Armacost Lighting RibbonFlex Pro Quick Start Manual

Please read completely before installing.
It is important to read these guidelines completely to understand how LED
tape lighting works and how it can be configured, cut to size, connected,
and installed so you can properly design your lighting layout.
Installing tape lighting is an easy DIY project. However, basic wiring skills and
tools for stripping, splicing, and connecting wires are required.

IMPORTANT

Use only with low-voltage DC constant voltage power supplies.
■
Never connect LED tape light directly to 120-volt household power.
Do not power LED tape while coiled on reel, as the LEDs will overheat.
■
The mounting surface will act as a heat sink to dissipate heat.
Do not stare directly into the LED lights when illuminated.
■
Never connect more than one power supply to a run of LED lighting.
■
Do not install tape light where it can come in direct contact with
■
water. Do not use long term in high humidity environments.
Use only insulated staples and plastic clips to secure cords and wires.
■
Route and secure wires so they will not become pinched or damaged.
■
Use certified CL2 or better cabling for wire runs inside walls.
■
Do not install DC wiring in the same runs as 120-volt AC power.
■
All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes,
low-voltage Class 2 circuit. If you are unclear as to how to install and wire
this product, consult a qualified professional.

Planning

RibbonFlex Pro LED lighting is designed for indirect lighting applications.
The LEDs themselves are not intended to be seen directly by the eye. Every
installation is unique, and the desired lighting effect is based primarily upon
personal preference. Installation location, wall colors, mounting angles,
and the light's reflection off walls, surfaces, and objects will affect the final
lighting appearance. Subtle adjustments to the positioning and angle of the
LED tape can greatly impact the overall lighting effect.

Installation considerations

How will you switch your LED lighting on and off?
■
Do you want to be able to dim your lighting?
■
What is the best layout configuration for your installation?
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Where will you locate your power supply?
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What are the best ways to mount the tape lighting?
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How will you cut, connect, and conceal the wires to your lighting?
■

Choosing a power supply

Power supplies come in various sizes with different wattages and are often
referred to as transformers, AC/DC adaptors, or LED drivers. RibbonFlex
Pro LED tape operates on low voltage and requires a power supply to
convert 120-volt household AC power to DC power.
Never connect RibbonFlex LED Tape Lighting directly to 120-volt
■
household power
Never use both a 120-volt and a low-voltage dimmer in the
■
same circuit
Only use RibbonFlex with Armacost Lighting approved LED drivers
■
and power supplies. Using other power supplies will void warranty
The type of power supply you choose will be based on how you want to turn
on/off or dim your lighting.
RibbonFlex Pro LED Accent Lighting
®
Continuous White LED Tape Light
Using Standard 120-volt AC dimmers
To use an AC dimmer, your Armacost Lighting LED driver/power supply
must clearly state on the packaging and case label that it is dimmable
with 120-volt AC dimmers. Using a 120-volt dimmer with a power supply
model that is NOT dimmable will damage the power supply.
Typical wiring diagram when used with an AC dimmer
Green Wire
Ground
Consult power supply instructions for AC dimmer compatibility
Black Wire
120-volt AC
live HOT
Dimmable LED Driver
White Wire
120-volt AC
neutral
When using a 120-volt AC dimmer, the Dimmable LED Driver/Power Supply
must be direct wired to household current.
Large lighting applications may require the use of multiple LED drivers/
power supplies. For synchronized on/off and brightness control of LED
lighting on multiple power supplies, connect a 120-volt AC dimmer to
multiple Armacost Lighting Dimmable LED Drivers.
AC DIMMER DIMMABLE
(Lutron Style ™ ) LED DRIVERS

Using Armacost Lighting low-voltage LED dimmers

If installing an in-wall AC dimmer
isn't practical, choose an Armacost
low-voltage dimmer. These
dimmers connect on the low-
voltage side anywhere between
your power supply and LED
lighting. Wireless model options
are available, useful in situations
where installing new wiring can be difficult. Choose from RF designer-style
touch pads or Wi-Fi controllers that work with any smartphone.
®
SMARTPHONE OR 120-VOLT
WIRELESS TOUCHPAD AC OUTLET
For large lighting applications and multi-zone lighting control, use
multiple Armacost 2-in-1 or Wi-Fi LED dimmers. To learn more, visit
armacostlighting.com.
SMARTPHONE OR RF DIMMER OR
WIRELESS TOUCHPAD WI-FI RECEIVER
ARMACOST 120-VOLT WIRELESS
WIRELESS AC OUTLET RECEIVER
For simple on/off control
WALL SWITCH
(no dimming)
If an AC outlet controlled by a wall
switch is not available for your power
supply, use an Armacost Lighting
ARMACOST WIRELESS 120-VOLT
Wireless Switch. This device adds
TOUCHPAD DIMMER AC OUTLET
switched outlet convenience without
running any new wires.
AC DIMMER
(Lutron Style ™ )

RV, boat, and solar system applications

LED tape lighting can be powered directly by 24-volt battery.
24-VOLT BATTERY FUSE
LOW-VOLTAGE
PROTECTION
SWITCH
A low-voltage LED dimmer can also be used with battery powered systems.
(e.g., Lutron style)
®
Output to white
LED lighting
DC POWER RF DIMMER OR
SUPPLY WI-FI RECEIVER
12-VOLT DC
POWER SUPPLY
12-VOLT DC LOW-VOLTAGE
POWER SUPPLY LED DIMMER
DIRECT WIRE
AC DIMMABLE
POWER SUPPLY
LOW-VOLTAGE
LED DIMMER
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