Essential Advice for Successful Strip Light Installations

With over 15 years of experience, the lighting experts at Armacost Lighting know a thing or two about how to make the most out of your LED strip lights, including tips on how to properly select, install, and troubleshoot tape lighting. Read our essential 15 tips and tricks for LED tape light installations.

Always Observe Polarity

If your LED strips dim, flash, appear as a different color, or don't turn on at all, the first thing to check is that the polarity is maintained throughout your installation. If there is a indeed a polarity issue, the fix is usually quite simple.  Read more about tape light polarity in this blog post.

Hardwire Your Power Supply

Many Armacost Lighting power supplies (including tape light kits) can be plugged into a standard outlet or hardwired to existing 120V Romex wiring. To hardwire, simply remove the endcap and cord and connect the 120V wire to the onboard terminal.

Use Tape-to-Tape Connectors to Create Custom Length Jumper Cables

Cut your tape-to-tape connector in half and add in wire to make a custom length jumper cable to bridge gaps or jump obstacles.

Look at the RibbonFlex Wattage Chart Before LED Light Installation

We frequently get asked what wattage power supply is needed for an installation. Wattage needs depend on many factors including type of lighting used, length of the light and configuration of the installation. So we created this document to guide in that process.

Use LED Mounting Channels to Minimize Hot Spots

LED tape light channels have a translucent polycarbonate diffuser that reduces light spots, which is especially useful when installed over reflective surfaces. They come in several profiles which offer different amounts of diffusion. For instance, the Deep Surface Mount Channel offers the most diffusion and softest light output. See all of the options here.

Try CCT Tunable LED Lights for Adjustable Color Temperature

Do you love LED strip light but aren’t sure what color temperature to use? Try the RibbonFlex Home Tunable White Strip Light Kit and choose shades of white from warm 2700K to cooler 5000K.

Remotes Can Be Paired with Multiple Installations

Did you know you can control multiple tape light kits with the one remote? Simply pair the same remote to each kit. Refer to the product instructions for the specific kit for how to do it.

Use a Step Up Voltage Converter to Power 24V Lighting in RVs, Campers and Boats

There are more and more 24V lighting products available that people want use in RVs/campers/boats. The ProLine 12V to 24V Step Up Converter allows you to use 24V lighting with your existing 12V system. See it here.

Try Easy Surface Mount Channels with Predrilled Holes

For a faster installation, try our Easy Surface Mount Channels that eliminate the need for clips and allow you to screw directly to the mounting surface. Check them out here.

Consider Wiring Configuration Options Prior to Installation

Understanding LED strip light configuration mothods is critical for a successful lighting setup.  The four major methods we suggest are: Straight Run, Center Feed, Loop Back, and Array.  Learn about the pros and cons of each here before planning your installation.

Tape Light Can Be Cut to Desired Lengths

LED tape light can be cut at any of the copper pads that are at repeating intervals. Cut the strip 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.

Tape Light Can Be Soldered

Soldering is a reliable way to connect strips of tape light or to connect wire leads. In fact, it is the recommended method for making connections in marine and RV applications due to vehicle movement and vibrations. Learn about soldering LED tape light here.

Always Test Connection Points

When cutting and/or reconnecting tape light, test all connection points before removing the backing tape for final installation. If lights flicker or don't come on at all, check wire connections to the power supply, dimmer or controller and tape light, as well as any places you've used connectors. Refer to the product instructions and make sure to follow each step closely.

Use Painter's Tape to Temporarily Hold Light Strip During Installation

Before removing the tape light's 3M paper backing, power the strip and temporarily hold or tape into position with painter’s tape to make sure you're getting the effect you're after. Try various angles and positions to get the desired level of illumination and lighting appearance. If the LEDs create undesirable bright spots on walls or reflections, reposition the tape light strip farther away from surfaces or try a different mounting angle. For more ideas on placement options, read this.

Always Prepare Tape Light Installation Surfaces

Mounting surfaces should be smooth, clean, completely dry, dust free and above 60ºF (15 ºC) before installing/sticking the LED tape strip in place. Thoroughly clean all mounting surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use common rubbing alcohol and household cleaners, which may leave behind residues.

For best adhesion, lightly sand the surface where you will mount the tape lighting with fine grit sandpaper (150-300 grit). Sand in a circular motion rather than straight-line motion.