RGB Color Changing LED Strip Light Installation Guide

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Overview

aspectLED’s Flexible LED strip lights are a perfect solution for a wide variety of architectural and accent lighting applications including; cove lighting, under-cabinet lighting, back-lighting, pathway lighting and decorative lighting. Our flexible LED strip lights are made with wire leads on both ends of each 16.4’ reel and can be cut at designated cut points, allowing you to cut pieces to the exact length that you need.

Models

Specifications

Tools You'll Need

1. Tape measure
2. Wire stripper
3. Scissors
4. Screw driver

Before You Begin

We know how boring it can be to read instructions, so we’ll keep this installation guide as short and sweet as possible. Before you begin with your installation, be sure to fully read these instructions. They contain many useful tips and pointers that will help to ensure a perfect installation, save you time, and ensure your safety.

It is important that you install this product (and all other electrical products) in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and all applicable local building and electrical codes for your area. If you are unfamiliar with the NEC, your local building/electrical codes, and/or the proper installation methods for electrical devices, you should hire a qualified and licensed electrician to do the work for you.

Before doing any electrical work, always disconnect power at the fuse or circuit breaker

Important Considerations

1. LED strip lights must be powered by a compatible aspectLED constant voltage driver.
2. DO NOT power strip lights while tightly coiled or attached to reel.
3. DO NOT install strip lights where LED chips are exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Always consult a wire gauge chart to determine the correct size wire for your application. Wire gauge is dependent on voltage drop, amperage rating, and environment. Incorrect wire selection could overheat systems and cause a fire.
5. Only waterproof strip light models are rated for use outdoors where it will be exposed to rain, humidity or moisture. Water resistant fixtures are only for use indoors near a location where occasional splashes may occur, not submersion.
6. This product is suitable for environments of ambient temperatures between -40°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C). It is important that LED strip lights are not installed outside this range. Always make sure there is adequate airflow and available heatsink when installing.
7. DO NOT bend LED strip lights to a diameter less than the width of your thumb.
8. DO NOT crease LED strip lights.
9. DO NOT put pressure on surface of strip lights, especially on the glass/acrylic panes.
10. DO NOT cover strip lights with any materials other than any mounting accessories if applicable.

Strip light handling

Don't bend LED strip light to a diameter less than 1.5 inches.	Don't fold or crease LED strip light.
Don’t apply excessive pressure to surface of strip light.	Never cover strip light with any materials.
Don’t tightly bend LED strip light on a horizontal plane.	Don’t power strip light while still on its reel or while tightly coiled.

System diagram

Plug-In Adaptor System

DMX System

Wiring connections

Only cut the strip on a marked cut line, these are located on the center of each set of copper soldering pads.

Installation

1. Determine a suitable location to install the 3 components as labeled in System Diagram
   
   

   Controls	Power Supply	LED Light Fixture

   
   

   This will include suitable wire installed between the power supply, the LED light fixture, and any controls. It is important to choose the correct wire for the specific application, this is dependent on voltage drop, amperage rating, and environment. Please consult a voltage drop and wire sizing chart to determine adequate wire size. Using the incorrect wire size will damage your products! If installing wiring in a wall or ceiling, always use in-wall rated wiring.

2. Cut strip lights to desired length at the designated cut points on the strip (dependent on model). If you need to connect more than one strip together, you may choose to solder the connections together.
   1. Special consideration is needed for altering the length of the water resistant and waterproof strips. It is important to carefully remove the protective silicone coating and to re-waterproof using Silicone End Caps and silicone after making the cut. Be sure to note the location of the polarity (+/-) markings before soldering. Use lead-free stranded 18-20 gauge copper wire between any copper soldering pad along the strip.
   2. Verify that your strip light is acceptable for use in wet locations by looking for a “approved for wet location” label on the outside of the product packaging. Remember that only the strips are approved for wet locations (power supplies and connectors are not approved unless stated). Cut strip to length, then, using a razor blade, carefully remove the silicone jacket to provide access to the copper solder pads. Solder your wires to the strip(s). Fill an end-cap with silicone and carefully slide the end cap over the wires (you may need to poke small holes for the wires) securing it firmly against the strip light. Wipe off any excess silicone and allow to dry before connecting power or submerging.
      
   3. If you are using the non waterproof strips, quick connectors such as the Flexible Strip Light Connectors (used to round 90° bends) or Flexible Strip Light Splice Connectors are available from aspectLED.
      
      

      Flexible Strip Light Connector with Connector on One End	Flexible Strip Light Connector with Connector on Both Ends	Flexible Strip Light Splice Connector with No Wires

3. Clean and dry the area that you would like to mount your fixture. Mount the strip light to your desired surface using either the adhesive backing (only available on non-waterproof and water resistant strips), adhesive caulk, or Silicone Mounting Straps.
   1. When installing using the adhesive backing, press from one end to the other to prevent air pockets or raised sections. Be careful to limit contact with skin to ensure a minimal transfer of oil from skin to LED strip backing.
   2. If installing with an Aluminum Mounting Channel for Flexible Strip Lights, be sure to choose the correct size (narrow or wide channel) for your strip. Channels are best mounted using the included specially designed brackets. More information about channels/tracks can be found at aspectled.com.
4. Attach the power supply and any controls by referring to the System Diagram and installation guides for both the drivers and dimmers available at aspectled.com.
   1. Remember to use suitable copper wiring between all components by referring to a voltage drop and wire sizing chart.
5. Once you’ve finished, double check all connections and turn on power to your circuit. Test functionality of your installation. If you experience issues, see the trouble shooting guide on below, or contact technical support at (888) 503-1317 option 3 or support@aspectled.com.
6. Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the installation process. Once your light is installed, your project is finished. Now is a great time to take a moment to sit down and enjoy your favorite beverage while giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Troubleshooting

Have questions or need assistance?

We’re always here to help!
Feel free to contact our electrician’s help desk at (888) 503-1317 option 3, or support@aspectled.com.