Armacost Lighting RibbonFlex Pro LED Accent Lighting Outdoor White LED Tape Light Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- Armacost LIGHTING
Table of Contents
Armacost Lighting RibbonFlex Pro LED Accent Lighting Outdoor White LED Tape Light
Installing tape lighting is an easy DIY project. However, basic wiring skills and tools for stripping, splicing, and connecting wires are required.
IMPORTANT
-
Use only with low-voltage constant voltage DC power supplies.
Never connect LED tape light directly to 120-volt household power. -
Do not power LED tape while coiled on reel, as the LEDs will overheat.
The mounting surface will act as a heat sink to dissipate heat. -
Never connect more than one power supply to a run of LED lighting.
-
Do not install tape light where it can come in direct contact with water. Do not use long term in high humidity environments.
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Use certified CL2 or better cabling for wire runs inside walls.
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Do not install low-voltage DC wiring in the same runs as 120-volt AC power.
All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes, low-voltage Class 2 circuit. If you are unclear as to how to install and wire this product, consult a qualified professional.
Planning
RibbonFlex LED lighting is designed for indirect lighting applications. The LEDs themselves are not intended to be seen directly by the eye. Every installation is unique, and the desired lighting effect is based primarily upon personal preference. Installation location, wall colors, mounting angles, and the light’s reflection off walls, surfaces, and objects will affect the final lighting appearance. Subtle adjustments to the positioning and angle of the LED tape can greatly impact the overall lighting effect.
Choosing a power supply
RibbonFlex LED tape operates on low voltage and requires a power supply to convert 120-volt household AC power to low-voltage DC power.
The type of power supply you choose will be based on how you want to turn on/off or dim your lighting.
Using standard 120-volt AC dimmers (e.g., Lutron® style)
To use an AC dimmer, your Armacost Lighting LED driver/power supply must clearly state on the packaging and case label that it is dimmable with 120-volt AC dimmers. Using a 120-volt dimmer with a power supply model that is NOT dimmable will damage the power supply.
Typical wiring diagram when used with an AC dimmer
Consult power supply instructions for AC dimmer compatibility
When using a 120-volt AC dimmer, the dimmable LED driver/power supply must
be direct wired to household current.
Using low-voltage LED dimmers
If installing an in-wall AC dimmer isn’t practical, use an Armacost low- voltage dimmer.
RV, boat, and solar system applications
LED tape lighting can be powered directly by a battery.
Power supply size: Determining your wattage requirements
TYPICAL DESIGN CONFIGURATIONS
Straight Run
Center Feed
Loop Back
Array
Choosing a higher wattage power supply does not necessarily mean you can run longer lengths of LED tape light. However, it will allow for more lighting legs in an array design. Exceeding the maximum lengths in the chart below will cause LEDs farthest from the power supply to appear dimmer when at 100% brightness due to voltage drop. Using a higher wattage power supply will not reduce the effect of voltage drop.
Maximum recommended tape length
Configuration| 30 LEDs/meter| 60 LEDs/meter
Length| Watts used| Length – ft./(m)| Watts used
Straight run| 32.8 ft. (10m)| 38| 22.96 ft. (7m)| 47
Ctr. feed / Loop back| 65.6 ft. (20m)| 76| 45.92 ft. (14m)| 94
Array| Varies based on layout and max wattage of power supply
How to calculate total wattage required in lighting system
Using the chart below, determine the watts used in each leg of lighting.
A straight run is considered one leg. A center feed is two equal length legs
of lighting. An array can have many legs. Include only the lengths of LED tape
in your calculation, not the connecting wires.
Add together the watts used in each leg of lighting to get total watts required. Note this is when lighting is at 100% full brightness and when it will use the most watts energy.
Approximate watts used per meter at full brightness
30 LEDs/meter
Meters| 0.5| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10
Feet| 1.6| 3.3| 6.6| 9.8| 13.1| 16.4| 19.7| 23.0| 26.2| 29.5| 32.8
Watts used| 2.3| 4.6| 9.1| 13.4| 17.6|
21.6| 25.2| 28.7| 31.9| 34.7| 37.3
60 LEDs/meter
Meters| 0.5| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10
Feet| 1.6| 3.3| 6.6| 9.8| 13.1| 16.4| 19.7| 23.0| 26.2| 29.5| 32.8
Watts used| 4.4| 8.6| 16.9| 24.6| 31.2|
37.5| 42.8| 47.1| 50.9| 53.9| 56.3
- Watts used is the power consumed by your LED lighting system, not the watt rating of a power supply.
- Always choose a power supply rated at or greater than your needs
Power supply location and voltage drop
The shorter the wire leads between the power supply and the LED lighting, the brighter and more consistent your lighting will be. To learn more visit armacostlighting.com/voltagedrop for an easy-to-use voltage drop calculator.
How to cut tape light
- Cut the LED tape with scissors directly in the center of the copper pad as shown in position “A” below.
- You can also cut the tape at position “B,” but do not use connectors on these tape light joints.
IMPORTANT: Always use the + / – indicators printed on the tape light to maintain the same polarity (+ to + and – to –).
Using connectors
Wire lead connectors are used for going around corners or, when cut in half, to create two power leads or jumper cables to bridge gaps in order to get tape lighting to other areas.
To increase the wire length between two LED strips, simply cut the connector
wire in two, and splice in the length of wire needed. 18 gauge or heavier wire
is generally recommended. Do not coil excess wire; shorter lengths and thicker
wire will mean less voltage drop and higher brightness.
Be sure all wire splice connections are secure and sealed. Options include soldering, electrical tape, crimp connectors, terminal blocks, wire nuts, etc.
Peel about 3/4 in. of the paper from the LED strip adhesive backing at the
connection point before inserting into connectors.
Sealing connection with heat shrink tube
Sealing cut end of tape light with heat shrink tube
- Mounting surfaces should be smooth, clean, completely dry, dust free and above 60ºF (15 ºC) before installing/sticking the LED tape strip in place. Thoroughly clean all mounting surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use common rubbing alcohol and household cleaners, which may leave behind residues.
- When installing on painted surfaces, paint should be fully cured based on manufacturer’s cure time.
- Be careful not to peel off the 3M adhesive from LED strip; just remove the tan paper backing.
- Support power wire leads, especially when mounting under cabinets and shelves.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Tape light strip does not light
- Make sure your LED power supply is receiving 120-volt power.
- Confirm you have maintained correct polarity (+ to + and – to –) when joining LED strips and when connecting to the power supply.
- Check all tape light connections and any switch or dimmer connections from the power supply to the LED tape light. Consider testing with a multimeter to ensure light strip is receiving power.
LED tape lights blink on and off
- Your power supply is not adequate for the length of LED tape light you are powering. Install a higher wattage power supply or reduce watts used by shortening the lengths of your LED tape lighting.
LEDs farthest from the power supply are noticeably dimmer
- This is the result of voltage drop. Decrease the length of the power feed wires or use thicker power feed wires between the power supply
Visitarmacostlighting.com/installation for additional installation tips and FAQs.
Input voltage ……………24-volt DC
Moisture rating ……………….. IP67
Beam angle …………………….120°
LED light source ……… SMD 2835
See product packaging or visit armacostlighting.com for additional product- specific information.
THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Improper installation, abuse, or failure to use this product for its intended purpose will void warranty. This warranty only applies when all components, including LED power supplies, have been provided by or approved for use by Armacost Lighting. The warranty does not cover labor or any other costs or expense to remove or install any defective, repaired or replaced products.
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References
- LED Lighting Products & Solutions from Armacost Lighting
- Contact Us – Armacost Lighting
- Voltage Drop Calculator – Armacost Lighting