In last week’s Tech Talk, we covered how to effectively use mounting clips. This week, we’re going to go over some commonly overlooked details while planning a project.
What details get overlooked?
LED Neon Flex is a highly customizable fixture, and because of this, there are many small things that might not occur to a designer while planning a project. We’re going to cover 3 of them today:
- Connector sizes.
- Required connector clearance in mounting channels.
- Bending limitations of lead wires.
These are details that are commonly overlooked for one reason or another. We’re going to clear up some misconceptions and help you understand why these are important considerations.
Connector Sizes
When we’re talking about overlooking connector sizes, we mean one specific part. It isn’t the size of the connector itself, rather the extra length it adds to the ends of fixtures. This varies based on profile and connector type.
As an example, let’s look at the Vivid S 270 Spec Sheet.
A seamless end cap will add 0.08in (2mm) to the end of a fixture. The end exit, however, adds 0.2in (5mm) to the end of a fixture. This is fairly negligible, but is important to keep in mind if you need to fit the fixture into a pre-existing channel.
Snap connectors add more length to the ends of fixtures than seamless. A snap end cap adds 0.77in (19.5mm) to the end of a fixture. It is quite a difference in comparison to the seamless end cap.
You can find the specs for all of our connectors and profiles on their respective spec sheets. If you have any questions, always contact your Account Manager.
Connector Clearance
Being a flexible fixture, LED Neon Flex will expand and contract with temperature fluxuations. Because of this, it is very important to give the connectors proper clearance when installed in the mounting hardware.
To allow the fixture to fluctuate, leave a space of 0.4in to 0.8in (10-20mm) between the connectors and the mounting hardware. Installing the fixture with the ends too close to the channel or clips can cause stress on the connectors and increases the risk of damage. You can find more details of proper installation in the Install Manuals for the fixtures you’re installing.
Lead Wire Bending Limitations
It is important to consider your lead wires when designing, since they will be powering your fixtures. If you do not want the lead wires visible in your installation, make sure to take into consideration the exit location (bottom, side or end) as well as the bending limitations of the lead wires.
To avoid risking damage to the connectors, and possibly ruining the ingression seals, do not bend the lead wire too close to the connector. We recommend allowing a 2in (5cm) length of wire to remain straight from the connector before bending it. This will help keep the connectors and lead wires intact as well as damage free!
Check back in for our next Tech Talk on May 8th!
Have any technical questions? Contact Tech Support
Want to suggest topics for future posts? Email us!
To speak with a sales rep about our LED Neon Flex products, Contact Us today!
Thanks for sharing this. I would like to add few to your list.
1. Ecologically Friendly – LED Lighting Is Much More Eco-Friendly
LED lights are free of toxic chemicals. Most conventional fluorescent lighting bulbs contain a multitude of materials like e.g mercury that are dangerous for the environment.
LED lights contain no toxic materials and are 100% recyclable, and will help you to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third. The long operational life time span mentioned above means also that one LED light bulb can save material and production of 25 incandescent light bulbs. A big step towards a greener future!
2. Durable Quality – LED Illumination Can Withstand Rough Conditions
LEDs are extremely durable and built with sturdy components that are highly rugged and can withstand even the roughest conditions.
Because LED lights are resistant to shock, vibrations and external impacts, they make great outdoor lighting systems for rough conditions and exposure to weather, wind, rain or even external vandalism, traffic related public exposure and construction or manufacturing sites.
3. Zero UV Emissions – LED Lighting Features Close to No UV Emissions
LED illumination produces little infrared light and close to no UV emissions.
Because of this, LED lighting is highly suitable not only for goods and materials that are sensitive to heat due to the benefit of little radiated heat emission, but also for illumination of UV sensitive objects or materials such a in museums, art galleries, archeological sites etc.
4. Operational in Extremely Cold or Hot Temperatures
LED are ideal for operation under cold and low outdoor temperature settings. For fluorescent lamps, low temperatures may affect operation and present a challenge, but LED illumination operates well also in cold settings, such as for outdoor winter settings, freezer rooms etc.
5. Low-Voltage – LED Lighting Can Run on Low-Voltage Power Supply
A low-voltage power supply is sufficient for LED illumination. This makes it easy to use LED lighting also in outdoor settings, by connecting an external solar-energy source and is a big advantage when it comes to using LED technology in remote or rural areas.
This blog helped to know something different and more about the sizes and connections about the LED lights. It was very innovative. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing wonderful information with us…
I found som benefits to prefer LED are like Its good to use LED lights nowadays, LEDs are much cooler than incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion or burnt fingers and consume less electricity. LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent lights. LED lighting is truly the next generation of technology which features various benefits to consumers.
I read your post very helpful to me because i am a Engineer.