Lowell SM820A-BR Datasheet

Heard Everywhere Since 1947

Spec No. 1612 | Rev. 08.27.15 | pg. 1/2

Model Series

SM820A

Sound Masking Speakers

• Ready to install

The SM820A Series of UL Listed sound masking speakers ship com­pletely assembled and ready for installation. Each assembly includes an
8" coaxial driver, wired transformer, steel enclosure and grille (black or
white) along with choice of hanger/chain or bridge rail mounting hardware.
See Model No. Summary on page 2.

In general, the purpose of a sound-masking system is to provide for
greater conversational privacy and productivity in open office environ­ments by adding ambient noise and shaping the signal to mask speech.
The signal is fed from a generator with an amplifier to sound masking
speakers that are typically positioned above finished lay-in tile ceilings in
plenum space; however, speaker assemblies with a white finish are some­times specified for use in open architecture truss type ceilings.

NOTE: Along with sound masking speakers you'll need a specially de­signed sound masking generator to feed the system, as well as an am­plifier. Lowell offers generators that can feed a mic or line level signal to
an external amplifier, as well as generators with a built-in power amplifier.
Order the generator/amplifer separately from speakers.

Model No. SM820A includes
8" 50W coaxial driver with transformer,
black grille, black backbox with externally
accessible leads and single gang input plate,
and mounting hardware (4 ft. chain with S-hooks
and pre-mounted wire hangers).

with domestic and
global components

L1480 — General Signaling, USA

U

UL2043 — Return air plenum space

CSA C22.2 No.205-M1983 — General
Signaling, Canada

Construction & Features

• DRIVER / TRANSFORMER: 8" 50W coaxial driver (polypropylene LF

cone, 20oz.LF and 2oz.HF magnets) and factory-wired 70V transformer
with primary taps at 4, 2, 1, .5, and .25 watts (selector switch includes
"OFF" position).

• BACKBOX / GRILLE: The 760 cu.in. (11.625"H x 11.625"W x 5.625"D)
steel backbox is acoustically lined with fiberglass and features externally
accessible input leads, SG handibox cover with dual combination (3/4",
1/2") knockouts for flex conduit, and 1/2" Romex connector for installa­tions without conduit. Perforated steel grille. Black or white finish.

• MOUNTING HARDWARE SELECTION:

– Wire Hangers, S-hooks, and Chain: Removable wire hangers are

factory-mounted to aim up but can be reconfigured to aim down or
sideways. S-hooks and 4 ft. chain are provided for single point sus­pension from building structure. Note: rigging hardware to attach

speaker to building stucture is to be furnished by the installer. If not
used for installation, remove the wire hangers from the backbox to
prevent rattling.

– Bridge Rails: Factory-mounted bridge rails for installation directly

on lay-in tile ceiling grid.

Lowell makes every effort to provide accurate information while reserving the right to change specifications and/or improve manufacturing methods without notification.
©2015 Lowell Manufacturing Company, 100 Integram Dr., Pacific MO 63069 | 800.325.9660 | www.lowellmfg.com

Model No. SM820AW includes
8" 50W coaxial driver with trans­former, white grille, white backbox
with externally accessible leads and
single gang input plate, and mounting
hardware (4 ft. chain with S-hooks
and pre-mounted wire hangers).

Code Note: The masking speaker system must be mounted in accor­dance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations and industry
standard practices. In some areas of the country, code may require that
the masking speaker be physically attached to the ceiling grid. In that
case, sheet metal screws (furnished by the installer) may be attached
through holes provided in end caps of SM-BR rails through the ceiling
grid. In other areas, code may require seismic restraint cables be in­stalled between the building structure and masking speaker. Holes are
also provided in SM-BR rails to attach seismic restraint cables to the
speaker assembly (restraint cables and hardware to be furnished by
the installer).

Model No. SM820A-BR includes
8" 50W coaxial driver with trans­former, black grille, black backbox
with externally accessible leads and
single gang input plate, and mounting
hardware (pre-mounted bridge rails).

Heard Everywhere Since 1947

Technical Drawings

Models
SM820A
SM820AW

Spec No. 1612 | Rev. 08.27.15 | pg. 1/2

Model
SM820A-BR

A&E Specifications

The sound masking speaker assembly for suspended ceiling installations shall be Lowell Model No. _________ (SM820A, SM820A-BR,
SM820AW), which shall include an 8" 50W coaxial driver with factory-wired transformer mounted in a 760 cu.in. steel backbox with grille and ex­ternally accessible speaker leads. The wired transformer shall be 70V with primary taps at 4, 2, 1, .5, and .25 watts. The assembly shall include
an externally accessible rotary switch to adjust tap selections and include an "OFF" position. Speaker leads shall exit the backbox through a
strain relief clamp on a single gang handibox cover. Backbox and grille shall have a __________ (black, white) finish and include _________
(pre-mounted wire hangers with separate 4 ft. chain and S-hooks OR pre-mounted bridge rails).

Model No. Summary

Model No. Description Driver (No. 8A50) Transformer Taps Color Volume Hardware Weight (lbs)

SM820A Sound masking speaker 8" 50W coaxial 4,2,1,.5,.25 @ 70V black 760 cu.in. wire hangers/chain 8.6
SM820A-BR Sound masking speaker 8" 50W coaxial 4,2,1,.5,.25 @ 70V black 760 cu.in. bridge rails 9.85
SM820AW Sound masking speaker 8" 50W coaxial 4,2,1,.5,.25 @ 70V white 760 cu.in. wire hangers/chain 8.6
SM-BR Bridge rails (1 pair)
SMGA-5 Sound masking generator with amplifier, rackmount chassis
SMG-1R Sound masking generator, rackmount chassis
SMG-1 Sound masking generator, compact

NOTE: Sound Masking Speaker Model No. SM820A is the basic stock model — other speaker models are made to order.

All speaker assemblies feature pre-drilled pilot holes to allow field installation of bridge rails (No. SM-BR rails include six black sheet metal screws). In that case remove the wire
hangers to prevent rattling.

Backbox/Grille Backbox Mounting Assembly

Lowell makes every effort to provide accurate information while reserving the right to change specifications and/or improve manufacturing methods without notification.
©2015 Lowell Manufacturing Company, 100 Integram Dr., Pacific MO 63069 | 800.325.9660 | www.lowellmfg.com