LED Light Installation Guide
Thank you for your purchase of a Wavelux, Auralux, or Pixel-Free LED Strip light! We are excited to get you better acquainted with the new wave of lighting that is taking the world by storm. LED Strip Lights can provide more even room illumination, and more integrated light for practically anything. Thanks to advancing new technologies, LED lights are more efficient, last longer, more eco-friendly than nearly any other light on the planet. So buckle up, let’s get down to it.
In this guide, you will learn proper techniques for installation, best practices for power supplies and controllers, along with things to avoid along the way. If you have questions surrounding installation or troubleshooting, please feel free to contact us.
CONTENTS
- INSTALLATION
- ACCESSORIES
- POWER SUPPLY
- CONTROLLERS
- FAQ
- PRECAUTIONS
- WARRANTY
1. INSTALLATION
The following diagrams show some common installation techniques to install an LED strip. Keep in mind whenever possible, we recommend soldering the contacts over strip connectors, especially in larger scale installations. They provide a longer lasting, more reliable hold, and take much of the guess work out of troubleshooting.
When soldering bare leads or barrel connectors to the LED Strip, we recommend adding glue and heat shrink tubing over the top of the connection area to ensure a proper hold on the LED Strip. Make sure to look at the strips marking to use the correct polarity.
2. ACCESSORIES
The most common accessory is a DC connector. Typically, the female end is installed on the LED Strip, as most wall-type power supplies will come with a male end. When jumping wire from LED Strip to LED Strip, you can use the same technique by adding DC Connectors to make it disconnect, or bare wires. Be sure to glue and heat shrink or electrical tape the connection area for best results.
To help you along the way, we’ve put together a helpful how-to guide on best practices to solder your LED strips. Follow along the video by scanning the QR Code below.
USING CONNECTORS
If using connector to connector fittings, FPC or other connectors to secure you LED tape, see the below diagrams. When using these types of fittings, it is important to have the LED strip secured in place prior to fitting the connector on, using extreme caution not to move the connector once snapped into place. Because the contacts are generally spring or contact fit, the hold between LED Strip and connector is only press fit, so any movement after the connector is secured can misalign the contact points. It is recommended to test each fitting once installed to make sure connection is secured.
USING CONNECTORS (CONT.)
When using L, T, or X type connections, make sure the polarity on the strip matches with each new section added. Like mentioned previously, make sure to add these connectors ONLY once the LED Strip is in place. Due to the nature of Pixel-Free LED products, we do NOT recommend using snap fit connectors for best results.
CUTTING & WATERPROOF TYPE CONNECTORS
When cutting ANY LED Strip, it is important to cut only on the cut points located on the front or backside of each strip. It should be labeled with scissor marks and be sure to cut evenly to be able to use each side of the solder pads. Cutting too far on one side will make it difficult or impossible to use that section of LEDs.
Waterproof connectors provide a better hold than non-waterproof connectors as they limit the flexing of the strip at the connection area.
COMBINING MULTIPLE LED STRIPS
When combining multiple strips, align the solder pads together, overlapping the strips slightly. Be sure to check the polarity on each side of the LED Strip. Once soldered, it is recommended to glue both sides of the strip at the seam, and add a piece of clear heat shrink tubing for best results.
USING MOUNTING CLIPS
When using clips, make sure to have LED Strip securely in place. Often times, having a second set of hands to help hold the strip in place is valuable. For most LED Strips, having clips located 0.3m (~1ft) apart or less is recommended. When adding to curved surfaces, it is recommended to add a mounting clip before and after the curve.
For high output LED Strips, it is common for the LED to heat up. For best results, we recommend adding the LED Strip to an aluminum surface to help dissipate the heat generated by the LED Strip. This will allow the LEDs to cool and longer lasting performance over your LEDs.
3. POWER SUPPLY
When selecting a power supply, it is important to use DC Isolated power supplies and confirm ripple wave of constant voltage source is less than 5% for best results. Depending on the power supply, it is recommended to make sure the power supply is rated for 20% more than the LED Strip consumption to guarantee sufficient voltage is available to drive the lighting properly and to avoid premature damage to the power supply. POLARITY MATTERS! Make sure positive and negative poles of wires during installation are correct. Failure to do so can cause irreparable damage to the LED Strip or power supply.
CONFIGURATIONS
Below is a common configuration for a single power supply with multiple LED Strips combined.
MULTIPLE POWER SUPPLY CONFIGURATIONS
In installations where the LED Strip consumes a lot of power, or when space is at a premium where smaller power supplies are required, it can be common to have multiple power supplies on a single room or installation. To avoid voltage drop on longer strips, it is possible to wire a strip from both ends. IMPORTANT: ONLY POWER LED STRIP FROM BOTH ENDS ON THE SAME POWER SUPPLY. NEVER USE MORE THAN ONE POWER SUPPLY WITH THIS CONFIGURATION.
4. CONTROLLERS
In order to use any Auralux dimmers in line between the power supply, it is recommended to keep each LED Strip on their own channel. This ensures there is proper voltage allocated for each LED Strip.
When using multiple RGB or RGBW LED Strips on the same dimmer, it is possible to combine the same color on each channel. Keep in mind to read the voltage and consumption requirements on the LED Strip packaging. Do NOT exceed the maximum per channel allowance on any dimming controller.
WALL DIMMING
When using wall dimmers and combining with dimming controllers, it is important to read the voltage requirements on the dimmer to ensure proper power is being sent to the dimmer. Common wall dimmers operate at 110V or 24V, but they are NOT interchangeable. The following diagram is for a low voltage wall dimmer (24V).
WALL DIMMING (Color Controller)
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (MOUNTING)
USING MOUNTING CLIPS
Make sure the mounting clips are on the same plane to avoid awkward bending of the strip. Side to side bending, and 360° bending IS possible with this strip, but be sure to keep a minimum bending diameter of 120mm (4.7”).
INSTALLATION INTO LINEAR CHANNELS OR SUBSTRATES
It is recommended to use caution when inserting the strip into channels and various substrates. LED is not meant to have sharp bends, so make sure to use extreme caution when inserting or removing the strip from a channel. When installing long lengths, 2-person installation is recommended to avoid damaging the LED Strip.
5. FAQ
Why are the LEDs not illuminating?
CHECK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
- If the power is on
- If the polarity is connected properly (Red to +, Black to -)
- If there is a short circuit in power supply (may see a light on power supply)
- If there is a short circuit caused by automatic short-circuit protection
- If the fuse is burned. If so, replace the fuse.
Check the above items carefully in order to ensure the strip is working properly.
Why is there an inconsistent brightness in the LED?
CHECK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
- If there is an overload in power supply. If so, add more power supplies.
- If there is too much loss in a long line between LED and Power supply. If so, use a thicker gauge cable or shorten the leads to the LED.
- If there are too many LED strips connected in series. If so, adjust the number of LED strips. Typically running LED strips in series like to stay below 5m (16.4ft).
Why is the LED Flashing?
CHECK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
- If the connection area is making good contact. If not, try to resolder or reconnect
- If the power supply is stable. Often times if using a power supply that is not rated for at least 120% of the consumption of LEDs, the power supply can have negative effects like strobing, flashing, or drop out after seconds.
6. PRECAUTIONS
- Use 24V DC Isolated Power Supply to drive LED Strip and confirm ripple wave of constant voltage source is less than 5%. Do not use RC Voltage reduction or non-isolated power supply to drive LED Strip.
- In order to guarantee sufficient voltage is available to drive LED Strip in all conditions, make sure power supply is rated for 20% more than LED Strip consumption.
- Do not touch AC Power Supply when powered on
- Polarity Matters! Make sure to wire positive and negative poles of wires during installation to avoid damage to the strip.
- Avoid scratching, distorting, and repeated bending of product during installation. Not following this can cause irreparable damage to strip.
- Product is not intended to be submerged and used in swimming pools or hot tubs
- Professional installation recommended
- Install in the space without chemicals like sulfur, acid, halogen.
- The temperature of the application environment should range from -20℃ to 45℃.
- The quality of atmosphere should not be lower than the national secondary standard.
- The no waterproof strip (IP33) can only be applied in indoors with the humidity no more than 55%.
- The gel coting strip (IP55) can only withstand a little water for a short time instead of being exposed to the environment with humidity more than 80% for a long time.
- The silicone tube waterproof strip (IP65) can withstand the influences from atmosphere, but it can only withstand a little water for a short time instead of being exposed to the environment with humidity more than 80% for a long time.
- The silicone filling waterproof strip (IP67), a product that is suitable for indoors and outdoors, can withstand 1m underwater pressure for a short time if it has been protected well from the extrusion and ultra-violet radiation.
- The Nano waterproof strip (IP68), a product that is suitable for indoors and outdoors, can withstand 1m underwater pressure for a long time if it has been protected well from the extrusion and ultra-violet radiation.
- To ensure the lighting effect, the power supply of every 5m long strip should be connected to a main power supply.
- To ensure the long life span of strip, please do not pull the strip or power supply wire hard during installation and using.
- To ensure the stability and long life span of strip, the bending diameter of strip should not be less than 60mm. The strip should not be folded to prevent the LED beads from damage.
- Please make sure the wire is connected to the anode and cathode (+/-) correctly. The power output should be consistent with the voltage of the strip.
- To avoid the damaged components caused by surge voltage or unstable current, please use the stable power supply.
- Please make sure the product is well protected during installation and make an appropriate prevention from static.
- The strip will dissipate heat during using, please make sure it has been placed at a ventilated place.
7. PRODUCT WARRANTY
A warranty period of three years is provided for products in normal use. For any faults arising during the period that are confirmed to be quality related by inspection of the company, a product of the same model will be replaced for free. 2、 The warranty does not cover any of the following: (1). Any product damage due to usage not allowed in the instructions. (2). Any product damage due to disassembling or wrong operations by the user. (3). Severe appearance damage or deformation of the product.
If you have any questions or concerns about your LED Installation, please call or email us: info@ellumiglow.com. Click HERE to download a copy of this for printing or offline use.
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