Pergola LED Lighting Kit Installation Guide
Overview
At aspectLED, we believe integrated lighting is an essential part of any pergola, enhancing both its functionality and visual appeal. Based on feedback from installers and customers, we understand that adding strip lighting can often be a time-consuming and complex task. The Pergola LED Lighting Kit is designed to streamline the installation process, reduce labor time and costs, and deliver a clean, professional finish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s included in the kit and how to get started quickly and easily.
- Drill/driver and mounting hardware (screws, anchors, etc.)
- Tapered drill bit
- Screwdriver (for weatherproof box screws)
- Scissors (for cutting LED strip, if needed)
- Optional: Wire strippers and additional extension cables for larger installations
Each Pergola LED Lighting Kit includes:
- Two 32 ft Reels of Endless RGBW Color Changing LED Strip Lights - Waterproof (totaling 65 feet) with Plug-and-Play Connectors
- Water resistant Control Module Enclosure containing:
- Casambi Wireless DMX Controller
- DMX512 Decoder
- Quick connectors for 24VDC input power
- Casambi Xpress Long Range Wireless Wall Controller (app-controlled) (optional)
- 300W 24V Non-Dimmable Power Supply
- Extension Cables: Two 2 ft cables and one 32 ft cable with waterproof plug-and-play connectors
- Tube of Silicone Sealant
- Waterproof Accessories Pack: Includes end caps, mounting straps and screws (if installing into wood)
Remember S.A.F.E.T.Y.
S: Shut off power.
A: Ask a licensed electrician if needed.
F: Follow NEC guidelines.
E: Equip yourself with proper PPE.
T: Treat the wires as live.
Y: You are responsible.
Plan Your Layout
Determine where each LED strip light will be placed and how long each run needs to be. If it’s an aluminum pergola with gutters, the strip light can be mounted along the side of the gutter. If it’s a wooden pergola, mount the strip light on the horizontal beams with the silicone mounting straps. Plan for direct home-run connections from each strip light back to the controller, rather than daisy-chaining strips together.
Strip Run Limitations
Endless RGBW strip lights have a maximum single run length of 32 ft. Do not connect one strip light directly to another. Instead, use the provided extension cable or order additional ones if needed. Connect directly back to the harness coming out of the control enclosure.
Environment and Mounting Considerations
Mount the power supply and control box in a dry location: never inside a gutter or low-lying area. For best protection, mount the enclosure vertically with cables exiting downward.
Connection Process
Use the pre-installed plug-and-play connectors for each strip light. Simply align the pins between the male and female connectors, then twist the locking nut until secure. These waterproof connections require no field soldering, crimping, or heat shrink.
Extension Cables
Two 2 ft extension cables and one 32 ft extension cable are included in each kit for the 65 ft version. You can safely connect two extension cables in series, no more than 2 full length extension cables (32.8 ft of extension cables).
Avoid Voltage Drop
All strip connections should be home-run back to the controller using the provided connectors. This ensures consistent brightness and color, while avoiding voltage drop issues. As long as you use the extension cables and strip lights provided, and do not daisy chain, you do not have to worry about voltage drop.
Cutting and Resealing the Strip Light
Cut only at marked cut points. Use an end cap and apply silicone to seal the end and maintain waterproof integrity.
- Step 1: Fill the end cap with RTV silicone.
- Step 2: Slide the end cap filled with RTV silicone over the end of the strip light.
- Step 3: Let it set for 24 hours. Then, it will be re-waterproofed and ready to go!
1. Mount the power supply.
- Choose a location near a 120V outlet.
- Securely mount the power supply in a beam chase, on a post, or in a remote dry area.
2. Connect the power supply to the control box.
- Open the enclosure by unscrewing the lid.
- Loosen the cable gland and insert the red (positive) and black (negative) power leads through it.
- Connect the leads to the corresponding WAGO connectors inside. Match red to red and black to black.
- Flip the lever and tug to test that you have a secure connection.
- Ensure vertical orientation of the enclosure with cable exits at the bottom. Mount the enclosure securely using the provided screw holes (these holes are underneath the holes for the lid). Then, return the lid and tighten the screws. The lid is keyed, meaning there’s only one correct way for the lid to go on.
3. Connect the LED strip lights.
- Plug each strip light directly into the control box using the plug-and-play connectors.
- Use the extension cable where needed to bridge distance from the controller to the strip light location. Again, do not daisy chain.
Initial Setup
- Power on the system. The LED strip lights should glow with a purplish-pink hue. This confirms the controller is active.
- Download the Casambi app (free on iOS and Android).
- Open the app. It will automatically detect the Casambi units in your kit.
- Create a network and add the detected devices to your network.
Install Casambi Xpress Controller (Optional)
- Pair the Xpress controller with the Casambi module in the enclosure.
- Mount the controller in a convenient location (if using).
Key Features
- Tap and hold on a luminaire to open control sliders.
- Adjust brightness, color, and color temperature.
- Save custom scenes and colors to your palette.
- Multiple zones can be controlled independently if additional kits are used.
For more detailed instructions, visit our Casambi App Installation Guide.
- Ensure all connections are tight and sealed before powering on.
- Always test the lights and app connection before finalizing mounting.
- Reach out to the aspectLED team for technical support or layout help at 888-503-1317 or support@aspectled.com.