Community DP8-B Users Manual

Distributed Design Series

DP6 and DP8 Pendant Loudspeaker

Installation Guide

CAUTION: Installation of DP6 and DP8 loudspeakers should

only be performed by trained and qualied personnel. It is
strongly recommended that a licensed and certied professional
structural engineer approve the mounting. Severe injury and/or
loss of life may occur if this product is improperly installed.

Gripple® Manufacturer’s Recommendations and Important Notes

™

Gripple manufactures the speed clamps provided with this product. To ensure
maximum safety, it is essential to follow their recommendations as listed below.

• For indoor use in a dry environment.

• Do not apply lubricant to any part of the assembly as this will alter the surface

of the cable, attracting dirt and debris to adhere and possibly reducing the load
capacity due to lubricant-induced slippage.

• Do not use on lifting applications; for static loads only.

• Do not use for loads outside the stated range of the product. The Gripple

wedges work by using the weight of the load to draw the wedge into the cable,
creating a secure grip. If used with too light a load, the wedge may not be able
to securely grip the cable.

• Do not exceed the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the product. Each product is

load rated and incorporates a minimum safety factor of 5:1. The SWL takes into

account the specication criteria of the Gripple, the cable and the pressed ferule.

• The #2 Gripple products supplied have the suitable minimum load and

the maximum SWL specications to be used with Community’s pendant

loudspeakers.

• Do not use on coated wire rope. Prior to assembly, it is essential to strip off

any coating on the length of cable to be inserted into the Gripple. It is important
to maintain the metal-to-metal contact between the locking wedges in the Gripple
and the cable.

• When applying paint or other coating, ensure that a dedicated Gripple decor

cover is used to cover the Gripple. This will ensure that the movement of the
locking wedges inside the assembly is not impaired. After painting, the Gripple
should not be repositioned on the cable.

• Do not use standard zinc galvanized Gripple products in chlorinated
environments. Use only Stainless Steel Gripple products in these environments.

Suspension bracket and input jack detail

Hanging and Connecting the Loudspeaker

1

Before inserting cables into the Gripples, attach

both snap hooks to the suspension bracket atop
the loudspeaker as shown in Figure 1. The main
cable attaches to the center hole, and the safety
cable to either of the two outer holes depending
on the desired orientation. Make sure the spring­loaded safety catch is positioned as shown so it
closes the loop to prevent accidental detachment.

Note: Two 15-foot cable kits with Gripple Speed
Clamps are included; longer kits are available as
noted under the Optional Accessories section.

Plain Cable Ends

2

D

A

E

B

3

Insert the Euroblock plug(s) into the jack atop the
loudspeaker as shown in Figure 5. No jumper is
necessary because the pairs of conductors in the
Euroblock jack are internally connected to pass
the signal through.

B

5

6

Snap-Hook Ends

Thread the plain ends of the main cable and
safety cable up through the loudspeaker top
cover as shown in Figure 2.

For clarity in Figure 3 the loudspeaker and its
cover are not shown, but these should actually
be in place per Figures 1 and 2. Refer to Figure 3
for the following steps:

A. Beginning with the main support cable, insert

its plain end through the Gripple Speed Clamp.

Loop the cable over (or through) the ceiling
anchor point, thread the plain end back through
the Gripple and pull that cable end so that the
loop is hanging a little lower than where you think

you’ll want the loudspeaker’s attachment point to

be located.

B. Repeat this with the safety cable and Gripple,
looping the cable over or through an independent
attachment point.

C. Support the loudspeaker with your hand at the
desired height.

D. Pull the end of the main cable to take up any
slack.

E.

Pull the end of the safety cable to take up any

slack. See Figure 6 for further height adjustments.

CAUTION: Do NOT pull the cables to

raise the loudspeaker.

C

4

Two 2-pole Euroblock plugs are supplied with
the pendant loudspeaker and connect to a
jack on the top of the loudspeaker as shown in
Figure 4. Thread the audio cable down through
the loudspeaker top cover, and then strip
approximately 1/4-inch (4mm) of insulation from

the cable’s inner wire conductors. Insert the wire

ends into the Euroblock plug terminals using
the proper polarity (marked on plugs and jack).
If you daisy chain an audio cable to the next
loudspeaker, bring it through the top cover as

well and connect that second cable’s wire pair

to the other Euroblock plug. Secure all wires by
tightening the screws in the end of the Euroblock
plugs.

A

Adjust the loudspeaker height as necessary.

A. Lift and support the loudspeaker with one
hand.

B. Pull the main support cable end to take up the
slack. The split cover plug is not yet pressed into
position in this photo.

The Gripple Speed Clamp automatically tightens

from the cable tension when you allow the
loudspeaker to hang. Test by gradually lowering

your hand. Don’t just “drop” the loudspeaker.

When you have the proper height set, then take
up the slack on the safety cable by pulling its free
end. Since the loudspeaker is already held by the

main cable it isn’t necessary to support it while

doing this.

A

Distributed Design Series - DP6 / DP8 Installation Guide Page 2