GMLighting LTR-S LED Tape Series RGBW Wet Location Tape Lights Installation Guide
- July 20, 2024
- GMLighting
Table of Contents
GMLighting LTR-S LED Tape Series RGBW Wet Location Tape Lights
Product Specifications
- Product Name: LTR-S LED Tape Series COB-RGBTW
- Model Number: LTR-S-COB-RGBTW-XX
- Power: 24V, 5W
- Color: RGB + Tunable White
- Installation Type: Direct application or use in channels
- Maximum LED Tape Length: 16′-4
Planning Your Layout
- Ensure power supplies and controllers are placed near the beginning of the LED tape run.
- Use a tape measure to estimate LED tape lengths needed and make a list of sections required.
LED Circuit Definition
- LED circuit refers to a single or multiple LED tape lengths carrying a low voltage load of less than 16′-4.
For longer runs, divide LED tape sections into smaller circuits to ensure safe operation.
Installation Steps
- Mount the LED tape to the building surface before making electrical connections.
- Clean the mounting surface to remove dust and debris.
- Mark locations for channels installation.
- Determine the location of the junction box.
- Avoid using AC power circuits with high-power appliances to reduce electrical noise.
Laying Out an LED Tape Circuit
- Plan the layout starting from the power supply towards the non-powered end.
- For multiple panels, work on one panel at a time and consider separate circuits for each panel.
- Determine the number of LED linear sections between corner sections for the best fit.
- Make adjustments to fit the cut increments of the tape and repeat for other sections.
- Add additional linear tape lengths at outer sections attached to only one corner section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I connect multiple LED tape sections to one power supply?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple LED tape sections to one power supply, but
ensure the total length does not exceed the recommended maximum length.
WARNING!
DISCONNECT INCOMING POWER BEFORE CUTTING OR CONNECTING TAPE SECTIONS, OR
CONNECTING POWER SUPPLY AND CONTROL, OR WHILE MOUNTING TAPE. CONNECT POWER
ONLY AFTER ALL CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. DISCONNECT POWER AGAIN IF ANY
ADJUSTMENTS ARE TO BE MADE.
Read Before Installing
The following safety tips and alerts will ensure a safe installation and will
prolong the life of the system.
- READ ALL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING: IF NOT QUALIFIED, DO NOT ATTEMPT INSTALLATION. CONTACT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
- INSPECT THE PRODUCT FOR DAMAGE OR IMPERFECTIONS. DO NOT USE IF DAMAGED. RETURN IT TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A REPLACEMENT KIT.
Installing this product with disregard to the instructions herein can be dangerous and will void warranty.
Use Only Recommended LineDrive Power Supplies or Controllers for Proper
Operation.
See LTR-S-COB-RGBTW Spec Sheet.
- THIS TAPE IS NOT MEANT TO BE COVERED UNLESS WITH LENS FROM A CERTIFIED GM LIGHTING MOUNTING CHANNEL.
- DO NOT APPLY POWER TO LED TAPE WHILE IT IS STILL ON REEL. THIS TAPE IS FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT USE TAPE OUT DOORS, ADJACENT TO LIQUIDS OR WHERE CONDENSATION MAY FORM. DO NOT USE
- IN BATHROOMS CLOSE TO SHOWERS AND SINKS. DO NOT SUBMERGE IN LIQUID OR GET WET.
- DO NOT ROUTE CORD OR TAPE THROUGH WALLS, CEILINGS, DOORS, WINDOWS OR ANY SIMILAR PART OF THE BUILDING STRUCTURE. SPECIFIC CMP RATED CABLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ROUTING LOW VOLTAGE (24V) POWER THROUGH WALL AND CEILING SPACES.
- SECURE LED TAPE USING ONLY THE ATTACHED DOUBLE-STICK ADHESIVE STRIP AFFIXED TO BACK OF LED TAPE.
- DO NOT INSTALL TAPE WHERE IT CAN BE EASILY DAMAGED.
- DO NOT SECURE TAPE OR ITS CORD WITH STAPLES, NAILS, OR OTHER PRODUCTS THAT MAY DAMAGE THE OUTER JACKET OR CORD INSULATION.
- INSPECT PRODUCT AND INSTALLATION PERIODICALLY.
Planning Your Layout
Make sure that the power supplies and controllers can be located in close proximity to the start of your run. Depending on the size of the layout, the space will need to allow room for all of the components required. See controller details for specific information. Use a tape measure to estimate LED tape lengths where you want to install your LED tape. Make a list of sections required, making allowances for the space that corners and connectors may need.
LED Circuit Definition
In these instructions, the term “LED circuit” refers to a LED tape circuit
consisting of one or more LED tape lengths that carry a single, low-voltage
load of less that 16’-4” in length. This includes corners. For longer runs,
the LED tape sections must be separated into smaller circuits. This keeps each
circuit within the low voltage, Class 2 parameters for safe operation. For
larger applications, many circuits can be used together.
IMPORTANT TIPS
The LTR-S-COB-RGBTW tape must be mounted first to the building with electrical
connections done after tape is secured. Clean surface where you are applying
tape to make sure it is free of dust and any debris. Mark locations where
channels are to be installed.
Determine location of junction box being used. The location should be in an
area where power supply will not be disturbed when installed. Avoid using the
same AC power circuits that also have high power appliances plugged in to
reduce possible electrical noise.
LAYING OUT A LED TAPE CIRCUIT
-
Plan a layout starting near the power supply, working toward the non-powered end within one flat wall or ceiling panel. If your layout calls for multiple ceiling and wall combinations, layout one panel at a time. Multiple panels may be on 1 circuit of LED tape but are best separated into different circuits for ease of installation.
-
This method is used for direct application of LED tape or use in channels. Start with one LED corner section location and determine the number of LED linear sections between the next corner section to get the best fit.
-
Make final adjustments to your layout to fit the cut increments of the tape. (Fig 1). Repeat this step for other LED linear sections between corners (Fig. 2 and 3) (other shapes include rectangles, squares or zig-zag patterns with square
corners). -
Determine the additional linear tape lengths at outer sections attached to only one corner section (Fig. 3).
-
Make your parts list for the circuit including linear LED tape, corners and accessories like tape to tape splice connector or connectors with cables.
-
Repeat steps 1 through 4 for other circuits.
-
When installing LED in approved channels, layout the LED tape sections first and size the channel section lengths to fit the tape (Table 4). See specific channel specifications and instructions for details for certain features (Fig. 4).
IMPORTANT: REVIEW ‘ATTACHING TAPE TO CONNECTOR ON CABLE’ AND ‘ATTACHING TAPE TO TAPE SPLICE CONNECTOR’ ON NEXT PAGE BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ASSEMBLY.
TOOLS NEEDED:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Marking pen / pencil
- Wire strippers
- Scissors
- Wire connectors
PARTS INCLUDED
- 16’-4” Reel of LTR-S-COB-RGBTW LED Tape
- OPTIONAL PARTS:
- 18-6-WIRE in-wall rated cable
- Left or Right Flat Corner Sections
- RF Controller System
- DMX Controller System
- 24V Power Supply
- Aluminum Mounting Channel
GM Channels Compatiblewith LTR-S-COB-24V-5W-RGBTW
CHANNEL FAMILY | CHANNEL PART SERIES |
---|---|
Extra Deep | LED-CHL-XD |
Extra Deep Flange | LED-CHL-XD-F |
45* Large Angle Mount | LED-CHL-45-1200 |
Wide | LED-CHL-W |
Mud-In Standard | LED-CHL-MI-STD |
ATTACHING TAPE TO CONNECTOR
ON CABLE
FOR LOC6-TT-3/6/12/24/36/60
- Line up end of connector to edge of tape making sure that contacts labeled +DC24V aligns with Black wire.
- DO NOT CONNECT IF THEY DO NOT LINE UP. FLIP TAPE
AROUND IF NECESSARY. DO NOT FLIP CABLE. MAKE SURE THAT CABLE WIRES LOOK LIKE THEY DO BELOW (IN GREEN), WITH BLACK ON TOP.
ATTACHING TAPE TO TAPE SPLICE CONNECTOR FOR LOC6-TT-S
- Line up edge of both lengths of tape, or length of tape and L-Connector, in both sides of connector. Align +24V to +24V.
- REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 3 FOR PROPER CONNECTION PROCESS (FIG. 7 AND FIG. 8).
INSTALLING COB-RGBTW TAPE (Cont.)
APPLYING TAPE TO SURFACE
AND/OR MOUNTING CHANNEL
- If you opt to lay tape down on surface without using a mounting chan-nel, first remove the backing adhesive liner. Making sure that surface has been cleaned and wiped free of debris, lay tape down along desired path, pressing firmly to engage adhesive for a firm fit.
- Use the same process to adhere tape to the mounting channel by first removing backing adhesive liner. Make sure channel is free of debris, and starting at the end closest to your power feed, lay tape down into channel – pressing firmly (Fig. 5).
USING TAPE TO CABLE CONNECTORS AND TAPE TO TAPE CONNECTORS
- See right and wrong method to make connections on previous page. Insert cut edges of tape that you want to join together into open jaws
of connector (they ship to you pre-opened). Using pressure from your fingers, close upper jaw until it snaps shut (Fig. 6).
RUNNING LONG SECTIONS OF WIRE:
When the controller or decoder is a long distance from the LED tape, connect
to each LED tape circuit by using 18AWG or larger wire to extend the cable on
the tape. Use 18-6-WIRE-XXXFT or similar wire. DO NOT replace the multi-
colored 6-wire cable attached to the connectors. Make sure that you are
connecting each wire properly for each color LED channel when wiring both
lengths together. If running wire inside wall or ceilings, make sure wire is
rated for application.
INSTALL THE POWER SUPPLIES AND CONTROL SYSTEM
-
Determine wattage on each zone: Each foot of LED tape = 5W. Add up the number of feet and multiply by 5. Do this for each circuit in the zone.
(Example: 32 ft. x 5W/foot = 160 watts).
IMPORTANT: The LED load will need to be divided into groups of less than 82 watts, which is 1 reel of LED Tape (16’-4”). 1 reel (82W) meets Class 2 guidelines for 1 circuit. -
Determine the number of power supplies required: Since this is a Class 2 system, 96 watts maximum is the limit with most power supplies. For lower wattage, select a power supply that is close, but higher in wattage (Example: For 45W load, a 48W, 60W, 90W or 96W power supply is recommended). For larger wattages, divide the zone wattage by 96W. 200W or 300W drivers with multiple 96W outputs can be used also.
(Example: 160W [zone] ÷ 96W = 1.66 – round that up to 2 96W power supplies). -
Determine the number of controllers or decoders: Use 1 controller or decoder per 96W per the power supply above.
Ex.: For 2 power supplies, use 2 decoders or controllers. -
Consult the Compatible Controllers Table for recommended GM Lighting controllers (FIG. 4).
DETERMINE CONTROL SYSTEM TO BE USED
Consult the Compatible Controllers Table for Recommended GM Lighting
Controllers (TABLE 7).
Choose either the RF control or DMX control system to use the full capability
of the RGBTW tape. See separate instructions for details on each system.
RF CONTROLLER: This is a basic option that is easy to install and can be used
as a stand-alone system.
DMX CONTROLLER WITH BLUETOOTH APP AND DECODERS: This professional-grade
operating system can be modified for use with a bigger system. A Bluetooth®
app is available to enable advanced programming options. A Wi-Fi network or
connection is not required for DMX control. REFER TO THE GM LIGHTING DMX GUIDE
BEFORE PROCEEDING.
COMPATIBLE CONTROLLERS
System | Catalog No. | Description |
---|---|---|
RF Control | HCCM-RF-RGBTW | RGBTW 5 Channel Controller with RF |
Remote with holder and mounting hardware
RPT-RGBTW| 5 Channel Repeater
DMX Control| DMX-LT-995| 5-Channel DMX Decoder
WC5-RGBTW-DMX-BT| Black Wall Control 5-Channel DMX, Bluetooth App
(requires LD-E-UNV8-12 )
LD-E-UNV8-12| 12V 8W Constant Voltage Driver 120V/277VAC ln
DMX-TR-5| DMX Terminator Resistor 120 Ohm, 1/4 Watt, 5 pcs
©2024 GM LIGHTING, LLC • www.gmlighting.net •
Specifications subject to change without notice
18700 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477 • Toll-Free:
866-671-0811 FAX:
708-478-2640 •
tech@gmlighting.net
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