Power Requirements
Understanding power distribution, voltage and current requirements, and electrical safety guidelines is critical to the safe operation of PANTHER loudspeakers.
Sufficient power must be provided for PANTHER loudspeakers to accurately reproduce the full dynamic range of the input signal, especially during periods of maximum acoustic output.
AC Power Distribution
All components in an audio system (self-powered loudspeakers, mixing consoles, and processors) must be properly connected to an AC power distribution system, ensuring that AC line polarity is preserved. All the grounding points of the audio system components must be connected to a single node or common point using the same cable gauge (or larger) as the Neutral and Line conductors.
Caution
The nominal operational AC mains voltage range is 200–240 V AC.
The voltage between the Earth/Ground and Line should never exceed 264 V AC or be less than 160 V AC
Before applying AC power to any Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeaker, make sure the voltage potential difference between the Neutral and Earth/Ground conductors is less than 5 V AC when using single-line AC wiring (LINE - NEUTRAL - EARTH/GROUND).
The Earth/Ground conductor must always be used for safety reasons.
Improper earthing/grounding of connections between loudspeakers and the rest of the audio system may produce noise or hum or cause serious damage to the input and output stages of the system’s electronic components.
Branch Circuits
To reduce the number of branch circuits, it is common to connect two PANTHER loudspeakers to one branch circuit, provided the circuit breaker is sufficiently rated. To reduce the impedance of the conductors, minimize the length of cable after the branch circuit has been “split.” Typically, a single circuit cable is split very near the loudspeakers using a molded split, junction box, or wye cable to provide power for two PANTHER loudspeakers.
120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Two Lines)
Line-Line-Earth/Ground
The figure below illustrates the secondary of a 120/208 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system. Each loudspeaker is connected to two Lines and Earth/Ground. This configuration is possible because PANTHER tolerates elevated voltages from the Earth/Ground conductor and does not require a Neutral line. This distribution system delivers 208 V AC to each loudspeaker.
Three-Phase, 120/208 Volt AC Transformer Secondary, Wye Configuration and Loudspeaker Connections
Caution
Do not connect a PANTHER loudspeaker to only one Line of a 120/208 V AC Wye service as the voltage delivered to the PANTHER loudspeaker will be 120 V AC, which is below the operating voltage rang
230 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line)
Line-Neutral-Earth/Ground
The figure below illustrates the secondary of a 230/400 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system. Each loudspeaker is connected to one of the Lines, the Neutral, and the Earth/Ground. This distribution system delivers 230 V AC to each loudspeaker.
Three-Phase, 230/400 Volt AC Transformer Secondary, Wye Configuration and Loudspeaker Connections
Caution
For 230/400 V AC, 3-phase Wye systems, never connect two Lines to the AC input of PANTHER. This voltage significantly exceeds the upper voltage limit (264 V AC) and will damage the loudspeaker.
AC Input
The PANTHER user panel includes an AC inlet connector. The 3-conductor Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 True Outdoor Protection (TOP) locking connector supplies electrical power to the loudspeaker, as shown in the figure below.
Caution
The inlet connector is certified for outdoor protection (IP65, UL50E) only when mated with a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP cable-mount connector, or when the connector is not in use, when the sealing cap is fully inserted.
Check the sealing cap for moisture before covering the connector. If wet, dry the cap before covering the connector to avoid introducing liquid to the connector.
Always seal the connector with the sealing cap when the connector is not in use.
User Panel, Power Inlet, Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP Connector
Caution
Before connecting the power cable, make sure the AC inlet connector assembly is secure and has not been damaged during prior use or transportation.
Assembly of Power Cables
A cable-mount Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP connector is included with each PANTHER loudspeaker (Neutrik NAC3FX-W-TOP) enabling users to assemble power cables to meet their needs.
Caution
For PANTHER power cables, all conductors must be 12 AWG (2.5 mm²)
Use only cable with an outer jacket diameter between 1/4-in [6 mm] and 1/2-in [12 mm]. For the inlet end of the cable, use a plug type that is rated for at least 16A, 250 V AC, and is approved for use in the region where the product will be used.
The pins of the powerCON TRUE1 TOP cable mount connector are labeled as follows:
L (Line)
N (Neutral)
(Protective Earth or Ground)
Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP Cable Mount Connector
Note
Visit the Neutrik website (neutrik.com) NAC3FX-W-TOP page to download the cable preparation and connector assembly instructions for the powerCON TRUE1 TOP cable-mount connector, document: BDA 541 powerCON TRUE1 TOP – NAC3FXW-TOP.pdf
Caution
Careful attention should be paid when terminating these connectors to ensure the proper conductor of the cable is connected to the intended terminal. The terminal identification markings inside the connector can be difficult to identify. After terminating the cable conductors, we strongly advise using a continuity meter to verify the proper connections are made, preventing a shock hazard and/or damage to the loudspeaker.
How AC power cables are wired is determined by the type of AC power distribution system used (see AC Power Distribution).
Caution
When wiring AC power cables and distribution systems, it is important to preserve AC line polarity and connect the earth ground at both ends of the cable.
PANTHER Voltage Requirements
The AC mains voltage range at the loudspeaker AC inlet must be between 160 V AC and 264 V AC while the loudspeaker is operating, including periods of peak acoustic output when the loudspeaker draws maximum current.
Since PANTHER behaves as a constant power load when TPL (True Power Limiting) is engaged, current increases if the voltage decreases at its AC inlet. The maximum round- trip resistance of the power cable for a single PANTHER should not exceed 5 Ohms for a 230 V AC source voltage because the AC Mains voltage will fall below 160 V AC at the AC inlet when TPL is engaged, or when audio burst or peak power are high.
Caution
PANTHER may be damaged or may malfunction if the inlet voltage is greater than 264 V AC or less than 160 V AC.
Power Supply
The power supply included in PANTHER loudspeakers prevents high inrush currents with soft-start power up, suppresses high-voltage transients up to several kilovolts, and filters common mode and differential mode radio frequencies (EMI).
Powering on PANTHER
When powering on PANTHER loudspeakers, the following startup events take place over several seconds:
The On/Status LEDs flash during initial startup.
When both the On/Status LEDs turn solid green, the loudspeaker is unmuted and ready to reproduce audio.
Caution
If the On/Status LEDs do not turn solid green after 15 seconds, remove AC power and verify that the voltage is within the required range and the conductors of the power cable are connected to the proper terminals of the connectors. If the On/Status LEDs continue to blink or do not illuminate solid green, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support.
Circuit Breaker Requirements
The circuit breakers used in the Meyer Sound MDM-5000 are well suited for use with PANTHER loudspeakers and other Meyer Sound products:
European MDM-5000 includes ETI model number: KZS-1M 1p+N A C16/0.03, 6kA, which includes an RCD (residual current device) with a C-type tripping time constant and 30 mA RCD.
US MDM-5000 includes Eaton model: QCR2020 - CIRCUIT BREAKER 2-Pole, 20 A, 120/240 V AC
Circuit protection devices for main and branch circuits of any power distribution system used in conjunction with PANTHER loudspeakers should use similarly specified devices to avoid nuisance tripping.
Note
Many RCCB’s (residual current circuit breakers) are sensitive to high-frequency noise in the Line-Neutral path and may false/nuisance trip. If required, make certain the residual current device is not sensitive to high-frequency noise or artifacts. Line-to-Ground and Neutral-to- Earth/Ground capacitance can cause an imbalance between the current carrying conductors in a cable or a conduit, potentially causing RCCB nuisance tripping. Consult with a licensed electrician or electrical engineer when designing electrical distribution systems.
Electrical Safety Guidelines
Make sure to observe the following important electrical and safety guidelines.
Do not operate the unit if the power cable is frayed or broken.
Use the cable rings on the rear of the PANTHER cabinet to reduce strain on the chassis and cable connectors (see Figure 16). Do not use the cable rings for any other purpose.