to leave all the grills OFF until final adjustment of the taps have been made for the entire system.
Figure 14 – Adjust tap selector
Step 9 – Sub Switch
The sub switch is located on the front baffle. There are three selections, Full Range, High Ceiling or sub depending on the listener’s preference. In some installations it is advisable to leave all the grills OFF until final adjustment of the taps have been made for the entire system.
Figure 15 – Sub Switch
Step 10 – Insert the Grill
Press the grill into place until the front of the grill is flush with the rim. Make sure grill is securely seated to prevent it from vibrating loose and falling. The grill presents a tight fit in order to make sure that it won’t fall out, even with high vibrations that can be produced by these speakers.
Removing the Grill – If you need to remove the grill, it is easiest to do so by inserting two pointed objects (such as bent paperclips or push pins) into two nearby holes in the grill, then apply slow even pressure to pull down on the grill until that section of the grill comes out approximately 6 mm (1/4 inch). Work your way around the grill, loosening a section at a time until the grill comes out.
PAINTING THE SPEAKER
The ICM8 speaker’s textured white finish does not need further finishing.
Where the
interior design requires it, these speakers are easy to paint. The speaker
backcan and front face are all metal, and the white powdered coat paint can
easily be painted over with almost any type of latex or oil based paint. The
rim can be painted before installation or after it has been mounted to the
ceiling.
Painting Process
Make sure the speaker is clean and free from any dirt or grease. Do not use abrasives such as sandpaper or steel wool, or harsh solvents such as gasoline, kerosene, acetone, MEK, paint thinner, harsh detergents or other chemicals. Use of these cleaners may result in permanent damage to the enclosure.
Apply two or more thin coats of either latex or oil-based paint. Latex paint will adhere better if an oilbased primer is used first. Application can be made by rolling, brushing or spraying.
Painting the Grill – Painting the grill requires removal of the internal grill cloth, then spray painting. If the grill is rolled or brush painted, the mesh may become clogged with paint and poor sound quality may result. After the paint has dried, replace the internal grill cloth.
Painting the Speaker Along with the Ceiling – If you wish to paint the speaker along with the ceiling after installation, insert a plastic or cardboard paint shield into the front of the speaker to mask the drivers and internal baffle. Paint the speaker and then remove the shield once the paint is dry
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem | Possible Causes | Action |
---|---|---|
No output | Amplifier Speaker cable(s) | Make sure the amplifier |
channel is being fed an input signal (preferably via a “signal input”
indicator on the amp). Check that the amplifier channel’s volume is turned up.
Connect the speaker and cable, which had no output to another amplifier
channel, making sure an input signal is fed to the new amp channel. If you
then get output, the problem was the amplifier channel. If not, then the
problem may be in the cable or speaker. Replace the cable(s) connecting the
loudspeaker system and amplifier.
Questionable or intermittent output such ascrackling| Faulty connection
Improper power tap setting| Check all cabling for proper connector contact. A
bad connection can result in intermittent contact or dramatically increased
resistance, which in turn can cause reduced output or noises unrelated to the
signal. Check the power tap setting under the speaker grill to ensure the
setting is appropriate for the installation and amplifier chosen.
Constant noise, such as buzzing, hissing, or humming| A faulty electronic
device in the signal chain| Since loudspeakers cannot generate these sounds by
themselves, you may have a faulty electronic device, or a faulty ground in the
signal chain.
Poor low- frequency output| Out-of-polarity hookup between multiple speakers|
When two speakers are hooked up out of polarity, the low frequencies cancel
each other out. Make sure that the” +” and” – ” from theamplifier output are
not crossed on one or more of the speakers.
If none of the above suggestions solve your problem, please contact your OWI Service Center at 1-800-638-1694
WARRANTY
OWI Limited Warranty
OWI loudspeakers are warranted for five (5) years from the date of sale to the original purchaser.
Who is protected?
Your OWI warranty protects the original owner and all subsequent owners. The
original bill of sale must be presented whenever warranty service is required.
What is covered?
OWI loudspeakers are warranted to be free from defects in material or
workmanship provided that the product has not been subjected to abuse or
accident or altered in any way.
Any part of the product covered by this warranty that, with normal installation and use, becomes defective will be repaired or replaced by OWI, at our option, provided the product is shipped insured and prepaid to OWI at the address below. The product will be returned to you freight prepaid.
This warranty does not extend to any of our products that have been subjected to misuse, improper storage, neglect, accident, improper installation, or have been modified or repaired in any manner that OWI believes may affect the reliability of the product, or where the serial number or date code has been removed or defaced.
THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS OWI’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
WARRANTY AND THE PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. OWI MAKES NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED
AND EXCLUDED.
OWI’s liability arising out of the manufacture, sale or supplying of products or their use or disposition, whether based upon warranty, contract, tort or otherwise, shall be limited to the price of the product. In no event shall OWI be liable for special, incidental or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, loss of profits, loss of data, or loss of use damages) arising out of the manufacture, sale or supplying of products, even if OWI has been advised of the possibility of such damages or losses.
Products that are out of warranty will also be repaired by the OWI Service Department. The parts and labor involved in these repairs are warranted for 90 days when repaired by OWI. All shipping charges in addition to parts and labor will be at the owner’s expense.
Contact Us
OWI INC
17141 KINGSVIEW AVE
CARSON, CA 90746-1207
USA
Customer Service 1-800-638-1694
WWW.OWI-INC.COM
Technical Support & Service
1-800-638-1694
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>