Episode EVC-100R Volume Control Installation Guide

: June 16, 2024
: episode

Table of Contents

Congratulations on selecting an Episode™ volume control
Pre-construction
Wiring
Setting the impedance switch
Installation and wiring
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

EVC-100R & EVC-100S
Volume Control Installation Guide Episode EVC-100R Volume
Control

Congratulations on selecting an Episode™ volume control

Episode is one of the most highly-regarded brands of electronics and speakers available today. We appreciate your business and we stand committed to providing our customers with the highest degree of quality and service in the industry.
The Episode EVC-100R and EVC-100S are 12-step stereo volume controls that feature selectable impedance-match settings of 1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X. This allows you to connect multiple speakers to an amplifier without overloading the amplifier.

Pre-construction

Both the EVC-100R and the EVC-100S fit easily into the majority of 18 cubic inch single-gang boxes and rings available today. If local building code allows, use of a ring provides for the easiest installation as the full depth of the wall is accessible. Some building codes allow low voltage devices such as volume controls to be enclosed in the same electrical boxes as 110 volt devices. Episode does not recommend this type of installation as interference may be introduced to the audio signal. For the same reason, take care not to install volume controls next to high wattage light dimmers.

Wiring

The EVC-100R and the EVC-100S can accommodate 14 to 22-gauge speaker wire. The longer your run, the thicker the wire should be. All in-wall and in-ceiling wire installations are subject to local code fire ratings. Never use lamp or zip cord. Always use multi-strand copper speaker wire for your installations. UV protected wire should be used for outdoor installations.

Check your local building and fire rating codes for low voltage device installation & wiring requirements before you begin your installation.
In existing construction installations, check for obstructions such as any pipes, conduit or wiring before cutting into drywall.

Setting the impedance switch

Take note of the following when determining impedance:

The minimum impedance rating of the amplifier being used.
The number of speakers being connected to the amplifier channel.
The impedance of the speakers being connected to the amplifier channel.

Carefully determine the system impedance using these two formulas:

Impedance Rating of Speakers divided by the number of speakers connected to channel = System Impedance Is/N=It
Amplifiers Minimum Impedance Rating / by System Impedance = Impedance Match Switch Setting Im/It=X.

Example
If the amplifier’s minimum impedance rating = 8Ω and you wish to connect four 8 ohm speakers to a single amplifier channel:

8Ωspeakers / by 4 speakers = 2Ω system impedance
8Ω amplifier / by 2Ω system impedance = 4X switch setting

If connecting speakers of different impedances to an amplifier, determine an average impedance; 6Ω speakers should be entered into the equation as 4Ω speakers. All volume controls connected to the amplifier must have the same impedance match setting. To avoid damage, never go below an amplifier’s minimum impedance rating. Both the EVC-100R and EVC-100S have minimum impedance ratings of 4Ω. Do not exceed this minimum.

Installation and wiring

Episode volume control connectors do not require screwdrivers. Simply flip the levers up on each connector before inserting the wire. Insert the wires then snap the levers down. The spring-loaded mechanism holds the wires in place.
Caution: Confirm the amplifier is powered off before connecting any volume control wires to it.
Do not connect the wires from the amplifier to the volume control until you measured the resistance between the + and – of each pair of wires being connected to the amplifier’s speakers outputs using an ohm meter. This value should never be below 3.5Ω. A reading of less than 3.5Ω may mean the volume control’s input and output connectors have been reversed. An open reading likely indicates a polarity reversal.

Strip back 1/4″ of insulation from each wire being connected to the volume control. Twist the exposed conductors tightly so that there are no stray strands.
Connect the wires going to each speaker to the connector labeled SPEAKERS. Make sure to maintain proper polarity.
Verify the amplifier or receiver being used is turned off, then connect the wire coming from the amplifier to the connector labeled AMPLIFIER.
Verify there are no stray strands or exposed wire outside of the connector to avoid a short. Make sure the connector is tightened down on bare wire and not insulation. Install the connectors back on to the volume control circuit board. Verify the connectors are in the correct place on the volume control.
Caution: Reversing the amplifier & speaker connectors can damage the amplifier, volume control, and the speakers and is not covered under warranty.
The volume control is supplied with white and almond parts. If changing the color of the trim plate, press the two plate tabs (only one tab for the slider volume control) on one end of the volume control then push towards the knob shaft or slider lever. Replace the plate with the color of your choice, then push the knob into place. When installing the slider plate, be sure to align the slider knob with the slider mechanism.
Install the volume control in the box or ring using the two longer screws provided. Do not force the volume control into the ring or box to avoid the connectors becoming loose or wires being forced out.
Place the Decora plate over the volume control, then insert and tighten the short color-matched screws until the cover is tight and flush with the wall.

Specifications

Copyright © 2023, Snap One, LLC. All rights reserved. Snap One and its respective logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Snap One, LLC (formerly known as Wirepath Home Systems, LLC), in the United States and/or other countries.
4Store, 4Sight, Control4, Control4 My Home, SnapAV, Episode, Wirepath, and Wirepath ONE are also registered trademarks or trademarks of Snap One, LLC.
Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective owners. Snap One makes no claim that the information contained herein covers all installation scenarios and contingencies, or product use risks. Information within this specification subject to change without notice.

200-01170 – INSTALL GUIDE, EVC-100X-WHLA
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