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Power supply size
Determining your wattage requirements
LED tape light power requirements are stated in watts and are based
on several factors, including your design configuration. RibbonFlex Pro
can be installed in a series (strips connected or wired end-to-end)
or in an array (multiple legs of LED strips or series of strips wired
directly to a single power supply).
TYPICAL DESIGN CONFIGURATIONS
Straight Run
Only one end of the LED strip
is powered. Multiple strips can
be connected in a series for a
continuous run. LEDs farther
away from the power supply may appear dimmer due to voltage drop,
especially if longer wires are used in between to connect strips.
Center Feed / Loop Back
Either power two equal legs of
tape lighting from the center or
loop back and power both ends of
the LED tape. These configurations
will produce more consistent
brightness and color over the
length of the strip. A loop back is
excellent for room perimeter tray
ceiling or cove lighting.
Array
An array uses two or more
legs of various lengths
wired to a power supply
in a parallel connection.
You will need to calculate
total wattage used in an
array to guard against overloading the power supply.
Choosing a higher wattage power supply does not necessarily mean you can
run longer lengths of LED tape light. However, it will allow for more lighting
legs in an array design. Exceeding the maximum lengths in the chart at
the end of this manual will cause LEDs farthest from the power supply to
appear dimmer when at 100% brightness due to voltage drop. Using a
higher wattage power supply will not reduce the effect of voltage drop.
Maximum recommended tape length
Dim-to-Warm White
Configuration
Length
Watts
ft. (m)
used
Straight run
16.4 (5)
44.8
Center feed /
32.8 (10)
89.6
Loop back
Array
Varies based on layout and max wattage of power supply
How to calculate total wattage required in lighting system
Using the chart below, determine the watts used in each leg of lighting.
A straight run is considered one leg. A center feed is two equal length legs
of lighting. An array can have many legs. Include only the lengths of LED
tape in your calculation, not the connecting wires.
Add together the watts used in each leg of lighting to get total watts
required. Note this is when lighting is at 100% full brightness and when
it will use the most watts energy.
Approximate watts used per meter at full brightness
Meters
1
Feet
3.3
Watts used
10.88
2
POWER
SUPPLY
LEG 1
POWER
SUPPLY
POWER
LEG 2
SUPPLY
Tunable White
Continuous White
Length
Watts
Length
ft. (m)
used
ft. (m)
23 (7)
37.32
16.4 (5)
45.9 (14)
74.64
32.8 (10)
Dim-to-Warm White
2
3
4
6.6
9.8
13
20.16
30
38.64
Meters
1
Feet
3.3
Watts used
6
Meters
Feet
Watts used
Watts used is the power consumed by your LED lighting system,
■
not the watt rating of a power supply.
Always choose a power supply rated at or greater than your needs.
■
Due to voltage drop, longer lengths of LED tape will average fewer
■
watts per foot than shorter lengths.
To accurately measure watts used by your LED lighting system,
■
use a multimeter. Watts are calculated by multiplying volts by
amps used in your LED system.
Power supply location and voltage drop
LEG 2
The shorter the wire leads between the power supply and the LED lighting,
the brighter and more consistent your lighting will be – do not coil excess
wire. If the LEDs farthest from the power supply appear dimmer, it is
POWER
probably due to voltage drop. Voltage drop is the gradual decrease in
SUPPLY
voltage that occurs from your power supply to your LED lighting. Voltage
drop only becomes undesirable if you notice the brightness in one area of
your lighting is objectionably different than in another area. As a practical
approach, test your LED lighting prior to final installation. If voltage drop
appears to be an issue, use thicker, heavier gauge wires, divide or power
strips from both ends (see loop back and array configurations) or use less
LEG 1
lighting. To learn more visit armacostlighting.com/voltagedrop for an easy-
to-use online voltage drop calculator.
LEG 3
Cutting, connecting, and wiring
There are two methods for connecting power wires and splicing together two pieces
of LED tape lighting: soldering or using connectors.
Soldering is a sure method for making strong, reliable electrical connections.
For tips on how to solder tape light, visit armacostlighting.com/installation.
Wire Lead Connection
Watts
used
60
Soldered connections are required for marine and RV applications due
to vehicle movement and vibrations.
120
Wherever possible, it is recommended that you connect any needed
low-voltage power wires to your tape lighting before installing.
How to cut tape light
Whether you are soldering wires or using connectors, cut the LED
■
tape with scissors directly in the center of the copper pad as shown
in position "A" below.
You can also cut the tape at position "B," but do not use connectors
■
on these tape light joints. You can solder wires to these joints.
Cut tape at center
A
of copper pads
5
16.4
44.8
Tunable White
2
3
4
6.6
9.8
13
11.76
17.02
22.25
Continuous White
1
2
3
3.3
6.6
9.8
12
24
36
Splice Connection
Okay to cut at solder joints,
but do not use connector
5
6
7
16.4
19.7
23
26.59
30.24
37.32
4
5
13
16.4
48
60
B
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