Scoreboard 1160 Manual: Electrical Installation

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

We recommend a qualified electrician perform the needed electrical connections to ensure proper operation of the scoreboard.  These connections include grounding the scoreboard, connecting the scoreboard to a power source, installing the SL-230 / 330 or the control cable, and connecting the control console.

Ground Connection

The National Electrical Code requires a scoreboard (electric sign) to be grounded.  Grounding the scoreboard helps the scoreboard electronics operate properly and helps minimize damage if it is struck by lightning.  Metal posts do not provide an adequate ground path.  The following steps describe how to connect the scoreboard to the power source:

1. Drive one or more 5/8” x 8’ copper clad ground rods in the soil near the scoreboard.
2. Connect #6 bare copper wire to the ground rods using 5/8” brass tear drop connectors.
   1. Remove the lower rear access panel and the dome plugs on the plate below the access panel.
      Figure 7 (on the next page) shows the location of the access panel and the dome plugs.
   2. Figure 8 (on the next page) shows the view behind the access panel.
   3. Pass the ground conductor through the right hand hole in the plate below the access panel and connect it to the ground lug (Ground) on the junction chassis.

Figure 4a  Rear Access Panel (for Model 1160 with no ID panels)

Figure 5b  Rear Access Panel (for Model 1160 with left side ID panel)

Figure 6  Access Panel Removed

Power Connections

The scoreboard requires 120 VAC service at the scoreboard to operate properly.  Install the power cable in conduit.  Avoid running the power cable in close proximity to the control cable.  The following steps describe how to connect the scoreboard to the power source:

1. Feed the power cable through the middle hole in the plate below the lower access panel.
2. Crimp fork terminals to the power cable wires.
   1. Connect the AC line wire and AC neutral wire to the Main Power terminal block on the junction chassis according to figure 9.

Figure 7  Power Connections

Install a power disconnect that isolates all current carrying conductors on one of the posts below the scoreboard (not the ground conductor).  If a secondary switch is installed near the scorekeeper’s table, it should also isolate these conductors.  Place the power disconnect in the OFF position between games to help protect the scoreboard from lightning damage.  A power disconnect on the scoreboard post also provides a convenient way of turning the scoreboard off during maintenance or repairs.

SL-230 / 330

The SL-230 / 330 RF MODEM SYSTEM is designed to eliminate the control cable between the scoreboard and the control console on Electro-Mech Scoreboard MM and MP series scoreboards as well as all LED scoreboards.  If you have purchased this accessory, disregard the section of this manual titled Control Cable Installation.  Refer to the installation manual provided for this product.

Control Cable Installation

The control cable connects the scoreboard to the control console.  Install the control cable in conduit.  If the cable is ever damaged, it is easier and less expensive to replace a cable in conduit.  A small junction box with a ¼” stereo jack mounted on the face plate is attached to the control cable at the point of operation of the scoreboard.  This junction box should be securely mounted in a clean, dry area within ten feet of the rear of the control console.  Most customers order the control cable with the junction box attached.  Some customers prefer to attach the junction box after the cable is installed.  Those customers must solder the control cable to the ¼” stereo jack.  Figure 10 shows the control cable wire connection points on the rear of the ¼” stereo jack.

Figure 8  ¼” Stereo Jack Wiring Diagram

The following steps describe how to connect the control cable to the scoreboard:

1. At the rear of the scoreboard, feed the control cable through the left hole in the plate below the lower access panel.
   1. Crimp fork terminals to the control cable wires and the shield.
   2. Connect the control cable to the Control Cable terminal block on the junction chassis according to Figure 11.

Figure 9  Control Cable Wiring Diagram

1. Reinstall the access panel.

Control Console Connections

The 10 ft. extension cable has two molded ¼” stereo plugs attached to it.  It is used to connect the control console to the junction box.  The following steps describe how to connect the control console:

1. Plug one end of the extension cable into ¼” stereo jack on the junction box.
   1. Plug the other end into the ¼” stereo jack mounted on the control console back plate.
   2. Plug the control console power cord into a grounded NEMA 5-15R 120 VAC receptacle.

Control Console Safety Warning

This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin.  This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet.  This is a safety feature.  If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.  Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.