Scoreboard 1480 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, the upper scoreboard cabinet power and data connections, connecting the scoreboard to a power source, installing the SL-230 / 330 RF modems 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. Figure 5 shows the location of the access panels and the dome plugs.

Figure 5  Rear Access Panels

1. Connect the ground conductor to the ground lugs located behind the access panels.

Power Connections to Upper Scoreboard Cabinet

The following steps describe how to connect power to the upper scoreboard cabinet:

1. There is a cable attached to the upper access panel terminal block labeled Power from Bottom Section.  Feed the cable through one of the holes in the plate below the access panel.
2. Install the cable in conduit and feed the cable through one of the holes in the plate below the lower access panel.
   1. Connect the cable to the terminal block labeled Power to Top Section according to figure 6.

Figure 6  Power to Top Section Connections Control Cable Connections to Upper Scoreboard Cabinet

The following steps describe how to connect data to the upper scoreboard cabinet:

1. There is a cable attached to the upper access panel terminal block labeled Data from Bottom Section.  Feed the cable through one of the holes in the plate below the access panel.
2. Install the cable in conduit and feed the cable through one of the holes in the plate below the lower access panel.
3. Connect the cable to the terminal block labeled Data to Top Section according to figure 7.

Figure 7  Data to Top Section Connections

1. Reinstall the upper access panel.

Power Connection to Scoreboard

The scoreboard requires 120 VAC service at the scoreboard to operate properly.  Maximum power consumption of Model 1480: 228 Watts.  Make sure that power cable is rated for this electrical load.  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 cables through a 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 8.

Figure 8  Power to Scoreboard 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 9 shows the control cable wire connection points on the rear of the ¼” stereo jack.

Figure 9  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 one of the holes 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 Control Cable terminal block on the lower access panel junction chassis according to figure 10.

Figure 10  Control Cable Wiring Diagram

1. Reinstall the lower 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 the 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.