Electrical Considerations
All electrical work being done must be in accordance with all Local and National Electrical Codes.
Power Isolation
When planning for an Executive motorized unit, keep in mind you must always be able to cut power to each unit independently. This is not only during installation, but also in the event that the unit should ever need servicing, a new remote needs to be added, or a re-screen is necessary.
The simplest way to wire an Executive is to attach the supplied plug to the end of the cable coming from the motor. The customer can then either plug the unit into a receptacle, or hire an electrician to hard wire the unit once the installation has been completed. Another way wiring can be set up during construction for isolation of each individual unit is to have the builder install a switch (standard light switch) in the ceiling or wall next to where the unit will be installed. From the switch, the electrician can run a pigtail wire (18” into the opening) to where the Executive will be installed. This can be an added cost, so it is important to budget for it accordingly. Be sure that you never make the motor wire or connections inaccessible, or bury them so that they are difficult to gain access to.
Motors
The Hertz motors run off of 120V AC/60Hz power with an Integrated Radio Receiver, and have the following characteristics:
- 6 ft. Motor Cable
- UL Recognized
- CSA Approved
- FCC Approved
- IP 44 Rated
Hertz motors are low amperage; therefore it would be acceptable to operate more than one Executive unit wired in series to a 15-amp circuit as long as it complies with electrical codes. (see table below):
| Motor Model | Speed (RPM) | Power (Watts) | Current (Amps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 525 Hz | 18 | 180 | 1.6 |
| 535Hz | 18 | 250 | 2.1 |
The Hz motors however cannot be wired to a directional switch (rocker, maintained, momentary etc.), as they are not “directional” motors. Wiring a Hz motor to such a switch for control purposes will damage the motor and render it inoperable. A switch can only be wired to a Hz motor for the purpose of isolation of the power.
Wiring
Standard “house” wire (12/2 or 14/2 gauge cable—14/2 and 12/2 stands for 14 or 12 gauge cable with 3 conductors.) is acceptable for wiring Executive units. Electrical code suggests that the electrician match the size of cable if possible to the existing house wiring. If you have only one power source for multiple units, the electrician can wire in parallel from one unit to the next providing that the rated capacity of the circuit is not exceeded. Use the space in the top back of the housing to hide the wire, but be sure the wire is attached firmly to the housing. After all the units have been set up, connect all of the wiring. It is recommended that all exposed wire be installed in conduit.
When a power source is located near the bottom of an Executive unit equipped with standard track, a simple technique to wiring the unit is to run the wire through the housing, behind the roller, and down inside of the sidetrack before the track covers are snapped into place.
When attaching the motor wire, make sure there is a drip loop in the wire if the unit is exposed to the elements. The purpose of a drip loop is to prevent any water from running down the cable and onto the head of the motor as it can cause irreparable damage. Instead, the moisture will drip off the lowest point of the loop.
Alternative Power
Phantom Screens can supply alternative motors to the customer if there is a requirement for DC power or if there is a need for voltage that differs from what we currently offer.