Contour Gen 2
LED Lighting System Back Bend
GEXNB32-2, GEXNB65-2, GEXNBRD-2,
GEXNBGL-2, GEXNBBL-2, GEXNBYG-2, GEXNBRC-2
SIGN297 | DOC-2001571
Installation Guide

GEXNB32-2 Contour Gen 2 LED Lighting System Back Bend

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
For the latest North American install guides for your product go to: https://products.gecurrent.com/led-signage-lighting
For the latest European install guides for your product go to: https://products.gecurrent.com/eu/led-signage-lighting
Prepare Electrical Wiring
FOR UL ONLY
Electrical Requirements

• Light engines without light guide limited to indoor dry locations.
• Light engines with light guide acceptable to use in dry, damp or wet locations when installed correctly.
• The grounding and bonding of the LED Driver shall be done in accordance with National Electric Code (NEC) Article 600.
• Follow all National Electric Codes (NEC) and local codes.
• These products are only suitable for connection to a circuit from a Class 2 power source. These products have not been evaluated for use when connected to a power source that does not comply with Class 2 voltage and energy limited supplies.

Save These Instructions
Use only in the manner intended by the manufacturer.
If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer.
RETROFIT SIGN CONVERSION LED KIT FOR USE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH KIT INSTRUCTIONS.
KIT IS COMPLETE ONLY WHEN ALL PARTS REQUIRED BY THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE PRESENT.

Installation Guide

WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

• Turn power off before inspection, installation or removal.
• Properly ground power supply enclosure.

RISK OF FIRE

• Use only suitably approved wire for input/output connections. Minimum size 18 AWG (0.82mm 2 )
• Follow all local codes.
• Waterproof wire connection for outdoor or wet installations. See instructions for details.
• Do not stretch light engines.
• Inspect and replace the light engines if any tear or damage affects their integrity.
• Avoid installation that leads to prolonged exposure to standing water or ice.

UL WARNING
RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK

• LED Retrofit Kit installation requires knowledge of sign electrical systems. If not qualified, do not attempt installation. Contact a qualified electrician.
• Install this kit only in host signs that have been identified in the installation instructions and where the input rating of the retrofit kit does not exceed the input rating of the sign.
• Installation of this LED retrofit kit may involve drilling or punching of holes into the structure of the sign. Check for enclosed wiring and components to avoid damage to wiring and electrical parts.
• Do not make or alter any open holes in an enclosure of wiring or electrical components during kit installation.

CAUTION
RISK OF INJURY

• While performing installations described, gloves, safety glasses or goggles should be worn.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This Class [A] RFLD complies with the Canadian standard ICES-005.
Components and Tools Required

1. Contour Gen 2 Back Bend Light Engine

2. Tetra® Contour Light Guide

3. Tetra® Light Engine (GEXNMCAC), Clear Plastic Light Guide (GEXNMC15), or Stainless Steel Metal Light Guide (93053776) Mounting Clips.

4. 6, #8 or #10 (M2, M3 or M4) self-drilling pan headed screws

5. 6 (M2) screws

6. Minimum 22 AWG (0.33mm²) tie-wire

7. 24 Volt power supply

8. UL approved 18 AWG (0.82mm²) supply wire

9. UL approved 22-14 AWG (0.33-2.08mm²) twist-on wire connectors

10. GEXNSL-2 Field Sleeve

11. Electrical grade silicone.
    Examples of electrical grade silicone:
    • Momentive RTV 6702 (white) / RTV 6708 (clear) – Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant
    • Momentive RTV 162 (White) – Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant-Electrical Grade
    • Dow Corning 3140 (clear) – Non-Corrosive Flowable
    • Dow Corning 3145 (clear or gray) – Non-Corrosive Non-flowable
    • Dow Corning RTV 748 (white) – Non-Corrosive Sealant
    Optional / Required for Wet Locations
    

12. Tetra® End Caps

13. Weather box GEXNWB2
    Optional

14. Contour Light Guide connector

15. Contour Light Guide 90° inside corner

16. Contour Light Guide 90° outside corner

17. Contour Light Guide 90° planar corner

Cutting Resolution Table

Light Engine Color| Cutting Resolution
Red| 4 in. (101.6 mm)
Red-Orange, Amber, Green, Blue, White| 3 in. (76.2 mm)

METHOD A – Installing Light Engines With Light Guides

Planning First
Plan the layout by measuring the design layout and dividing by 8 ft . (2.44m) to determine the required quantity of Contour Gen 2. Refer to the Cutting Resolution Table on page 3 when cutting any Contour Gen 2 section.
Do not use more than one suffix code for each respective application, as mixing suffix codes may result in appearance variation. Suffix code can be found on the packaging label.
Installation methods shown are for straight runs. For custom shapes, refer to the Light Guide Forming Instructions.
DO NOT bend the light engine to an inside radius that is tighter than 2 in. (50.8 mm).
If you have any questions about these instructions or your specific Contour application, please contact support at tetra.support@gecurrent.com Mounting orientation if moisture may accumulate inside light guide.

NOTE: For side bends, please use Contour Gen 2 Side Bend (GEXNSxx-2) Light Engines

Installation

1. Install a minimum of one clip per 18 in. (457mm) using #10 (M4) screws.

2. If cutting the light engine is required, using the light guide final length, measure out the necessary length of Contour Gen 2 LED light engine to match.
   ***** Use a sharp cutting tool to cut through light engine (refer to the Cutting Resolution Table on page 3).

3. For cut end where the GEXNSL-2 Field Sleeve is being used, fill cap with electrical grade silicone and push the Field Sleeve on the end to seal. Clean excess silicone.
   NOTE: Not required if using the plastic endcap.
   *NOTE: When cut end is going to be installed in a Contour Light Guide Connector (strait or corner), the GEXNSL-2 Field Sleeve should be used. When using the field sleeve, the light engine must be cut so that it will extend at least 1/2 in. (13 mm) out from the end of the light guide.

4. Push the light engine segments down into the light guide.
   WARNING
   RISK OF FIRE: The light engine is not intended for excessive or repetitive bending or stretching. If the silicone does crack, replace the light engine.

5. Apply caps to cut ends: fill cap with electrical grade silicone and push cap on the end to seal. Clean excess silicone.

6. For vertical or near vertical installations, any cut-end termination of a Contour Gen 2 piece shall reside at the top of the design.

7. Attach Contour Gen 2 to the mounting clips, leaving a 3/8 in. (10mm) gap between sections to allow for expansion or contraction.

8. Secure light guide by twisting tie-wire around the mounting clip and light guide.

9. Wires between light guide segments can be folded behind the light guide and attached with clear zip ties.
   Zip ties should wrap around outside light guide.

   ---

10. To connect two light engines, first strip wire ends back 0.5 in. (13mm). Then join wires together using twist-on wire connectors.

11. Insert wire connectors into weather box. Fill with electrical grade silicone and close box. Weather box can be mounted using #8 (M3) screws.
    WARNING
    RISK OF FIRE: Waterproof wire connection and all cut ends for outdoor or wet installations. Weather box is required for all outdoor or wet locations electrical connections.
    Joining with Light Guide Connectors, Corners and Bends
    

12. Linear: At each gap between sections, apply silicone on both sides to secure light guide connector. Snap on a light guide connector.

13. Corner: For all corners (planar, inside, outside) apply silicone on both sides to secure light guide corners. Snap on corner.

14. For bends, refer to the Light Guide Forming Instructions and first bend the light guide.
    Once bent, carefully push light engine into the light guide so as to not to overly stretch the light engine.
    WARNING
    RISK OF FIRE: DO NOT bend the light engine to an inside radius that is tighter than 2 in. (50.8 mm).
    

Connect Power Supply

****WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: Turn power OFF before inspection, installation or removal.

15. Run a wire from the power supply to a section of Contour Gen 2. Power supply connection must be completed in an acceptable UL/NEMA enclosure.
    Power supply loading is described on page 10.

16. Strip wires back 0.5 in. (13mm).
    Connect the gray wire (+) from the LED strip to the red wire (+) of the power supply. Connect the white wire (-) from the LED strip to the black or blue wire (-) of the power supply. Grounding and bonding must be done in accordance with National Electrical Code (Article 600). See power supply instructions.

17. Insert wire connectors into weather box. Fill with electrical grade silicone and close box.

18. Secure the weather box using a #6 or #8 (M2 or M3) screw.

METHOD B – Installing Light Engines Without Light Guides (Dry Indoor

Only)

WARNING
RISK OF FIRE: Light engine by itself is intended for use in dry indoor application only.
Planning First
Plan the layout by measuring the design layout and dividing by 8 ft . (2.44 m) to determine the required quantity of Contour Gen 2. Refer to the Cutting Resolution Table on page 3 when cutting any Tetra Contour Gen 2 section.   NOTE: For side bends, please use Contour Gen 2 Side Bend (GEXNSxx-2) Light Engines
Installation methods shown are for straight runs. For custom shapes, install mounting clips at regular intervals throughout the shape to provide adequate support for the light engine.
DO NOT bend the light engine to an inside radius that is tighter than 2 in. (50.8 mm). The light engine is not intended for excessive or repetitive bending or stretching. If the silicone does crack, replace the light engine.
If you have questions about these instructions or your Contour application, contact support at tetra.support@gecurrent.com
Installation

1. Install a mounting clip, using #6 (M2) counter sink screws, every 6-12 inches (152-305 mm) on center until the end of the run is reached.

2. Using the light engine final length, measure out the necessary length of Contour Gen 2 light engine. If required, using a sharp cutting tool, cut through light engine.

3. For cut end, fill cap with electrical grade silicone and push GEXNSL-2 Field Sleeve on the end to seal. Clean excess silicone.

4. Push each 24 in. (610 mm) light engine segment into the clips. Fold loose wires behind light engines. Do not stretch light engines.

5. Strip ends back 0.5 in. (13mm). Use twist-on wire connectors to join cut wires together.

6. Fold wires behind light engines.
   Connect Power Supply
   WARNING
   RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: Turn power OFF before inspection, installation or removal.

7. Run a wire from the power supply to a section of Tetra Contour. Power supply connection must be completed in an acceptable UL/NEMA enclosure. Power supply loading is described on page 10.

8. Strip ends back 0.5 in. (13mm). Connect the gray wire (+) from the LED strip to the red wire (+) of the power supply. Connect the white wire (-) from the LED strip to the black or blue wire (-) of the power supply. Grounding and bonding must be done in accordance with National Electrical Code (Article 600). See power supply instructions.

Retrofit Instructions

1. (Existing Signs Only) Prior to installation, survey the site for information regarding power and accessibility inside and outside the building. Ensure that the branch circuit supplying the existing transformer or ballast will be within the voltage ratings of the new LED power supply, and have a current rating not exceeding 20A, or that permitted by applicable local, state, or country electrical codes (whichever is less).

2. (Existing Signs Only) Remove the existing lighting equipment to be replaced, such as neon tubing or fluorescent tubes; and associated transformers and ballasts. Care should be taken not to break the existing neon or fluorescent tubes.
   NOTE: Follow all federal and local regulations when disposing of neon tubing, fluorescent tubes, transformers and ballasts.

3. (Existing Signs Only) If removal of the existing lighting equipment eliminates the disconnect switch, as required by applicable local, state, or country electrical codes; a new disconnect switch must be installed.

4. (Existing Signs Only) Repair and seal any unused openings in the electrical enclosure. Openings greater than 12.7mm (1/2-in) diameter require a metal patch secured by  screws or rivets and caulked with non-hardening caulk. Smaller openings may be sealed with non-hardening caulk.

5. Using the layout guidelines above, determine required number of LED modules required to illuminate the sign.

6. A 24VDC Class 2 Power Supply, as listed below, must be used with this retrofit kit. Determine the number of Power Supplies required to power the number of LED  modules required to illuminate the sign, so as not to overload the Power Supply chosen.

7. Follow Method A, B or C to mount the Contour Gen 2.

8. Connect the DC output of the power supply to the LED modules using the Electrical Connections instructions above.

9. Connect the power unit to the supply in accordance with the applicable local, state, and country electrical codes, and the instructions found in the power supply installation guide.

10. If required, the disconnect switch shall be installed by qualified personnel, in accordance with applicable local, state, and country electrical codes.

Troubleshooting

light engine and power supply for improper connections or short circuits. Make sure you have positive to positive and negative to negative wire connections.
Some LEDs appear dim| Overload (maximum load exceeded).| Ensure the overall length of Contour Gen 2 LED light engine does not exceed the maximum load as detailed in the Tetra Power Supply Installation Instructions.
Maximum recommended supply wire
length exceeded.| Reduce the length of supply wire equal to or below the recommended maximum.
Mixed Suffix Codes of LED light engine
within an application.| Make sure that all LED light engines have the same Suffix Code
(Suffix Code is located on each packaging label).
Some of the sections are not illuminated| Incorrect wire attachment.| Check the wire connections at the Contour Gen 2 LED light engine for improper connections. Make sure you have positive to positive and negative to negative wire  connections. Check for improper cutting resolution locations (see table on Page 2).
Light/dark banding
along a section| LED light engine flexed in the wrong direction or smaller than the minimum bend radius during installation.| Remove LED light engine and properly install.
Inspect and replace light engine if damaged.

Maximum Loading per 24 VDC Class 2 Power Supply

Power Supply| GEXNB32-2, GEXNB65-2, GEXNBGL-2,
GEXNBBL-2, GEXNBYG-2, GEXNBRC-2| GEXNBRD-2
---|---|---
Rating per module| 24VDC, 1.9W/ft. (Strip)| 24VDC, 1.4W/ft. (Strip)
GEPS24-25U-NA, GEPS24-25-EU (CE only)
Load shall not exceed 0.83A| 11 ft. (3.35 m)| 15 ft. (4.57 m)
GEPS24D-80U
Load shall not exceed 3.3A| 36 ft. (10.97 m)| 49 ft. (14.93 m)
GEPS24-100U-GLX, USVI-100024FE, USVI-100024FBA
Load shall not exceed 4.0A| 44 ft. (13.41 m)| 59 ft. (17.98 m)
GEPS24-100U-GLX2, GEPS24-100U-TT
Load shall not exceed 4.0A| 46 ft. (14.02 m)| 62 ft. (18.89 m)
GEPS24-200U-GLX2
Load shall not exceed 4.0A per each (of 2) output channels| 46 ft. (14.02 m) per bank
92 ft. (28.04 m) per PS| 62 ft. (18.89 m) per bank
124 ft. (37.78 m) per PS
GEPS24-300U-GLX2
Load shall not exceed 4.0A per each (of 3) output channels| 46 ft. (14.02 m) per bank
138 ft. (42.06 m) per PS| 62 ft. (18.89 m) per bank
186 ft. (56.67 m) per PS

NOTE: For linear long runs, center connection to the LED strip is recommended to minimize voltage drop.
Maximum Remote Mounting Distance

| 18 AWG/0.82 mm²
Supply Wire| 16 AWG/1.31 mm²
Supply Wire| 14 AWG/2.08 mm²
Supply Wire| 12 AWG/3.31 mm²
Supply Wire
---|---|---|---|---
25W Power Supply| 20 ft./6.1 m| –| –| –
80W Power Supply| 20 ft./6.1 m| 30 ft./9.1 m| 50 ft./15.2 m| 86 ft./26.1 m
100W Power Supply| 20 ft./6.1 m| 30 ft./9.1 m| 50 ft./15.2 m| 86 ft./26.1 m
200W Power Supply| 20 ft./6.1 m| 30 ft./9.1 m| 50 ft./15.2 m| 86 ft./26.1 m
300W Power Supply| 20 ft./6.1 m| 30 ft./9.1 m| 50 ft./15.2 m| 86 ft./26.1 m

Dismantling

At the end of life, the contained LED light source may be cut out using suitable wire cutters, removed from the mounting surface, then replaced per the cutting and installation instructions above, or dismantled and taken to a communal collecting point for environmentally friendly disposal in accordance with local regulations by a professional installer.
This product is intended solely for the use of non-residential signage lighting and is not intended for use in any other applications.
Conforms to the following standards:

Electrical products must not be thrown out with domestic waste. They must be taken to a communal collecting point for environmentally friendly disposal in accordance with local regulations. Contact your local authorities or stockiest for advice on recycling. The packaging material is recyclable.
Dispose of the packaging in an environmentally friendly manner and make it available for the recyclable material collection-service.

www.gecurrent.com
© 2022 Current Lighting Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. GE and the GE monogram are trademarks of the
General Electric Company and are used under license. Information provided is subject to change without notice.
All values are design or typical values when measured under laboratory conditions.
SIGN297 (Rev 02/6/22) DOC-2001571

References

• Signage Lighting | Current - GLI Brands
• LED Commercial Lighting and Lighting Controls | Current - GLI Brands
• Homepage | Current - GLI Brands
• Signage Lighting | Current - GLI Brands
• LED Sign Lighting and Channel Letter Lighting | Current - GLI Brands

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