Color Kinetics ColorBlast 12 Powercore User Manual

INTRODUCTION

Color Kinetics® ColorBlast® 12 Powercore marries Color Kinetics'
popular ColorBlast 12 with Powercore™ technology. This combi­nation offers wall-washing, wall-grazing, spot lighting and large
alcove lighting in an easy-to-install, Powercore-based fixture.

This guide contains important infor mation on planning, installing,
and operating your new ColorBlast 12 Powercore. For your protec­tion, read it carefully and save it for future reference.

Included In This Box

• ColorBlast 12 Powercore

• (2) 8-32 screws for indoor installations

• (4) 10-24 stainless steel screws for outdoor installations

• (1) 3/32" hex key wrench

• User Guide

Additional Items Needed

• 4” Electrical junction box (rated for your application) with 3.5”

center-to-center distance for mounting locations. Refer to the man­ufacturer's literature for additional items required for mounting or
sealing.

• Data Enabler (Item# 106-000003-04/05)

• Controller - Color Kinetics or DMX compatible

• Light addressing tool: Color Kinetics Zapi (Item# 103-000005-00,

US/103-000005-01, EU) or Serial Addressing Software (SAS) with

iPlayer 2 or Smart Jack 3

• 12 AWG, 4 conductor, copper wire

• Conduit and hubs as required

Optional Items

• 3/16" OD braided safety cable and hardware as required.

Scope of This User Guide

The goal of this user guide is to explain in an easily understood
language the necessary steps to install ColorBlast 12 Powercore
and assure peak performance. Its intended use is for reference only,
by persons who are fully qualified. This document should never be
considered a substitute for any provisions of a regulation or state and/
or local code.

Identification and Warnings of Safety Hazards

In accordance with ANSI Z535.4-2002, the following system
identifies the severity of the hazards associated with the products:
“danger” Imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

“warning” Potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

“caution” Potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

may result in minor or moderate injury or proper ty dam­age. Also used to alert against unsafe practices.

ignoring a hazard will void any warranty.
danger: Ensure that main power supply is off before installing or

wiring, ColorBlast 12 Powercore.

danger: ColorBlast 12 Powercore must be installed by a qualified

electrician in accordance with NEC and relevant local codes.

warning: Do not attempt to install or use ColorBlast 12 Powercore

until you read and understand the installation instructions, and
safety labels.

warning: Do not use ColorBlast 12 Powercore if the lens, housing,

or power cables are damaged.

warning: As dictated by a Structural Engineer and/or local

code, install safety cables to ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures.

warning: When using safety cables, ensure that they comply to the

specifications given in this user guide.

warning: ColorBlast 12 Powercore has line voltage risk of shock

and no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open the fixture.

caution: Use appropriate materials and mounting methods to

support the fixture adequately.

caution: Do not exceed the specified voltage and current input.
caution: Do not exceed the maximum number of specified fixtures

in a light run.

caution: Do not use sharp tools near or on the fixture lens.
caution: Do not hot swap. Ensure that power to the fixture is off

before connecting or disconnecting fixtures.

caution: ColorBlast 12 Powercore is a Class 2 LED product with

LED radiation. Do not stare into beam or view directly with optical
instruments.

note: The instructions and precautions set forth in this user guide

are not necessarily all-inclusive, all conceivable, or relevant to all
applications as Color Kinetics cannot anticipate all conceivable or
unique situations.

Owner/User Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the contractor, installer, purchaser, owner
and user to install, maintain, and operate ColorBlast 12 Powercore
in such a manner as to comply with all state and local laws, ordi­nances, regulations, and the American National Standard Institute
Safety Code.

PLANNING THE INSTALLATION

ColorBlast 12 Powercore installation requires planning to ensure a
timely, successful installation with minimal complications and down
time.

Planning Suggestions

When planning a ColorBlast 12 Powercore installation, Color
Kinetics suggests doing the following:

• Consult an Electrical Inspector to review all wiring plans.

• Refer to local and state codes for installation compliance.

• Create a Layout Plan drawing.

• Create a Mapping Grid. Use this grid to record serial numbers
for easy reference and addressing.

• Consult Color Kinetics Application Engineering Services as need­ed at [e-mail].

• Get detailed wiring diagrams and additional support from
www.colorkinetics.com/support.

Installation Considerations

• The location of Data Enabler in relationship to lights.

The maximum distance that the Data Enabler can be located from
the last fixture in a series, or each individual fixture in a home-run
installation is 175 feet (53 m). The maximum total cable run is
400 feet (122 m).

• Calculate the number of fixtures per Data Enabler. Use
the Configuration Calculator located at www.colorkinetics.com/
support/install_tool to calculate the number of fixtures you can put
on a Data Enabler. The fixtures-to-Data Enabler ratio is determined
by the parameters of your installation. Installation parameters
include all or part of the following: line voltage, circuit load,
voltage drop, and cable lengths.

• Location of the fixture and method of attaching.
Mounting hardware is dictated by the mounting surface. Ensure
that the hardware used is appropriate for the mounting surface.

• Install and wire the Data Enabler after installing
ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures. Refer to the Data Enabler
Installation Guide.

STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION

1. Record serial numbers and identify fixtures as you unpack them.

2. Install the fixtures.

3. Install the Data Enablers.

4. Connect power and data from the Data Enabler to the fixtures.

5. Address the fixtures.

Recording Serial Numbers

1. As you unpack the fixtures record the serial numbers.

Each ColorBlast 12 Powercore has a unique serial number
programmed at the time of manufacture.

2. Write the serial numbers onto a Mapping Grid or use a bar code

scanner along with Color Kinetics Serial Addressing Software to
record each serial number.
Color Kinetics Serial Addressing Software and instructions are
located at www.colorkinetics.com/support/downloads.

3. Using the Layout Plan, assign the fixture to a layout position in

the installation.

4. Using a weatherproof label, identify the fixtures' installation

positions based on the Layout Plan. Place the identifying label in
an inconspicuous location noting the order or placement in the
installation. This step not only minimizes installation mistakes, but
aids in post-installation programming of your light shows.

Installing ColorBlast 12 Powercore

ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures are junction box mounted. Ensure
that the junction box used in your installation is suitable for the
environment.
ColorBlast 12 Powercore can be installed in a daisy-chained series
or each fixture can be home-run to a common junction box.

Through-Base Cable Assembly

For all installations where the cable must go through the canopy
base, follow the directions below to prevent cable damage and to
create a water-tight seal for outdoor installations.

1. Screw the liquid-tight fitting into the canopy base. The O-ring
must be seated against the canopy opening to ensure a water­tight seal.

2. Insert the fixture cable through the dome nut. Loosen dome nut if
necessary. Pull the cable through the fitting. Leave enough cable
above the fitting to ensure full fixture head rotation.

3. Tighten dome nut to seal the cable. After 24 hours, tighten the
dome nut again to ensure proper sealing force and water-tight
seal. See Fig. 1.

Daisy Chain Fixtures

1. Pull 12AWG, 4-conductor, stranded copper wiring between
junction boxes in a series. The maximum cable run from Data
Enabler to the last fixture in a series is 175 feet (53 m).

2. Trim fixture cable to fit in junction box leaving enough cable to
make wiring connections.

3. Use wire nuts to connect line (Black/Brown), neutral (White/
Gray), ground (Green/Yel), and data (Red/Black).

note: For outdoor installations, insert fixture cable through

junction box gasket before making wire connections.

4. Tuck wire connections into junction box and use provided screws
to attach the fixture to the junction box. See Fig. 2.

note: For outdoor installations, ensure that the gasket is

compressed evenly for a water-tight installation.

Home Run Fixtures

1. Pull 12AWG, 4-conductor, stranded copper wiring from Data
Enabler to a common junction box, and from the common
junction box to each fixture's junction box. The maximum cable
run from Data Enabler to any fixture in a series is 175 feet
(53 m), and the maximum total cable run is 400 feet (122 m).

2. Trim fixture cable to fit in junction box leaving enough cable to
make wiring connections.

Color Kinetics Incorporated

10 Milk street, Suite 1100

Boston, MA 02108 USA

Tel 888 Full RGB

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

www.colorkinetics.com

ITEM# 123-000005-00 (UL, White, Frosted Lens)
123-000005-01 (UL, Black, Frosted Lens)
123-000005-02 (EU, White, Frosted Lens)
123-000005-03 (EU, Black, Frosted Lens)
123-000005-04 (UL, White, Clear Lens)
123-000005-05 (UL, Black, Clear Lens)
123-000005-06 (EU, White, Clear Lens)
123-000005-07 (EU, Black, Clear Lens)

This product is protected by one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 6,016,038,
6,150,774 and other patents listed at http://colorkinetics.com/patents/. Other patents pending.

©2005-2006 Color Kinetics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Chromacore, Chromasic, Color
Kinetics, the Color Kinetics logo, ColorBlast, ColorBlaze, ColorBurst, ColorCast, ColorPlay,
ColorScape, Direct Light, iColor, iColor Cove, iPlayer, Optibin, Powercore, QuickPlay, Sauce,
the Sauce logo, and Smartjuice are registered trademarks and DIMand, EssentialWhite, eW,
IntelliWhite, iW, and Light Without Limits are trademarks of Color Kinetics Incorporated.

PUB-000130-00 Rev. 02

Specifications subject to change without notice.

ColorBlast 12
Powercore

u s e r g u i d e

Daisy Chain Connection

12AWG, 4-conductor Stranded Copper Cable From Data Enabler

Gasket

Maximum run length

from Data Enabler

to last fixture in series:

175 feet (53 m)

Fig. 2

LOCK NUT

CANOPY BASE

CABLE
LIQUID-TIGHT
FITTING

O-RING

DOME NUT

Fig. 1

DRY

WET

DAMP

warning: When installing ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures, the

input earth ground, canopy ear th ground, and the fixture cable
earth ground must all be connected together. Failure to make these
connections could result is death or serious injury.

3. Use wire nuts to connect line (Black/Brown), neutral (White/
Gray), ground (Green/Yel), and data (Red/Black).

note: For outdoor installations, insert fixture cable through

junction box gasket before making wire connections.

4. Tuck wire connections into junction box and use provided screws
to attach the fixtures to junction boxes.

note: For outdoor installations, ensure that the gasket is

compressed evenly for a water-tight installation.

5. In the common junction box, connect the wires from each fixture
to the lead wire from Data Enabler. See Fig. 3.

Positioning Fixtures

Rotate the light fixture to the desired position. Using the provided
hex key wrench, tighten the set screws located on the base to lock
in place. Tilt the fixture to the desired angle and tighten the set
screws located on the front of housing to lock. See Fig. 4 for loca­tion of set screws.

note: For permanent installations, use thread locker to prevent loos-

ening.

Attaching the Safety Cable

Each fixture is designed for use with a safety cable. When dictated
by local or state code, or by a Structural Engineer, attach a safety
cable from the fixture to the mounting surface.

1. Located on the back of the ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixture is a
safety cable bracket. See Fig. 5.

2. Remove the two screws that attach the cable bracket to the fix­ture. Loop the safety cable over the cable bracket and reattach to
the fixture.

3. Attach the safety cable to the mounting surface.
For the proper mounting method of the safety cable to the
installation surface, refer to a Structural Engineer or applicable
standards for your specific application.

The safety cables used in the installation should meet the following
minimal requirements:

material: 316 Stainless Steel
size: 5/64-inch (0.78-inch nominal diameter) or

larger, minimum break load must be greater
than 400 pounds. Maximum diameter is
3/16-inch.

construction: 7 x 7 (49 wires) performed stranded
end terminations: Determined by installer and/or owner
mounting method: Determined by installer or owner

Installing the Data Enabler

Determine number of Data Enablers needed for your installation and
the location of each. Use the Configuration Calculator located at
www.colorkinetics.com/support/install_tool to calculate the number
of Data Enablers required for your installation.

note: Install Data Enabler according to state and local codes.

Run power and data to Data Enabler and make connections. Refer
to the Data Enabler Installation Guide for complete instructions.

Connecting Fixtures to the Data Enabler

Refer to the Fig. 6 for fixture-to-Data Enabler wire color
correspondence.

Daisy Chain Wiring

After fixtures are installed and fixture-to-fixture wiring is complete,
run the leader cable from the first fixture in the daisy chain run to
Data Enabler. See Fig. 7.

Home Run Wiring

After fixtures are installed and each fixture is wired to the leader
cable in a common junction box, run the leader cable from the first
fixture in the daisy chain run to Data Enabler. See Fig. 8.

Addressing the Fixtures

The ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures are pre-addressed to light
number 1 at the time of manufacture. Address each fixture with a
new light number, as needed, using one of the following methods:

zapi: Use Color Kinetics Zapi to reset the DMX address for each

serial number. Refer to the Zapi User Guide for step-by-step
addressing instructions.

sas: When using a PC with iPlayer 2 or a PC with Smart Jack 3

to address the serial numbers, download the Serial Addressing
Software and instructions from www.colorkinetics.com/support.

light system composer: When using ColorBlast 12 Powercore

fixtures in an Ethernet application, the lights can be addressed
after installation using the Light System Composer software.

Setting the DMX Address Using Zapi, SAS, or Light
System Composer

1. After installing ColorBlast 12 Powercore and Data Enabler, con­nect power to system.

2. Attach the DMX interface (Zapi, iPlayer 2, or Smart Jack 3) to the
DMX/Ethernet IN port on Data Enabler;
or attach the Light System Manager Ethernet system to the DMX/
Ethernet IN port on Data Enabler.

3. Using Zapi or Serial Addressing Software (SAS) set the light
address for each fixture by entering the serial number.

4. Using Light System Composer software, discover and address all

lights attached to the Ethernet system.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Cleaning: Using a soft cloth, clean surface with mild soap and
water or window cleaner.
Lubricating: As needed, apply light household oil to the hinges.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Strobe Warning

There is some anecdotal evidence that strobe lighting may induce
epileptic symptoms in certain susceptible individuals, although no
associated product warnings have been issued by United States
government according to the Food and Drug Administration.

If strobe lights are used, some international regulatory agencies1
recommend keeping flicker rates at or below four flashes per sec­ond (as less of the flicker-sensitive population will then be at risk of
an attack).

This flicker rate applies only to the overall output of any group of
lights in direct view. However, when more than one strobe light is
used, the flashes should be synchronized. End users should also
consider issuing a warning, aler ting audience or viewers to the
presence of strobe
lighting.

Temperature Monitoring

For protection from extreme temperatures, ColorBlast 12 Powercore
has been designed with a temperature monitoring feature. If operat­ing temperatures rise to an unsafe level, a compensation circuit is
triggered and the ColorBlast 12 Powercore operation is interrupted
causing the lights to turn dull red. After 30 minutes the lights will
auto-cycle and return to full intensity.

To prevent additional power shut-downs, determine the cause of the
overheating and correct the problem.

If any problems occur during usage, unplug the product immediately
and call or email Color Kinetics Technical Support Group at:
1-888-FULL RGB or 617-423-9999 or [e-mail].

COLORBLAST 12 POWERCORE SPECIFICATIONS

color range 16.7 million (24-bit) additive RGB colors; continuously

variable intensity output range

source 36 high-intensity RGB LEDs
beam angle 10º clear lens, 23º ground lens
housing Die cast aluminum, powder coated
lens Soft-focus tempered glass or clear tempered glass
connectors Unified power and data cable
listings UL/cUL, CE

Communication Specifications

data interface Color Kinetics Data Enabler
control Color Kinetics full line of controllers including Light

System Manager or other DMX512 (RS485) sources

Electrical Specifications

input 100-240VAC, 50-60 Hz
power consumption 50W @ 110-240VAC (60W @ 100VAC)
power factor 0.95 or greater @ 120VAC

Environmental Specifications

temperature range -40ºF to 122ºF (-40ºC to 50ºC) operating temperature

-4ºF to 122ºF (-20ºC to 50ºC) starting temperature

protection rating IP66 (Suitable for wet locations.)

LED Source Life

IIn traditional lamp sources, lifetime is defined as the point at which 50% of the lamps
fail. This is also termed Mean Time Between Failure [MTBF]. LEDs are semiconductor
devices and have a much longer MTBF than conventional sources. However, MTBF is
not the only consideration in determining useful life. Color Kinetics uses the concept
of useful light output for rating source lifetimes. Like traditional sources, LED output
degrades over time (lumen depreciation) and this is the metric for SSL lifetime.

LED lumen depreciation is affected by numerous environmental conditions such as
ambient temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Lumen depreciation is also affected by
means of control, thermal management, current levels, and a host of other electrical
design considerations. Color Kinetics systems are exper tly engineered to optimize LED
life when used under normal operating conditions. Lumen depreciation information is
based on LED manufacturers’ source life data as well as other third party testing. Low
temperatures and controlled effects have a beneficial effect on lumen depreciation.
Overall system lifetime could vary substantially based on usage and the environment in
which the system is installed.

Temperature and effects will affect lifetime. Color Kinetics rates product lifetime using
lumen depreciation to 50% of original light output. When the fixture is running at room
temperature using a color wash effect, the range of lifetime is in the range of 80,000­100,000 hours. This is LED manufacturers’ test data. High output is defined as any LED
device that is 1/2 watt or above. For more detailed information on source life, please
see www.colorkinetics.com/lifetime.

Warranty

This product is sold pursuant to CK’s Standard Terms and Conditions (the “T&Cs”) which
may be found at http://colorkinetics.com/howtobuy/buy/terms and which contain
important provisions, including, among others, Limited Warranty, exclusions and limita­tions on CK’s liability for damages, and restrictions on the remedies that are available
to you.

1

Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Pop Concerts and Similar Events,

HMSO Publications (UK)

warning: Turn off power before installing Data Enabler or

ColorBlast 12 Powercore. Failure to do so could result in death or
serious injury.

SAFETY CABLE

END USER SPECIFIES

REQUIRED END TERMINATOR

AND ANCHORING

Fig. 5

100-240VAC

DMX/Ethernet IN

(CAT5/CAT5e, RJ45)

Controller

DMX OUT*

(CAT5)

Home Run Connection

Maximum run length from Data Enabler to any fixture: 175 feet (53 m)

Maximum total cable run: 400 feet (122 m)

12AWG, 4-conductor, Stranded Copper Cable

Home Run To Common Junction Box.

Fig. 8

To Lights

From Power Source

L
N

G

L

N

G

D

DMX OUT*

DMX/ETHERNET IN

*Not Available For Ethernet

LINE - BLACK (BROWN, EU)
NEUTRAL - WHITE (GRAY, EU)
GROUND - GREEN/YELLOW
DATA - RED (BLACK, EU)

DATA ENABLER

Fig. 6

Rotate fixture at base,
lock in place.

Aim fixture and
lock in place.

FRONT VIEW

Fig. 4

Home Run Connection

12AWG, 4-conductor

Stranded Copper Cable

Home Run To Common

Junction Box.

Maximum run length from
Data Enabler to any fixture: 175 feet (53 m)
Maximum total cable run: 400 feet (122 m)

Fig. 3

100-240VAC

DMX/Ethernet IN

(CAT5/CAT5e, RJ45)

Controller

12AWG, 4-Conductor
Stranded Copper Cable

DMX OUT*

(CAT5)

*Data Out is not

available for Ethernet

Daisy Chain Connection

Maximum run length from Data Enabler

to last fixture in series: 175 feet (53 m)

Fig. 7