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ABA- 1D
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
NILES
®
MODEL
ABA-1D
AMPLIFIER A OR B SELECTOR
ABA- 1D
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Introduction
The ABA-1D is a wall-mount, Decora®style A-B selector that
enables you to play either of two amplifiers through a
shared pair of loudspeakers. Conversely, the unit may be
used to play a single amplifier into either of two pairs of
loudspeakers.
Features and Benefits
The ABA-1D offers a number of improvements over other A-B
selectors.
● Interchangeable Decora inserts for fast, easy color change.
Inserts and buttons (sold separately) are available in a variety of colors.
● Self-cleaning, silver-plated switch contacts assure many
years of trouble-free use.
● Printed circuit board design uses no hand wiring, assuring
high reliability.
● The circuit board connectors can accommodate up to
14 gauge wire, making the ABA-1D compatible with
most “high definition” speaker cables.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and
Benefits 1
Installation
Considerations 3
Installation 8
Operation 10
Specifications 10
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ABA-1D
Speak er/Amplifier
Selector
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● 100% tested, electronically and acoustically, for frequency
response, distortion and power handling.
● Isolated left and right channel grounds make it safe for use
with any amplifier.
● May be used with 4, 6, or 8 ohm speaker systems.
● Ideal for both home and commercial sound installations.
● Only screwdriver and wire stripper required for installation.
● Power handling: 350 watts/channel continuous power
(RMS).
● Frequency response: Flat from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
● Available colors: White, Bone, Almond, or Black.
● Ten year parts and labor warranty.
● Proudly made in the USA.
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Installation Considerations
The ABA-1D is a Decora-style module and is designed to use
standard Decora-style cover plates and mounting hardware.
Decora cover plates (up to 6-gang) with color-matched plate
screws are available from your Niles dealer.
P-Rings and Electrical Boxes
The mounting depth of the ABA-1D is 2
1/2". When installed,
the unit extends 2" behind the sheetrock wall (assuming
1/2"
sheetrock). For installation, you must choose between a standard light switch plaster ring (p-ring) or a standard 18 cu. in.
(or larger) electrical box. Suitable p-rings and electrical boxes
are available from your Niles dealer or local electrical supply
company. Using the p-ring is best because it gives you unobstructed access to the full depth of the wall. In some
instances, the use of a p-ring may be inappropriate, such as
in a retro-fit (existing) installation, or when building codes
require that wall devices be enclosed in electrical boxes.
Contact your local building code and inspection department
if unsure.
Type of Speaker Wire
For most applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18
gauge, stranded copper speaker wire for the ABA-1D connections. For wiring runs longer than 80 feet, 14 gauge wire is
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TOOLS
REQUIRED
• No. 2 Phillips
Screwdriver
• 1/8" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• 1/4" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• Wire Stripper
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recommended. Using speaker wire larger than 14 gauge for
the ABA-1D connections is not recommended — the wire
may not fit into the connectors. Never use solid-core, aluminum, or "Romex" type wire with the ABA-1D. When running speaker wires inside walls, most states and municipalities
in the U.S. specify that you must use a special type of speaker
wire. Usually, the requirement is that the wire has a specific
"CL" fire rating, such as "CL-2" or "CL-3". Consult your Niles
dealer, building contractor, or local building and inspection
department if unsure about which type of wire is best for
your application.
ABA-1D Mounting Location
Convenient mounting locations for the ABA-1D are:
● Near entry-ways or exits
● Near a desk
● At your bedside
● Close to a telephone
● Near other wall controls (see caution below)
DO NOT INSTALL THE ABA-1D INTO ELECTRICAL BOXES
WITH 11 0 VOLT DEVICES.
Some states or municipalities allow devices such as the ABA 1D to be installed into the same electrical box as 110 volt
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"TECH TIP"
Wire size is
expressed by it's
AWG (American
Wire Gauge)
number. The lower
the AWG number,
the larger the wire,
i.e., 12 AWG wire is
physically larger
than 14 AWG.
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devices, provided a "low-voltage partition" is used between
the devices. We do not recommend this. Speaker wires can
act as an "antenna" for electrical noise. Locating speaker
wires too close to a light switch or dimmer may cause a
"popping" or "buzzing" sound to be heard through the
speakers. If you must locate the ABA-1D near electrical
devices, install it in a separate metal electrical box, ground
the box to the electrical system ground, and route the speaker wires several feet away from the electrical wiring.
Changing the Color of the ABA-1D
The Decora insert and button on the ABA -1D are removable,
allowing fast and easy color changes as needed. Inserts and
buttons are available in a variety of colors.
If you need to change the color of the ABA-1D:
1. Obtain the ABA-1D Decora insert and button in the
desired color from your Niles dealer.
2. Holding the ABA-1D as shown in (Figure 1), locate the
two plastic mounting tabs at the top rear of the Decora
insert. Using two fingers, simultaneously press both tabs
down
(towards the center of the insert) and forward (away
from you) until the insert pops free from its mounting
slots.
3. Hold the ABA-1D as shown in (Figure 2). Remove the
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button from the switch using your fingers. DO NOT use
pliers or other tools as these may damage the button.
4. Locate the new Decora insert. Hold the ABA-1D so that it is
facing you. Insert the two bottom tabs into the bottom slots
first, followed by the two tabs on the top. Snap the insert
into place by carefully pressing on the front of the insert.
5. Locate the new button. Secure the button to the switch
by gently pressing it into place.
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Figure 2
Removing the
Button
Figure1
Removing the
Decora-style Insert
"TECH TIP"
Do not exert
excessive pressure
on the plastic
mounting tabs.
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(a) Electrical Box
(b) Speaker Wire
(c) ABA-1D Speaker Selector (supplied)
(d) Snap-on Color Insert (supplied)
(e) Button (supplied)
(f) Device Screws (2 supplied)
(g) Decora Faceplate (supplied)
(h) Faceplate Screws (2 supplied)
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
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Installation
If you are installing the ABA-1D into an existing
wall, take time to consider any possible obstructions which may be hidden inside the wall, such
as wood and metal studs; electrical, telephone or
other types of wiring; plumbing; conduit; old wall
safes; etc.
1. Install the electrical box or p-ring in the usual
manner.
2. Run all the necessary wiring to the ABA-1D.
Label the wires for future reference.
3. Make the connections to the ABA-1D. Strip
1/4"
of insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly
twist the end of each wire until there are no
frayed ends. Insert each wire into the appropriate
hole on the connector blocks; secure the wiring to
the connectors by tightening the small connector
screws. Be certain that proper phasing is
observed —connect the positive terminals on the
ABA-1D to the positive terminals on the amplifiers
and speakers and the negative terminals on the
ABA-1D to the negative terminals on the amplifier
and speakers. See (Figure 3).
4. Secure the ABA-1D to the electrical box or p-ring. Insert the
1
1/4" long device screws into the oblong-shaped screw holes
on the top and bottom of the ABA-1D. Note that the oblong
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ABA-1D
Speaker
Pair B
Speaker
Pair A
Receiver
Figure 3
Wiring Diagram
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shape of the screw holes allow you to position the ABA-1D so
that it is vertical. Position the ABA-1D so that the screws are
aligned with the threaded holes in the electrical box or pring. Tighten the screws using a phillips screwdriver.
DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN. In some instances, you may need
to loosen these screws several turns to allow the ABA-1D to fit
flush with the Decora cover plate. See (Figure 4).
5. Use the shorter plate screws to fasten the Decora cover
plate to the ABA-1D. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE PLATE
SCREWS OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE COVER PLATE. Line up
all the screws in the same direction for a finished look.
NOTE: Certain "old work" or "retro-fit" boxes, such as the
Carlon B225R, have a plastic "lip" which interferes with the
Decora plate screws. This lip prevents you from being able to
tighten these screws completely. To make the clearance necessary for these screws, you must remove the parts of the lip
causing the interference. There are two ways to accomplish
this:
1. Drill through the lip of the box at the screw points.
2. Cut notches into the lip with a pair of diagonal cutters.
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Figure 4
Loosening the Screws
for a Flush Fit
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Operation
1. Make sure the power is OFF on the amplifier(s) or receiver(s) and set the volume(s) to minimum.
2. If you are using a Niles speaker selection system in conjunction with the ABA-1D, locate the ON/OFF button which
corresponds to the ABA-1D. Set it to the ON position.
3. Turn on the amplifier(s) or receiver(s) and select a source,
such as the tuner or CD player.
4. Using the A-B selector button on the ABA-1D, select the
speaker pair (or amplifier) you wish to play.
5. Slowly turn up the amplifier or receiver volume and set it
to a comfortable (not maximum) listening level. Be careful
not to overdrive or "clip" your amplifier. If the sound
becomes muddy or distorted, you have reached the limit of
your amplifier's volume capability and should quickly reduce
the volume to avoid damaging your speakers.
Note: If the speaker pairs connected to the ABA-1D are
equipped with Niles volume controls, adjust the volume of
the speakers to the desired listening level using the Niles controls. If all the speaker pairs in your system are equipped with
Niles volume controls, you can leave the amplifier or receiver
volume(s) set at one position and use the Niles controls
exclusively.
6. You can select either speaker pair (or amplifier) by simply
pressing the A-B button on the ABA-1D.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Power
Handling
350 Watts/channel
continuous power
(RMS)
Mounting
In-wall, requires singlegang electrical box at
least 2 1/2" deep,
Decora-style face plate
Wiring Requirements
Individual runs of
2-conductor speaker
wire, 14-22 gauge
Unit Dimensions
1 1/16" wide x 2 5/8"
high
Face Plate Dimensions
Decora wall plate;
2 3/4” wide x 4 1/2”
high
Depth Behind Plate
2 1/2”
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®
Niles Audio
Corporation
www.nilesaudio.com
12331 S.W. 130 Street
Miami, Florida 33186
Tel: (305) 238-4373
Fax: (305) 238-0185
NILES
®
©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. Niles and the Niles logo are registered
trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Decora® is a registered trademark of
Leviton Manufacturing Company. DS00105A
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