1

Determine Lighting Requirements.

Determine your lighting requirements including the location, number of LED lights needed, and the load requirements for the Power Supply (Driver) by performing a simple calculation*.

Plan your lighting configuration to run in Parallel. If you want dimming capabilities, make sure the LED lights you purchase can be dimmed with a standard in-line dimmer, or if you need a Power Supply with dimming capabilities.

2

Determine Wire and Accessories.

Estimate the amount of wire needed, and determine the required wire size and capabilities. If LEDs are going Outdoors, you will need the correctly sized and jacketed outdoor wire. If indoors, a standard 18 AWG wire may suffice. Basic LED lighting will be a two-wire (Positive and Negative), while RGB will be a four-wire configuration (Red, Green, Blue, and Negative), and RGBW five wires (Red, Green, Blue, White, and Negative).

3

Check Local Building Codes & Standards.

Be sure to check electrical code requirements and regulations for your region, and consult or hire an electrical contractor if unsure, or if hard-wiring is necessary.

4

PLAN LED Locations and Wire Routing.

Carefully plan and mark your LED lighting locations, paying specific attention to cut-out sizes, depths, and wire routing. If installing Power Supplies outdoors, they must be housed within regulation boxes, and wires installed underground must be run within appropriate conduit.

*Calculation:

(WATTS X QTY = TTL WATTAGE) +10% = minimum required wattage of power supply

(ie: 12 x M1 Step Lights =12W, 6 x RD7 Cabinet Lights =12W. TOTAL Wattage: 12+12 =24W + 10% =26.4W minimum. MINIMUM 30W Power Supply is required.)

Requirements

Hallway and Walkway Lighting Requirements

Narrow passageways including hallways, walkways, and corridors should be lit with consideration to movement and space. There may not be much room for furniture other than a narrow table.

The best LED choices utilize minimally intrusive hallway light fixtures such as a flush mounted puck light, recessed pot lights, and pendant lights.

• Avoid using only potlights, which can shadow.

• Provide accent lighting on art or pictures.

• Track lighting or aimable downlights can provide both accent and ambient wall wash.

• Use a decorative pendant or wall sconce near the door to create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Ensure access to switches from multiple locations.

• Use efficient sources, as these lights are often on for longer periods of time.

LED Light Options

Surface mounted fixtures are exposed, but remain close to - or flush with - the ceiling or wall and are popular in hallways and bedrooms.

Pendant fixtures are suspended by a cord, chain, cable or other means and are popular over tables, kitchen islands and in higher-ceiling areas.

Recessed lighting, usually in the form of downlights (or potlights), is typically found within a ceiling cavity. Recessed lighting can be used in virtually every room in the home; however, it should not be used to provide all the layers of light required in a design.
 

Electrical CODE Requirements

Please ensure the correct and proper safety codes for your region are followed when installing your LED lighting.

Codes for British Columbia, Canada

Electrical Wiring

When installing High Voltage 120V LED lights that are connected to electrical wiring or electrical cables hooked up to the main circuit breaker in your home, be sure to use a qualified electrician. 12V lighting is low voltage and requires a Driver (Power Supply) to be connected between you 120V outlets and your LED lights. Some locations may require moisture proofing.

Motion Sensors

It’s a good idea to have continuously powered lights for hallways and corridors that can be on a timer or motion sensor for safety.

Motion detectors can detect the movement of heat sources such as our bodies. These provide convenience and energy savings and work well in locations such as garages, storage rooms and play rooms, as well as outside to discourage trespassing, vandalism and theft.

Dimming Options

Some LED lights can be dimmed using an inline dimmer that connects between the light and power supply. Others may need a dimmable driver to facilitate dimming. Options include wall-mounted dimming switches, wireless controllers, and apps that can control your lights through your phone.

Dimmers or switches should be used for each layer of light. Three-way switches allow control of lights from two locations, a useful approach in rooms with multiple entry points. Consider dimmers to extend the life of lamps and generate energy savings.