GM Lighting LTR Series LEDTask Flexible LED Tape Installation Guide
- June 6, 2024
- GM Lighting
Table of Contents
- Before You Begin
- Dry Location
- Turn Power Off at Circuit Breaker Before Installing
- Determine Location and Prepare Mounting Surface
- Layout and Pre-Configure Components Before You Begin Installation
- Cutting Tape
- Attaching Connector
- Attaching Power to Tape Connector
- Warning
- Mounting Tape
- Using Mounting Channels
- Wet Location
- Turn Power Off at Circuit Breaker Before Installing
- Determine Location and Prepare Mounting Surface
- Un-Boxing and Organizing Pre-Configured Products
- Test Before Permanently Mounting
- Mounting With 3M Adhesive Tape
- Using Mounting Channels
- Using Silicone Mounting Clips
- Terminating Run with End Cap
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Voltage Drop Charts
- 12V Wire Voltage Drop
- Guide to Voltage Drop
- 24V Wire Voltage Drop
- Typical Application Set-Up and Wiring Diagrams
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
GM Lighting LTR Series LEDTask Flexible LED Tape Installation Guide
Before You Begin
- Install all drivers and tape in accordance with national and local electrical codes and building standards.
- In all cases, GM Lighting recommends that you hire or consult with a licensed and qualified electrician or electrical contractor.
- Do not modify this product. Modifying or mounting this product outside of the directions in this installation guide will void the warranty and may result in injury.
- Please adhere to Dry, Damp or Wet location use restrictions. Wet location does not mean you can `submerge in water’. Do not install these products within 5 feet of swimming pool or spa.
- Only install with GM Lighting Line DRIVE DC LED Drivers. Using other drivers voids 5-year warranty.
- Some wattage profiles require installation into GM Lighting LED mounting channels for proper heat control.
- To avoid voltage drop, ensure that wire gauge used is sufficient to keep under 3% voltage drop. See Voltage Drop Chart on Page 7.
- Do not exceed maximum run listed for each tape type, and for power supply (per circuit on dual circuit models).
- Cut at designated cut points only (Fig. 1). Cutting anywhere else will result in damage to the LED tape and will void warranty.
- Do not solder. Use GM Lighting approved SureTite™ or EZ connectors.
- Proper installation will insure many years of successful usage. Failure to follow safety warnings and instructions will void warranty.
WARNING!
DO NOT CONNECT DIRECTLY TO 120V CURRENT!
PLEASE READ PREVIOUS PAGE AND FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE INSTALLING
Dry Location
Dry location is a designation that usually means `indoor’. LTR Series dry location tape is presented in a copper bus that is not encapsulated with a silicone sheath. To insure proper operation, install only in locations that are not exposed to moisture, steam, inclement weather or leaks of any type. For Wet Location, go to page 5.
Turn Power Off at Circuit Breaker Before Installing
Prior to installation, verify that all components (LED tape, connectors, mounting clips, channels and power supplies) are compatible. Verify that power is off before proceeding.
Determine Location and Prepare Mounting Surface
Locate area where Line DRIVE power supply is to be mounted. Make sure area is clean and free of dust and any debris that may hamper installation or get in the way of wiring. Please make sure that the wire gauge that you select has voltage drop, amperage rating and type (in-wall, dry or wet location, etc.) factored in
Layout and Pre-Configure Components Before You Begin Installation
Locate area where Line DRIVE power supply is to be mounted. Make sure that this space is free of obstructions and can be easily reached for mounting or maintenance.
LED Task™ Flexible LED Tape LTR-E, LTR-P and LTR-S Series Dry Location LED Tape
Cutting Tape
LED tape is unique in the fact that it is the only lighting `fixture’ that you can cut to length with only a pair of scissors. We made it easy for you to do that! Find the cut mark closest to your desired length and cut cleanly, across the marks. Fig. 1
Peel back adhesive 1/2″ to expose back of tape. You are now ready for attaching a connector Fig. 2. If you’re at the end of your run, you’re done.
Attaching Connector
Using Sure-Tite Connector (ST or EST Series) Loosen screws at end of connector. Slide tape in firmly, pushing it all the way until it stops. Make sure that tape is seated firmly, creating a tight bond with the connector. Snug-tight screws, do not overtighten. Fig. 3.
Attaching Power to Tape Connector
Use same procedure for connecting Sure-Tite connector. The other end of connector is wired into your Line DRIVE power supply. Please consult power supply instructions for a step by step for this easy procedure. Make sure that you you are connected to the same polarity.
Warning
Make sure that tape is pressed firmly into connector, insuring that tape
contacts are firmly seated into connector. Improper or loose seating can cause
tape to short out or not perform properly.
Test tape installation by powering up before permanently mounting. If tape
does not perform satisfactorily, check our FAQ / Troubleshooting tips on page
7.
Mounting Tape
As described, tape can be mounted either by adhesive tape backing, or by
channel. In some cases, we require channel mounting for proper heat
dissipation. Dust will hamper adhesion. Wear protection, do not breathe in
fumes. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Fig. 1. The following strips require
mounting in channel.
LTR-P 4.5W Series – 16′ max.
LTR-P 5.8W Series – 16′-4″ max.
LTR-S 5.8W Series – 16′-4″ max.
Peel back adhesive 1/2″ to expose back of tape. You are now ready for attaching a connector Fig. 2. If you’re at the end of your run, you’re done.
Using Mounting Channels
We offer a complete line of architectural quality aluminum extruded mounting
channels and lenses in both 4′ and 8′ lengths. In measuring out a channel for
your installation, take note that not all channels accept connectors within
them. Best to make your connections outside of the channel. Cut channels with
the lens fitting down to avoid shattering.
Cut channel using a metal blade in a circular saw or with a hacksaw. Make sure
you observe all proper safety precautions and wear protective goggles. If
using a hacksaw, insure that channel is tightly clamped to work bench. Fig. 3.
Mount channels using counter sunk screws. Sink screw every 12″ along length of channel. Fig. 4.
Lay tape in using adhesive backing to adhere tape to channel. Press firmly along length of tape. Do not apply a roller to tape as this may damage diodes. Fig. 5.
Snap lens into channel, working from one end to the other. Lens will seat into channel with an audible snapping sound.
WARNING!
DO NOT CONNECT DIRECTLY TO 120V CURRENT! DO NOT SUBMERGE DIRECTLY INTO WATER.
WET LOCATION TAPE IS CUT AND CAP ONLY.
Wet Location
Wet location is a designation that usually means `outdoor rated’. LTR-WP Series wet location tape is protected by a silicone sheath that protects the tape within from moisture and inclement weather. To insure proper operation, install only in locations that are at least 5 feet away from swimming pools and spas.
Turn Power Off at Circuit Breaker Before Installing
Prior to installation, verify that all components (LED tape, connectors, mounting clips, channels and power supplies) are compatible.
Determine Location and Prepare Mounting Surface
Locate area where Line DRIVE power supply is to be mounted. Make sure area is clean and free of dust and any debris that may hamper installation or get in the way of wiring. Please make sure that the wire gauge that you select has voltage drop, amperage rating and type (in-wall, dry or wet location, etc.) is factored in.
Un-Boxing and Organizing Pre-Configured Products
Your LTR-WP Series Wet Location Tape Application has been pre-configured, cut and packaged for you. Open box and remove contents carefully. Lay tape out over application area and insure that all measurements are accurate. If not, return in original packaging.
Test Before Permanently Mounting
After confirming that your LTR-P-WP pre-configured order is accurate, lay everything out and connect per these instructions. Fig. 1.
Test tape installation by powering up before permanently mounting. If tape does perform satisfactorily, check our FAQ / Troubleshooting tips on page 7.
Mounting With 3M Adhesive Tape
Your LTR-P-WP configured layout came with enough 3M double stick tape to adhere your complete
Using Mounting Channels
See `Using Mounting Channels’ instructions on Page 4. Drill mounting holes using counter-sunk screws (by others). Fig. 3.. Lay in tape with using 3M double stick tape to insure that tape is securely in position within channel. Attach frosted lens. Connectors do not fit in all channels.
Using Silicone Mounting Clips
Using the supplied tube of silicone gel, squeeze gel into end cap and push onto end of run, capping off the final length of tape. Fig. 4.
Terminating Run with End Cap
Using the supplied tube of silicone gel, squeeze gel into end cap and push onto end of run, capping off the final length of tape. Fig. 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Voltage Drop Charts
12V Wire Voltage Drop
Guide to Voltage Drop
- Determine load size. If load is 35W round up to next load at chart at left, i.e. 40W.
- Determine distance from power supply to load. It is assumed that the distance is no longer than 20 feet.
- We recommend using a heavier gauge wire. This is the `safest choice’ and usually eliminates excess voltage drop.
24V Wire Voltage Drop
Typical Application Set-Up and Wiring Diagrams
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