Guide to Setting Up Hunter Douglas Smart Home Window Coverings

March 10, 2023
Nuance Interiors

The 16 Shade DC Power Supply is an optional power source for all PowerView Automation and SoftTouch Motorization products, excluding Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters.

Nuance Showroom exclusively carries Hunter Douglas blinds, shades, and shutters because they are the leader in the industry with the best warranty. Nuance installers are certified and insured.

A single 16 Shade DC Power Supply can power up to sixteen PowerView Automation or SoftTouch Motorization window treatments and is the preferred power option for projects that still have open walls (i.e., no drywall).

Benefits of the 16 Shade DC Power (Smart Home)

Power multiple motorized shades – Can supply power to multiple motorized shades via one single source of power.
Consistent Power – Because it connects to the home’s electrical power source the 16 Shade DC Power Supply provides consistent, reliable power.
Battery-free – The 16 Shade DC Power Supply does not use batteries and there are three obvious advantages:
- Operation does not slow or weaken over time as battery life diminishes
- Eliminates the need to change batteries
- Removes battery wand related mounting depth accommodations for headrail mounting/installation that occur for most products
Hard to reach windows – Wiring for power is the perfect solution for hard-to-reach window locations, where changing batteries may be difficult.

How the 16 Shade DC Power Supply Works

The 16 Shade DC Power Supply utilizes low-voltage electrical wiring to connect power to the shades. In the field, you may have heard this power application referred to as “hard wire”. The 16 Shade DC Power Supply must have wiring ran for each operating shade. This is important when the window is too large for one shade, multiple wires will need to be ran for each operating shade in the window. Having the one power source wire daisy-chain to the others is not an option with the DC Power Supply.

Hard wiring a project could mean several things depending on the scenario and context. For example, “hard-wiring” may mean something different if you are an electrician or custom home automation integrator. So, whenever this term is used, for powering Hunter Douglas window coverings we are talking about hard-wiring for low-voltage power.

Customer Considerations and Preferences

Nuance Showroom considers the client’s perspective when the 16 Shade DC Power Supply may be a suitable power option for the project. For instance, the cost of battery replacement may become expensive. In addition, replacing batteries for hard to access shades may be inconvenient and difficult. In such cases, if the 16 Shade DC Power Supply is suitable for the project.

Assess the Construction Stage of the Home/Job Site

The construction phase of the home or job site will determine if the 16 Shade DC Power Supply is the ideal power supply option.

ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING PHASE This planning phase is ideal for a smooth process and future expansion. It allows all the home’s window openings to be wired at one time, which can significantly lower the cost of wiring for additional window coverings and controls in the future. Additionally, pre-wiring the project with low-voltage electrical wiring hides the wires behind the walls, ensuring a discrete finish at the shade. The 16 Shade DC Power Supply is the recommended power option for these projects.
THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE This planning phase is almost as desirable as the Architecture Planning Phase, if the walls are still open (without drywall) which allows open access to wire the structure. The closed wall stage (with drywall) presents obstacles that can delay progress and significantly increase the cost of wiring the structure.
FINISHED STRUCTURE A finished structure poses the most obstacles. Unless previously wired, all wiring must either be run outside the wall (surface mounted), or run inside the wall, which may require some demolition and reconstruction of existing structure. Since wiring requirements for running low-voltage electrical wiring varies by region, check local code requirements for wiring existing structures. Almost always the battery powered option is best in these circumstances.

Responsibilities

Note: Historically projects ran smoother when the Homeowner, Electrician, and Hunter Douglas Installer meet at the construction site early to discuss motorized shade locations, required wiring, best location to install 16 Shade Power Supply(s), and clearly align responsibilities.

Homeowner

Approve and pay Nuance Hunter Douglas Quote
Hire a licensed electrician (or use the home builder’s electrician) and introduce them to Nuance Showroom, your Hunter Douglas dealer and window covering expert
The owner’s electrician responsible for running wires that provide power for motorized shades
Important: Prior to working with electrician, homeowner needs to decide what style of shades, provide the size of windows, and if they want inside or outside mount. These decisions will impact where the wiring needs to be ran, where the wiring will come out of the wall, and if there needs to be multiple sets of wire per window (when the window is so large the shades are split).

Nuance Showroom, your Hunter Douglas Dealer

Partner with homeowner electrician, order the 16 Shade DC Supply Kit and connectors (low voltage control panel), ship to site or electrician
Coordinate with electrician for wire gauge requirements to determine the correct wiring for your home
Provide this Hunter Douglas Smart Home guide and packet to electrician
Resource for homeowner and electrician throughout project

Licensed Electrician

Help specify the appropriate wire gauge and configuration (Maximum wire run distance requirements by gauge for Hunter Douglas products)
Measuring/calculating run distances from the 16 Shade DC Power Supply to each PowerView window treatment
Responsible for running the low-voltage wiring through the walls.
Install wire at shade in the top right of window frame as closely as possible to the window allowing space for the shade headrail (unless specified differently)
Wire the 16 Shade DC Power Supply directly to AC power. NEMA enclosure kit needs to be mounted within 4 feet of outlet.
Install wire terminations at the 16 Shade DC Power Supply

Nuance Showroom Certified Hunter Douglas installer

If desired – Organize construction meeting with homeowner, electrician, and Hunter Douglas installer
Install wire terminations at the PowerView window treatment
Install wire terminations at the 16 Shade DC Power Supply if electrician didn’t complete task
Connecting the 16 Shade DC Power Supply to a 120V power source in surface mount applications
Testing operation of all PowerView window treatments
Troubleshooting the power supply, wiring, and window treatment motor, if necessary

Wire Gauge Requirements

Knowing the exact distance between the 16 Shade DC Power Supply and the final shade locations in your project will aid the electrician’s ability to determine what wire gauge to use.

The maximum distance noted is the maximum cable length you can run before you experience voltage drop. In general, lower gauged wires carry the voltage further. Significant voltage drop can affect the operation of the window treatment.

18/2 gauge thinnest wire
12/2 gauge thickest wire

Surface Mounting the 16 Shade DC Power Supply

Surface Mounting the 16 Shade DC Power Supply
Recessed Mounting

The 16 Shade DC Power Supply may be surface mounted to studs, solid wood, or other appropriate mounting surfaces (ex. drywall with the use of drywall anchors).

Surface Mounting Steps

Mark Mounting Location
- Place the enclosure on an appropriate mounting surface. Mark the mounting location using the mounting feet as guides.
- NOTE: Studs or solid wood are the preferred mounting surface. The mounting location should be within 4ft. of a 120 AC power outlet.

Drill Pilot Holes – Drill holes using 1/8” drill bit

Attach the NEMA Enclosure to the mounting surface using the mounting feet. Note: Do Not Connect the 16 Shade DC Power Supply at this time.

Connecting Wire Terminations at the 16 Shade DC Power Supply Surface Mount

For wire terminations at the power supply, connect the wires from the window coverings to the male barrel connectors.

*Please consult local and national electrical codes to confirm you are permitted to make the wire terminations at the power supply.

Strip approximately 1/4″ of the insulation material away from the end of the electrical wiring.

Loosen the screw terminals on one of the provided female barrel connectors using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.

Insert the positive and negative wires into the correct terminal port. Tighten the screws using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.

Plug the female barrel connector into the male connector on the outside of the power supply enclosure.

Connecting Barrel Connectors at the Shade

Locate the wire at the window. Strip 1⁄4″ of the insulation material away from the shade end of the electrical wiring. Continue to strip/remove insulation material from the internal wires, as well, to expose the positive and negative wire strands.

Loosen the two screw terminals on the barrel connector with a #1 Phillips screwdriver. IMPORTANT: The screw terminals are marked + and – to show which electrical polarity should be connected to a terminal.

Insert the positive and negative wires into the correct terminal and tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Locate the power cable coming from the shade. Plug the female barrel connector into the power cable. When finished, hide the power cable and female barrel connector behind the shade to prevent interference with the operation of the shade. NOTE: This will be done at the shade after its installation to the mounting surface by Nuance Showroom installer.

Connect the Power Source

After the NEMA enclosure is mounted and all wires are connected to the correct terminal ports and at the shades, it is time to apply power to the 16 Shade DC Power Supply.
Do not place more than two 16 Shade DC Power Supplies on a single home circuit with a 15-amp breaker.
Plug the provided power cord into the IEC power inlet on the bottom of the enclosure.

Plug the other end of the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet. Note: The NEMA enclosure should be mounted within 4 feet of outlet.

Complete the Installation by Securing the NEMA Enclosure Cover

Ensure the cover screws that are securing the NEMA enclosure cover are sufficiently tightened.

The 16 Shade DC Power Supply may be recess mounted within the wall. When recess mounting, mount the enclosure to an appropriate mounting surface such as studs or solid wood. Mount the enclosure so that it protrudes from the front of the stud by a measure equal to the thickness of the finished wall. The front of the enclosure should be visible and flush with the surface of the finished wall.

There are two primary cautions to remember when mounting a 16 Shade DC Power Supply.

Do not place more than two 16 Shade DC Power Supplies on a single home circuit with a 15-amp breaker.
Do not daisy-chain window treatments when using this product.

Recessed Mounting Steps

Remove the NEMA Enclosure Cover

Remove the Mounting Feet – The mounting feet are attached to the NEMA enclosure via screws that are accessed within the interior of the enclosure as shown.

Remove the plug from the pre-drilled punchout; or knock out one of the other punchouts on the NEMA enclosure. It might be necessary to remove one from each side of the NEMA enclosure to rest the enclosure flush, or flat, against the mounting surface.
- (Optional)If using one of the alternative punchouts, knock the punchout out before installation to:
- A)ensure adequate leverage when knocking a punchout out of the enclosure
- B)prevent damage to the enclosure or mounting surface
- C)allow for easier access for necessary tools

Mark the mounting location
- Place the enclosure on an appropriate mounting surface. Mark the mounting location using the pre-drilled holes in the side panel of the power supply enclosure as guides.
- NOTE: Studs or solid wood are the preferred mounting surface. The mounting location should be close to AC power access.

Drill Pilot Holes – Drill holes using 1/8” drill bit

Attach the NEMA Enclosure to the mounting surface with screws using the mounting feet. Note: Do Not Connect the 16 Shade DC Power Supply at this time.
Ensure to mount the enclosure so that it protrudes from the front of the stud by a measure equal to the finished wall (typically 1/2″). The front of the enclosure should be visible and flush with the surface of the finished wall.
There are two primary cautions to remember when mounting a 16 Shade DC Power Supply.
- Do not place more than two 16 Shade DC Power Supplies on a single home circuit with a 15-amp breaker.
- Do not daisy-chain window treatments when using this product.

Connecting Wire Terminations at the 16 Shade DC Power Supply Surface Mount

For wire terminations at the power supply, connect the wires from the window coverings to the male barrel connectors.
*Please consult local and national electrical codes to confirm you are permitted to make the wire terminations at the power supply.

Install an appropriate strain relief into the chosen punchout. If using the pre-drilled punchout, use the provided 1-1/4″ strain relief.

Route the electrical wiring from the shades through the punchout.

Strip 3⁄8″ of the insulation material away from the end of the electrical wiring. *If necessary, you may find that you need to strip more insulation material from the wire.

Insert the stripped electrical wiring into the positive/negative pairs of ports in the terminal block. Push down on the top of the terminal port with a screwdriver, then insert the wire.

CAUTION: There are 16 pairs of open ports in the terminal block. The ports are marked to show which electrical polarity should be connected to each port as well as the motor number. Make certain the wires from each shade are connected to the correct corresponding positive or negative port and motor number. Ensure the wire fits securely in the terminal port and that adjacent conductors do not touch.

Connecting Barrel Connectors at the Shade

Locate the wire at the window. Strip 1⁄4″ of the insulation material away from the shade end of the electrical wiring. Continue to strip/remove insulation material from the internal wires, as well, to expose the positive and negative wire strands.

Loosen the two screw terminals on the barrel connector with a #1 Phillips screwdriver. IMPORTANT: The screw terminals are marked + and – to show which electrical polarity should be connected to a terminal.

Insert the positive and negative wires into the correct terminal and tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Locate the power cable coming from the shade. Plug the female barrel connector into the power cable. When finished, hide the power cable and female barrel connector behind the shade to prevent interference with the operation of the shade. NOTE: This will be done at the shade after its installation to the mounting surface by Nuance Showroom installer.

Connect the Power Source

After the NEMA enclosure is mounted and all wires are connected to the correct terminal ports and at the shades, it is time to apply power to the 16 Shade DC Power Supply.
Do not place more than two 16 Shade DC Power Supplies on a single home circuit with a 15-amp breaker.
Plug the provided power cord into the IEC power inlet on the bottom of the enclosure.

Plug the other end of the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet. Note: The NEMA enclosure should be mounted within 4 feet of outlet.

Complete the Installation by Securing the NEMA Enclosure Cover

Ensure the cover screws that are securing the NEMA enclosure cover are sufficiently tightened.

Conclusion

The 16 Shade DC Power Supply is the ideal power option to power multiple window treatments and for homes under construction before the walls go up.

The 16 Shade DC Power Supply accommodates up to 16 window treatments. Electrician and Nuance Showroom specialist need to work together to determine the placement of all the 16 Shade DC Power Supplies. This will require an understanding of the number shades and run distance of electrical wires run through the walls match the PowerView installation needs.

Nuance Showroom takes the stress out of the process to ensure everything gets setup correctly for your Hunter Douglas smart home shades. Reach out to us today and request a free consultation.

FAQ

What are the features of the 16 Shade DC Power Supply?

Powers up to 16 Gen 3 PowerView Shades
One NEMA enclosure with power supply
One 6” IEC Power Cord
One 0.5” and 1.25” strain reliefs
One package of screws to terminal barrel connectors, female (32 count)
Four mounting feet
Installation guide
Input: 120V AC, 6A
Output: 18V DC, 90 Watts
Wire compatibility: 14 – 18 AWG wire
Circuit class: 2
Width: 10” Depth: 4.25” Weight: 10 lbs.

Where should the wiring come out for the shades? It is important to consult with a Nuance Window Treatment Specialists because the dimensions of the window, style of the shade, and fabric selected will determine if an inside or outside mount is possible. PLEASE reach out prior to drilling holes for wiring. Inside mount, the wiring should come out at the top of the frame on the right side and as close to the window as possible. There needs to be approximately 3.5” clear from the top front edge of the window frame toward the window. This space will be for the window shade headrail to mount flush along the top of the frame. Outside mount, the wiring will come out of the sheetrock a couple inches above the top right corner of the window frame. There needs to be some planning to determine where the shade will go so the hole/wiring will be covered by the shade.

How much wiring should I leave coming out of the window frame? 6 – 8” is perfect.

My house is already built, is there a way to still have powered shades? Yes, absolutely! Hunter Douglas offers several options and Nuance Showroom can determine the best setup for your home.