Stratus LED Recessed Light Installation Guide

For standard and Mud-in installations:

• Flathead screwdriver
• #2 Phillips Bit for sheet rock screws for mounting mud-in collar
• Wire stripper for the electrical connections

Additional tools for Mud-In installations:

• Drywall cutting tool
• Drywall finishing tools for mudding, sanding, and painting

Note: Select tools appropriate for your specific installation and applicable electrical codes.

• Stratus LED Recessed Light (2-inch, 3-inch, or 3-inch Mud-In) and driver
• Wire nuts, WAGOs, or other listed connector
• Sheet rock screws (required for the Mud-In drywall ring)

Important Safety and Handling Requirements

S.A.F.E.T.Y. — Follow these guidelines before starting your installation.

S: Shut off power. Turn OFF power at the electrical panel before beginning installation or performing maintenance. Verify that the circuit is de-energized before handling wiring.

A: Ask a licensed electrician if needed. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable working with electrical systems, consult a licensed electrician.

F: Follow NEC guidelines. Install all LED products in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable local electrical and building codes.

E: Equip yourself with proper PPE. Use appropriate personal protective equipment for electrical work and ceiling installation.

T: Treat the wires as live. Never assume wiring is de-energized without verifying it.

Y: You are responsible. Follow all product instructions, electrical requirements, and applicable safety practices throughout installation.

Additional safety requirements:

• Do not disassemble the product. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Do not create or alter open holes in enclosures containing wiring or electrical components during installation.
• Protect wiring from sharp edges and sheet metal to prevent damage or abrasion.
• The Stratus light is rated IP44 and is suitable for damp locations. Confirm that the intended installation environment is appropriate for the product.

Confirm Your Installation Type

Choose the instructions that match your fixture:

• Standard Stratus: The fixture installs directly into a prepared ceiling cutout using metal leaf springs.
• Mud-In Stratus: A drywall ring is secured to the ceiling and finished with drywall compound, sanding, and paint for a seamless appearance.

Confirm the Ceiling Cutout

Use the correct cutout size for your fixture before proceeding.

Fixture size	Required ceiling cutout
2-inch downlight	2-1/8 in. (55 mm)
3-inch downlight	2-15/16 in. (75 mm)

Measure carefully before cutting. Confirm that the ceiling cavity has sufficient space for the fixture and driver, and that the installation location is free of obstructions.

Select Your Color Temperature

The Stratus light features a selectable CCT switch with three options:

• 2700K - warm white
• 3000K - soft white
• 4000K - cool white

Select your preferred color temperature before closing the driver compartment or installing the fixture.

Option A: Standard Stratus Recessed Light

Step 1: Prepare the Ceiling Cutout

Verify that the ceiling opening matches the required cutout dimensions for your fixture.

Confirm that power is OFF at the electrical panel and that the installation area is ready for the fixture and driver.

Step 2: Open the Driver Cover

Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the driver cover and access the interior wiring.

Locate the CCT switch and select your desired color temperature: 2700K, 3000K, or 4000K.

Step 3: Connect the Wiring

Connect the supply wiring to the driver according to the terminal markings:

Driver marking	Connection
LINE (L)	Line conductor
GROUND	Grounding conductor
NEUTRAL (N)	Neutral conductor

Follow the driver markings and applicable electrical codes. Have a licensed electrician complete the wiring if needed.

Before closing the driver cover, verify that the connections are secure and that no wiring is pinched or exposed to sharp edges.

Step 4: Position the Driver

Place the driver in the ceiling cavity in a suitable location, ensuring that wiring is not pinched or damaged. The driver is required to remain accessible per the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Step 5: Install the Light Fixture

1. Flex both metal leaf springs back toward the fixture.
2. Align the fixture with the ceiling cutout.
3. Carefully insert the fixture into the opening.
4. Release the springs so they secure the fixture in place.

Make sure the fixture sits securely and evenly in the ceiling.

Step 6: Adjust the Light Direction

Once the fixture is installed, adjust the light to suit your application.

• Rotation: Up to 355 degrees
• Tilt: 0-30 degrees

Rotate and tilt the light to direct illumination where needed.

Step 7: Install the Finishing Collar

Align the finishing collar with the recessed light. The 2" collar attaches by lining up and clicking in. The 3" collar attaches magnetically to the fixture.

Verify that the collar is seated evenly and that the finished installation looks clean.

Step 8: Restore Power and Test

Once the installation is complete and all electrical connections and covers have been secured, restore power at the electrical panel.

Test the fixture for proper operation and confirm that the selected color temperature and aiming direction meet your needs.

Option B: Mud-In Stratus Recessed Light

Step 1: Prepare the Ceiling Opening

Cut the ceiling opening to the required size for your fixture.

Confirm that the opening is ready for the Mud-In drywall ring and that the driver can be positioned within the ceiling cavity.

Step 2: Open the Driver Cover and Select CCT

Use a flathead screwdriver to gently open the driver cover.

Select the desired color temperature using the CCT switch: 2700K, 3000K, or 4000K.

Step 3: Secure the Drywall Ring

Position the Mud-In drywall ring at the ceiling opening.

Secure the ring to the ceiling using appropriate screws. Verify that the ring is properly positioned and secure before proceeding.

Step 4: Finish the Drywall

Apply drywall compound over the drywall ring and surrounding area as needed.

Sand and paint the surface to create a smooth, seamless finish around the opening.

Allow finishing materials to dry fully before installing the light fixture.

Step 5: Connect the Light to the Driver

With power OFF, connect the light to its driver using the supplied fixture connection.

Position the driver in the ceiling cavity and ensure that the wiring is not pinched or damaged.

Connect the LINE, GROUND, and NEUTRAL wires following applicable electrical codes.

Step 6: Insert and Lock the Fixture

1. Align the light with the Mud-In ring.
2. Insert the fixture into the ceiling opening.
3. Twist the fixture until you hear or feel it click into place.
4. Verify that the fixture is securely seated.

Do not force the fixture if it does not engage correctly. Check the alignment and mounting components before proceeding.

Step 7: Adjust the Light Direction

Aim the fixture as needed for your space.

• Rotation: Up to 355 degrees
• Tilt: 0-30 degrees

Confirm that the light is directed appropriately before completing the installation.

Step 8: Install the Reflector

Align the reflector with the recessed light. The reflector attaches magnetically.

Check that the collar sits flush and evenly against the finished ceiling.

Step 9: Restore Power and Test

Once the installation and finishing work are complete, verify that all connections and covers are secure.

Restore power at the electrical panel and test the light. Confirm proper operation, color temperature, and aiming direction.

Issue	What to Check
Light does not turn on	Verify that power is restored, the circuit is functioning, and the driver and fixture connections are secure.
Light does not sit flush with the ceiling	Confirm that the cutout is the correct size and that the leaf springs or Mud-In mounting components are properly aligned.
Fixture feels loose	Check the leaf springs or Mud-In locking mechanism and verify that all mounting components are securely engaged.
Light is aimed incorrectly	Adjust the fixture within its 355 degree rotation and 0-30 degree tilt range.
Incorrect color temperature	Turn OFF power before accessing the driver compartment. Check that the CCT switch is set to 2700K, 3000K, or 4000K as desired.
The reflector will not sit properly	Check that the reflector's alignment and magnetic attachment or that it is clicked into place. Verify that the fixture is fully seated.
Wiring appears damaged or connections are uncertain	Keep power OFF and consult a licensed electrician. Do not operate the fixture until the issue is resolved.

Before considering the installation complete, confirm the following:

• The fixture is installed in the correct ceiling cutout.
• All electrical connections are secure and wiring is undamaged.
• The driver cover is properly closed.
• The fixture is securely mounted.
• The desired color temperature is selected.
• The light is aimed correctly.
• The finishing collar is properly attached.
• Power has been restored and the fixture operates correctly.
• For Mud-In installations, the drywall finish is complete and clean.