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Installation Configuration for Kitchen Lighting

We are in the middle of a kitchen remodel and need advice. On our current configuration, we have a 3 ft cabinet, then an opening for the microwave, and then a 2 ft cabinet corner followed by a sink and a 2 ft cabinet. I would like a direct wire, dimmable led configuration. We want a continuous bright setup along the countertop and backsplash. With the spaces with the microwave and sink what would be a good choice for us?

Based on the details provided, we might recommend our 3000K CENTRIC HOME™ LED Strip Lights for Home & Residential product for your kitchen installation.

If you would like to install this product utilizing the wall wiring, we would recommend a matching voltage TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply for LED Strip product. When installed within a junction box or wall cavity, this product can be paired with wall switches and dimmers for light control. For mounting the LED strip light product, you might also be interested in our Aluminum Channel for LED Flex Strip product.

Using the measurements provided, it appears that your installation would require about seven feet of LED strip light product. As such, one 16.4 ft (5 meters) reel of the CENTRIC HOME™ product should provide more than enough lighting for your installation.

However, please note that our LED strip light products are not designed to come into contact with water. If your installation runs across the sink backsplash, your installation might encounter enough moisture to cause product failure or create a safety hazard. That being said, many customers have connected similar lighting segments using hidden 16 AWG wiring behind the drywall, safely away from potential hazards.

We have included some links to our layout diagrams below, which we hope prove to be useful for your planning purposes. This link provides a configuration description and includes links to each of the connector accessories. As you can see, the individual segments can be pretty easily connected to a single power supply.

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1B: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B?px=-2190&py=-2213.5&pw=1380&ph=1427&s=0.1

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1C: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C?px=-2190&py=-2213.5&pw=1380&ph=1427&s=0.1 

LED Dimmer Dimension and Wiring Length

I recently purchased: 3 x 3001.56 LED strips and 2 x 3093J Power supplies I'm trying to find a single gang wall switch with two rotary knobs. (I for each power supply). Assuming the need for forward phase dimming I'm not finding anything suitable. I'm thinking it might be best to buy a 2 x 3081 flicker-free LED dimmer. Can someone send the dimensions of the dimmers so I can look into building a desktop enclosure? Also, how long are the input/output wiring leads? The LEDs will be installed and used for safety step lighting in a reference-grade color correction theater (post-production). 

While we generally recommend utilizing an in-wall dimmer for installations which includes the TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply, I believe that the FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer would be compatible if a barrel-jack adapter is installed between the supply and dimmer products.

There may also be third-party dimmers available online that could be utilized for individually controlling the segments of light strips, such as Lutron Caseta products. Though I do not have any specific products to recommend at this time.

We have attached a marked-up image below, which contains the rough dimensions for the FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer. We can also confirm that the two wires of the product are each 4 ft (1.2 meters) in length.

Are the 24V TRIAC power supply compatible with Lutron Caseta LED dimmers?

I am interested in purchasing LED strip lights to use with the Lutron Caseta LED dimmers in residential kitchens and baths. Are the 24V TRIAC power supply and Centric Home LED strip the best option for this? Or 12V? Or something else? 

Based on our familiarity with the Lutron Caseta system, we are happy to confirm that 12V or 24V installations should be compatible.

As such, it does not appear that the Lutron Caseta system has any limitations regarding one option being preferred over the other. That being said, there might be some voltage considerations depending on the class or circuits used within your home. To that end, we might recommend reaching out to a local electrician for information on the electrical systems utilized within the residence.

Generally speaking, we strongly recommend selecting the compatible voltage for the lights and power supplies within installations. In case they prove to be helpful for your planning purposes, we have attached two blog post links from our website below, which discuss the options in detail.

Advantages of a 24V LED system vs 12V https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/advantages-of-a-24v-led-system-vs-12v

Pros and cons of a 12V LED system https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/12v-led-system

We are happy to confirm that the CENTRIC HOME™ LED Strip Lights for Home & Residential could be a great option for your kitchen lighting. We generally recommend 2700K for living rooms and bedrooms, or 3000K for kitchens and dining areas. 

I am going to place an order for the Centric Home LED and TRIAD power supplies along with some aluminum track and have a couple more questions. What is your expected shipping time for these products and accessories? Would you be able to provide any promo or coupon code for trying this product out?

Based on my review, it appears that both items are available to be shipped without delay. Further, we unfortunately do not have any special promotional pricing available at the moment, and we do apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.

Regarding accessories, you might find value in the below links from our website. These pages contains illustrated, interactive guides that describe the common product layouts and link to the accessories that we recommend for them.

LayoutMaps™ by Waveform Lighting: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1B: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B?px=-2198&py=-2213.5&pw=1396&ph=1427&s=0.1

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1A: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A?px=-2190&py=-2213.5&pw=1380&ph=1427&s=0.1

Film Grade LED Panels for Photographic Printing

Film Grade LED Panels for Photographic Printing

I am a professional photographic printmaker and require High CRI High R9 value print view lighting to just prints. I print using 5000K print view lighting but many times also view the print with 3200K lighting which is closer to the gallery and museum lighting. It looks like your Film Grade 9.5" x 18.9" flexible LED dimmable panel would work well for my needs. My print viewing area is 36" high by 60" wide. I want to determine if I need 1 Film Grade Flexible panel or 2 Film Grade Flexible panels to cover my print viewing area with even illumination. I will also want to be able to select 5000K precisely using the dimmer device. 

Our FilmGrade LED panels would certainly meet your color point needs, but unfortunately, we currently do not have any dimming solutions that would meet your requirements. (We currently support DMX only, for use in TV studio / theatrical installations).

​We do apologize for the inconvenience!

​As an alternative, we would perhaps build a panel using our single-color LED strip lights which can be used with our in-line dimmer. For example, please see below for an example layout:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3E

Color Critical Lighting for Cultural Heritage Field

I would like to know if you have a product using the Toshiba TRI-R LEDs. We are involved in the Cultural Heritage field and need a better solution for lighting than currently available products. I am looking for a lighting solution similar to your flexible panels with the lighting spectral quality of the TRI-R-led specifications for proof of product assembly. 

We are not affiliated with Toshiba but we do have a line of 99 CRI products that may closely approximate the color rendition performance you are looking for.

​Below is our product page showcasing our ABSOLUTE SERIES 99 CRI products - please let us know if this is something that may work for your needs, and we would be more than happy to assist with any additional questions or concerns!

https://www.waveformlighting.com/absolute-series

From your link, I think we would need the equivalent of 52 strips to make 2 panels approximately 22”x 11” with full coverage over the area. Is there a connector solution that would work for that? Or do you have an option for the absolute series in an already-made panel about that size?

I would also need a power supply/driver to power 2 panels about that size. As well as a dimming module to work with to set output.

​Unfortunately, we do not have any panel-type products, although I completely agree that this would be an ideal use case for such a product.

​As such, the best alternative would be to use an array of LED strip lights as you suggest. In back-calculating from the suggested quantity, it appears that you would be looking at 26 rows of 22-inch length LED strip sections per panel.

This works out to approximately 48 feet or three reels of 16.4 feet each.

The general limitation for LED strip wiring is 16.4 feet (one reel) per power supply and dimmer connection. This is due to the current carrying capacity limitations in the LED strip as well as those of the power supply.

​As such, your single panel will require three separate sets of power supplies and dimmers, which may or may not be an issue for you from a feasibility perspective.

Each LED strip reel can be cut into as many shorter sections as needed; so each 16.4 ft reel, for example, can be cut into 9 separate sections of 22 inches each, and then re-joined using our solderless connector accessory PN 3071.

(For a visual overview of the components, here is an example layout for a similar configuration using our 24 volt / 95 CRI product which operates nearly identically from an electrical perspective: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3E)

LED Lights in Overhead Soffit to Reflect Off the Ceiling

I generally sit in that recliner at the far end to read. Want to put sufficient light in the overhead soffit to reflect off the ceiling and illuminate the read. The table lamp shown is decorative the task light, barely visible by the chair, is what I use now. Has an LED bulb in it. Glares for the wife seated on the couch. It works well if I bring it down close to the read (magazine or newspaper) bulb is white.

It sounds like we have a few lighting fixtures in your space. To start, are you able to confirm what type of lamps or bulbs your fixtures can accommodate?

​For example, the soffit looks like it may accommodate fluorescent fixtures, but it's a bit difficult to tell from the photo.

​Similarly, are the table lamp and task light standard fixtures that use medium-screw Edison bases (E26)? (E26 is the most commonly seen, traditional screw-in lamp type with a base that is approximately 1 inch in diameter).

Once you can let us know what types of lamps may be compatible with your existing fixtures, we'll have a better idea of what options we have available for you. 

​Additionally, can you let us know what challenges you're facing with your existing lighting - is it the color, clarity, brightness, or a combination of these factors?

​The soffit has a string of incandescent mini lights, circa 1992. We do not use the table lamp but it and the task light use standard e26 screw-in bulbs, the problem is insufficient illumination. The task light if I bring it close to the reading material will work but is ungainly and if it is set higher is not quite enough light but glares at anyone sitting on the couch. I had thought that linear LEDs in both soffits above the chair reflecting off the ceiling might work but leave that to your expertise. Using dimmers they could also provide illumination for the room. The soffit runs on three sides of the room.

We are in full agreement that improving the brightness from your soffit lighting fixture would be the best approach here to simultaneously increase brightness without causing additional glare issues.

​Unfortunately, despite their ubiquity, standard light bulbs induce significant amounts of glare due to their high brightness levels from a relatively small size.

Our first thought here would be to recommend our CENTRIC HOME LED strip lights in 3000K. These LED strip lights emit approximately 450 lumens per foot, which is approximately equal in brightness to a 40-watt incandescent bulb. 

It's a bit difficult to determine from your photo, but my best guess would be that your soffit is approximately 10 feet long. If you were to install the LED strip lights across the entire soffit, this would provide you with approximately 4500 lumens, or 400 watts worth of incandescent bulb brightness.

The LED strip lights could of course extend and span multiple soffits across the three sides of the room as you suggest.

The LED strip lights do require some in-wall wiring and assembly work, but I do believe that this would be an excellent option for you. Below is an example wiring diagram that shows how the LED strips can be wired to a wall dimmer:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A

Sometimes sitting on the end of the couch to utilize the halogen Torch which almost does the job but could be better. The new light needs to be dimmable, and maybe the color change? 

Each one of the curtains is approx 6 ft across giving us approx 12 ft of the strip light. Approx 5500 lumens per your calculations. You mentioned 3000 Kelvin. Is that overly yellow for reading? Are your strip lights disabled and what dimmer do you suggest for the best performance? 

Is there an approved dimmer for 3-circuit control? I note that LeGrand makes a couple although I am partial to Lutron. 

I personally do not believe that 3000K is "too yellow" although that would certainly be within the realm of personal preference. Do you know what the color temperature of the lamps in your current space is, and what your thoughts on those might be? (Incandescent bulbs are typically 2700K and lower).

To cover the distances you quoted, you will likely need three sets of 16.4 ft LED strip reels, each with its own dimmable power supply. The cost estimate is as follows:

CENTRIC HOME™ LED Strip Lights for Home & Residential: $99 ea

TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply for LED Strip: $139 ea

​We do not have any three-circuit control suggestions, but we do have a list of tested dimmers which are available here:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/files/DC_3093.pdf

The reading lamp has a 790-lumen GE REVEAL built therein. It is I think overly bright white. If I bring it clues to the reading material it works but is glary with poor contrast and if further away not bright enough but not heavy. The soffit has a string of very old very small incandescent. I think we might try one set in the two soffits over the Chair to see how this indirect lighting works. 

We believe the GE Reveal lamps use a modified 3000K spectrum. If you find the incandescent lights in the soffit to be acceptable from a color perspective (i.e. not too yellow), then 2700K could also be a good option for you.

Below is an article that might help choose between the two options:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/choosing-between-2700k-and-3000k

LED Strips for Space Lighting Upgrade

I'm trying to decide what I need to set up your product in my space. Currently, I have fluorescent tubes in a 500 ft. workspace. I would like to replace these with your 99 CRI LED strips and hardwire them to my existing wiring and use a dimmer. I'm not sure if I need 12 or 24, or if I need the Junction box on my power source. 

Our 99 CRI ABSOLUTE SERIES sounds like a great option for upgrading your space's lighting! The flexible LED strip version is available in 12 volts only, so you will want to use the 12 volt TRIAC dimmable power supply to power the LED strip.

​Below is the direct link to the dimmable power supply:

If you intend to install the power supply unit directly inside the fixture, I do not believe that there will be a need for the junction box; typically the junction box is used when the power supply is mounted in an interior wall location.

If you are comfortable with and able to solder your own wires, that would perhaps provide you with the most flexibility and cleanest wiring installation, however, if not, our PN 3070 and PN 3071 connectors may be convenient options for you.

I am replacing five T12 tubes in this space (2500 lumens each), and it seems to be about 60% as bright, even though the lumens should be very close. 

The strip that is wired to the power source is brighter than the second strip, which is wired to the first strip. 

The brighter strip also seems very noticeably brighter closer to the connection that goes to the power source. The channel is also quite hot close to the connection, and warm at the other end. The second strip channel is not warm. 

The brightness drop you are observing may be caused by voltage drop, which can occur during longer LED strip installations. Can you provide some additional detail on how the two LED strip reels are connected?

For voltage drop and safety reasons, the maximum run length specification for any LED strip section is 16.4 ft. Therefore, if you are attempting to connect multiple reels to a single LED power supply, this would likely cause the voltage drop and reduction in brightness you are observing in the second reel.

​As such, we generally recommend connecting each 16.4 ft reel to a separate power supply unit to ensure that the maximum run length is not exceeded.

Can you point me to where in your documentation you recommend using a separate power supply for each 16 ft strip? 

Please see below for the datasheet which indicates the "max run" specification of 16.4 ft.

​https://www.waveformlighting.com/datasheets/CS_7101.pdf

How much LED Lights are needed for Office Lighting

I have a 12x12 home office. I’m wanting to run your LED lights (power supply, connectors) around the perimeter of the office, but I’m unsure of how many complete systems (LED lights, power supplies, connectors, etc) I need to order. From what I see the strips come in 16’ sections, and if I need to go around the entire perimeter I’d need 3, of your complete systems, but I need to how bright the three systems would be would it be better to split one or two up? The LED lights need to be dimmable. 

I've plugged the 12 x 12 foot dimensions into our lumen estimation calculator (https://www.waveformlighting.com/lumen-calculator), which suggests a total brightness of 5850 lumens for an office space (approximately 40 footcandles).

​Our LED strip lights emit 450 lumens per foot, so 14 feet would be sufficient (just short of 1 reel) to meet this brightness level.

If you plan on installing a dimmer, however, there is no such thing as being "too bright" since this can always be dialed down if needed, and having the LED strip lights installed along the entire perimeter of your office space on each side might be a nice way to provide even and well distributed lighting.

One more thing, just so I understand what I need to do to get this operational, could you please provide me with a simple diagram from power in to the LED the entire diagram of this project. Would you suggest breaking the 16' strip into 4 equal parts or even 8 equal parts and place around the perimeter. Also, can you tell me how soon you can ship once we know exactly what is needed?

Below is a simplified wiring diagram showing two 16-ft reel circuits connected to a single dimmer. In your setup, you will want to replicate this a third time for the third circuit.

​https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C

​I would recommend installing the LED strips as three equal parts at 16 ft each. The reason is that if we do four equal parts (or more), that would potentially require installing four separate power supplies (or more) as each power supply is limited to powering a maximum of 16.4 ft for any given connection.

​Given the dimensions of your space, turning the corners at each 12 ft mark may be a bit of a challenge depending on the configuration of your interior. An additional diagram link below shows how the LED strip sections can be cut into shorter segments and rejoined using our various accessory items. I suspect that PN 3071 may be helpful for you when turning the corners of space.

​https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B

​Below is an preliminary shopping cart I've put together for you which includes the three sets of LED strip reels and corresponding power supplies. I've also included a 10-pack of the aforementioned PN 3071 accessory.

https://store.waveformlighting.com/27932316/invoices/96f20fd5f0df2415844ff452f475d2dd

​Our order turnaround time is typically 1-2 business days, and we do offer complimentary standard shipping which is typically delivered within a 5-10 business day timeframe. We also offer expedited shipping options for an additional charge; expedited shipping times and costs are calculated at checkout, but I would be more than happy to assist in calculating those for you if you can confirm your shipping address and cart contents.

Are the ABSOLUTE SERIES™ LED Flexible Strip 5000k version flicker-free?

Are the 5000k version of this series flicker-free?

We are happy to confirm that the 5000K ABSOLUTE SERIES™ LED Flexible Strip operates with flicker-free performance when paired with a power supply such as our 12V FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip.

As can be noted on the Photometric Data sheet for the product, the flicker percentage when tested with the FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip is 0.01%.

Are the grounds on the in/outs of the LED dimmer isolated or coupled?

I just placed an order for a large lighting array I'm building, including 18 dimmers. I'm hoping to get electrical details of the dimmers, to hopefully make the wiring as efficient as possible. Are the grounds on the in/outs isolated or coupled? I'm hoping they're coupled, so I can combine some of the ground wirings and bypass the dimmer on the return wiring from the LED strips. 

I don't have the schematic for the product on hand, but I do not believe that the input and output ground are coupled, so you will likely need to wire the LED strip ground back through the same dimmer's output ground.

​

Layout Design for Tape Light Installation

If I provide you with a sketch of my planned tape light installation, can you provide information regarding the appropriate transformer and all other parts? 

​In the meantime, I've linked to our layout maps page which shows several sample installation configurations and may be a helpful starting point for you:

​https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps

Attached is a draft of my layout. I plan on hard-wiring the power supply to a wall dimmer switch. I'm sure you will have questions. If you do let me know.

​Your layout looks great, and I do not see any issues apart from a potential power capacity limitation.

​From your drawing, I see five sections of 46 inches each. If I've done the math correctly, this works out to approximately 19.2 ft in total.

​Each foot of our LED strip light draws approximately 5.5 watts. This equates to a power capacity requirement of approximately 106 watts.

The drawing does not indicate the voltage (12 or 24 volts), but this will likely determine what is permissible here. While the 12-volt version of our TRIAC dimmable power supply will be able to support up to 120 watts per connection, our 24-volt version is limited to 96 watts. As such, the 12-volt version would be the only way to connect the entire circuit to a single power supply.

The only downside to the 12-volt version is greater susceptibility to voltage drop and the fact that the circuit would not comply with NEC Class 2 power limitations, making electrical code compliance potentially a bit more challenging (if that is a concern).

Based on the LED length per segment being less than 4 feet and the feeds being relatively short (max 72 inches) I do not foresee any voltage drop issues even with the 12-volt version.

Finally, we do not have any in-house products/adapters to join all five segments near the power supply, so you may need to create your wire junction or utilize third-party products for this connection point.

Please elaborate on what you meant by the fact that the circuit would not meet NEC Class 2 power limitations making the electric code compliance potentially a bit more challenging.

Would this cause a problem with house inspections, hard wire connections to a wall dimmer, etc?

If so, how could the design be changed?

When it comes to building inspections (typically subject to NEC standards), our LED strip lights themselves are rated for use in Class 2 circuits only. As such, the use of our LED strips on a Class 1 circuit would technically be a violation of the NEC rules and regulations. We would therefore recommend staying with a Class 2 installation.

At a basic level, our 24-volt TRIAC dimmable power supply (96-watt capacity) is a Class 2 power supply that can power up to 16.4 ft of LED strip lights. As such, as per my calculations, you would be able to connect up to four segments of 46" each, as that would total 15.3 ft, which would be below the 16.4 ft limit.

Can I purchase a separate power supplies with dimmers to connect the cut LED strips?

I'm excited about your products and I want to purchase FilmGrade™ WHITE LED Strip Lights. I need a 16ft LED strip but I need to cut it into small pieces, and separately control the lights by dimming them. Can I purchase separate power supplies with dimmers, so I can connect the parts that I cut? 

We are happy to confirm that the LED strip light segments can be individually powered and connected with dimmer products. 

Below are some product configurations from our website, which could be useful for your planning purposes.

Configuration Links:

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3002_3D

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3002_3E​

Are the FilmGrade White LED Strip Lights dimmable?

I just ordered film grade white led strip lights 5600K and 3200K. My question is are these dimmable? 

Yes, our FilmGrade LED strip lights are indeed dimmable when connected to a dimmer. Please see below for an example layout:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3D

Here is a direct link to the dimmer product:

What I was looking for was a Hybrid version that had both 3200K and 5600K LEDs on the same strip. Do you have anything along those lines?

The closest option we currently have would be our hybrid LED strip at 3200K/6500K - please see below and let me know if this will work for your needs.

The controller setup will be a bit difficult without a dedicated DMX control system, however, so if you do not have that we would perhaps recommend staying with the two separate LED strip reels controlled individually.

LED Dimmer and Installation Questions

I am installing the CENTRIC HOME™ 3000K / 12V DC with a TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply. Can you suggest the best dimmer to use? In terms of this installation, I plan to reuse the existing wiring from my old under-cabinet fixtures. I think that I may need to attach leads to the old wiring so that the wire is stepped down to a size small enough to solder on the LED strips - any advice/tips/tricks for a neat(er) install? This install will have 7 discrete lamp sections ranging from 8" to 32" in length - altogether it's under 12' - all lamps will be housed inside the channel that I purchased from you too. Is the power supply I selected capable of driving this load? Lastly, the track comes with 5 end cap pairs - can you provide an additional 5 pairs so that I have a few extra for the installation? 

First of all, with respect to dimmer compatibility, our TRIAC dimmable power supplies are designed to work with virtually all phase dimmers so you should not have any significant issues with compatibility.

That being said, below is a list of the dimmers we have tested and their dimming range results:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/files/DC_3093.pdf

We do see that the Lutron DVCL series is a popular choice among our customers and we have not received any reports of flickering or other compatibility issues.

Second, for soldering, I do not believe there should be any significant challenges regardless of the incoming wire type or size. Since the solder pads are quite large, they should take solder quite readily without any issues.

One recommendation, however, would be to consider using our PN 3070 solderless connectors. The two wire ends can be joined together using standard twist-on wire connectors (aka "wire nuts")

As long as the total connection length is at 16.4 feet or less (you mentioned 12 feet), you will be fine with the single power supply unit.

We, unfortunately, do not have any additional mounting hardware on hand for the aluminum channels, but I'll be more than happy to see if we have any extras available to send to you!

I’d prefer solderless connectors but I think I read in your literature that they don’t fit inside the tracks. can you clarify this - or perhaps send a photo of an install so I can plan for it?

You are correct that the solderless connectors are too wide for the aluminum channels, unfortunately. I'm sorry for the oversight here as I had not realized that the LEDs would be installed in the aluminum channels (I should have reviewed your order in greater detail!)

​The "workaround" would be to have the LED strip protrude from the end of the aluminum channel by about half an inch, thereby allowing the connector part of the solderless connector to connect outside of the aluminum channel. I would imagine that this would not be ideal from an aesthetics perspective in most cases, but at a practical level, this would technically work.

Otherwise, the alternative solution would be soldering the wires directly onto the copper pads, as was originally proposed.

Dimmable Power Supply Compatible with Centric Home LED Strip Lights

I'm building a light fixture for my dining room, which is roughly 10' x 10' x 15' high (it's an open space). I've calculated that I need 1,673 lumens and that 3' of your CENTRIC HOME™ LED Strip Lights for Home & Residential will provide that. What dimmable power supply do I need (assuming I use a Lutron or Leviton wall dimmer)? 

You are correct that the 3-foot section will provide approximately 1650 lumens, which should be sufficient for your needs. Do keep in mind, however, that depending on the design of your fixture, you may want a bit more brightness depending on the orientation of the LED strip lights as well as the fixture.

​As far as connecting the LED strip lights to a dimmer switch, you will want to use our TRIAC dimmable power supply product. we've included the product link below for your reference.

​https://store.waveformlighting.com/products/triac-dimmable-power-supply-for-led-strip?variant=27978821435494

Additionally, our layout map for the product may be helpful in understanding how the product can be wired to your dimmer circuit: 

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A

Can you specify one or two specific Leviton or Lutron wall dimmer switches that are compatible with my order? 

We've tested a wide range of Lutron and Leviton wall dimmers for compatibility. Some of the most popular include the Lutron DVCL-153 series, which we have linked to below:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Diva-LED-Dimmer-Switch-for-Dimmable-LED-Halogen-and-Incandescent-Bulbs-Single-Pole-or-3-Way-White-6-Pack-DVCL-153PR-6-WH/301353737

For further reference, you may want to review our list of tested dimmers, which can be found below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/files/DC_3093.pdf

How do you change the colors on the RGB LED Light Strip?

The color space RGB color changing LED strip because I don’t know if you provide a remote or use an in-app controller

We're happy to confirm that the ColorSpace™ RGB Color Changing LED Strip Lights product can be controlled using several third-party apps and Bluetooth controller systems, such as the Lutron Caseta system.

However, we, unfortunately, do not have any guides which describe these configurations in detail available at this time.

Is it best to be using the 95 CRI products for Art Lighting?

We are wrapping up a project with an art wall for a special piece of art and need to light it with even light intensity and would like to learn more about your products. 

To light art, it is best to be using your 95 CRI products right?

Yes, the higher the CRI, the better the appearance of the colors in your artwork.

What is the difference between a Centric Home 3000K strip (3003.27) vs. a film grade 3200K tungsten strip (3001.32)?

The primary difference between the CENTRIC HOME and FilmGrade LED strip lights is the color temperature. The former is offered in 3000K, compared to the latter, which is offered in 3200K. The CENTRIC HOME at 3000K will be a closer match to halogen lighting used in art galleries, whereas the FilmGrade at 3200K is closer to tungsten lighting used in TV and movie sets.

It would seem all the strips have a max light intensity of 450 lumens per foot, are there higher lumen strips in the 3000K - 3200K color temp range?

Unfortunately we do not have any brighter LED strips. If more light is needed, we would recommend "doubling up" the number of rows.

How much lumen can be expected to be lost if used behind the lens of the corner aluminum channel?

We generally observe light loss of 10-15% when the diffuser cover is applied over the LED strip light.

Safe to assume all the strips are dimmable?

Yes, all LED strip lights are dimmable as long as they are connected to a dimmable power supply unit. (See below)

For about 13.5’ of stip lighting, what’s the best power supply to get and do you guys offer a hard wire remote transformer product to power the lights?

Please see below for the product link for our dimmable power supply which can be hard-wired to a dimmer circuit. One popular solution for controlling this power supply is using the Lutron Caseta dimmer system.

Below is some additional guidance on using the Lutron Caseta system with our LED strip lights:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/dimming-led-strip-lights-and-led-bulbs-using-smart-lighting-systems

For dimming of the light strip, what’s the best wall mount switch type dimmer to get that won’t cause flicker?

As long as you use our dimmable power supplies, you will be able to achieve flicker-free output regardless of the wall dimmer model or manufacturer.

​

LED Strip Lights for Photographing Artworks

I'm looking to create a lighting setup for digitally photographing artworks (mainly paintings) and then printing the files. 

I intended to make 4 panels around 40x50cm from 2-3 5m led rolls cut to lengths and attached to a backboard. I would like to be able to dim these panels also.

​This sounds like a great approach and excellent use case for the ABSOLUTE SERIES LED strip lights. The LED strip lights include double-sided adhesive and should allow for quick installation onto the backboard.

​For dimming, we recommend our FilmGrade flicker-free LED dimmer, which can be installed in between the LED strip lights and the power supply. Please see below for the product link:

​I am looking at the 99% absolute series and would like advice on how much light I may need (how close to space led strips on the panels?) and which driver I may need for say 7.5-meter strip cut to lengths.

​The amount of light needed would depend on the brightness needed for your photography (perhaps determined by your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings) as well as the distance away from the artwork. As a general ballpark estimate, each meter emits approximately 1250 lumens, which is equivalent to a 75-100 watt incandescent bulb.

​The maximum run length for the product is 5.0 meters. If connecting 7.5 meters per panel, you will need two separate power supplies (and perhaps, unfortunately, you will also require two separate dimmers for the separate circuits). The link to the power supply is shown below:

​Our general recommendation for spacing is to space the LED strip lights no farther apart than the distance from the illumination surface. In other words, if the panel is to be placed 20 cm from the illumination surface, the LED strips should not be spaced farther than 20 cm apart.

​Also, would the absolute series be good to record digital colors from paintings? I may install a linear polarizing sheet across the front of the panels also. They will likely be set at 45 degrees to paint.

​Yes, the ABSOLUTE SERIES is a great option for digital image capture! The 99 CRI rating is the highest that is currently available in the industry and informs us that the color accuracy as captured by your camera would be nearly perfect.

​The polarizing sheet, as well as perhaps a diffuser sheet, can help ensure even and smooth light distribution across the paintings.

​I notice a beam angle referenced in preassembled lighting panels - can you briefly explain this? and is it possible to recreate it with the strip LEDs?

The beam angle refers to the angle at which the light is dispersed. Our LED strip lights have a beam angle of 120 degrees, which you can think of as being a very wide conical light dispersion angle.

An led strip shows a lumen output of 6250. What would be a comparison in Lux at 1m or 3m? I suspect I am a little underpowered at 6250 lumens / 416 watts approx.

​A single row of LED strip lights will provide approximately 300 lux at 1 meter, and 25 lux at 3 meters. If using multiple rows, however, you would be able to add these lux values up in a linear fashion to determine the illuminance on that particular surface.

​You mentioned a space of 20cm between strips at a 20cm distance. I had guessed placing led strips at around an 8cm gap (mainly for estimated panel size using a 1x 5m reel, but I think I may need the strips much closer. 

Closer together than the 20 cm distance I had somewhat arbitrarily suggested is not an issue at all.

​I think I may need 4 panels of 5m strips cut to lengths (with a driver and dimmer for each panel) although this becomes pricy. Would you concur that with your products a 5m strip is the maximum for the drivers and dimmer?

Unfortunately, the maximum run length would indeed be 5 meters due to the power supply capacity as well as the limitations of the LED strip circuitry.

I generally understand CRI and the wavelengths of color and your absolute series seems to be as good as a "roto light" or "Gemini lite panel" and possibly as good as it gets. I see another figure being used for color perception and described as TICI. Do you have a rating for the Absolute series and what is TICI? (can't find it on google)

TLCI is the Television Lighting Consistency Index, frequently used in TV and broadcast environments in Europe. Similar to CRI, the TLCI determines color accuracy in the context of cameras and photography. Our ABSOLUTE SERIES has been tested to 99 TLCI (please see attached).

Are your LEDs flicker-free? I presume 4x 5m reels could all be exactly the same intensity and color? And the best color accuracy would be from a fixed-temperature LED. I note the preassembled panels from others have control over temperature, intensity, and hue in some cases.

Our LEDs are flicker-free when used with a flicker-free power source. All reels are calibrated to the same brightness and color point and are not adjustable, unfortunately.

​Would you happen to know what the import charges would be?

Unfortunately, import charges are quite variable and it is difficult to provide estimates up front, as these can depend on the specific port of import as well as customs officer discretion.

​If you would like to inquire with local customs authorities in advance, you might want to check on the estimated costs for products with HTS code 8539.50.0090, which is what is typically used for LED strip lights.

Compatible Dimmer & Power Supply for 24V LED Strip Lights

I am putting an order together for two of your 5m 24v 4000k 95 CRI LED light strips and need your help choosing a MeanWell 24V 150W Power Supply to drive an 18.5-foot segment. I am considering the MeanWell ELG-150-24AB and Lutron Caseta Wireless ELV. Will this work with these strips? Is there a better 150W power supply?

We've reviewed the product literature for the Meanwell product model numbers supplied, and all of them appear to be compatible with an 18-ft installation of our CENTRIC DAYLIGHT 24-volt 4000K LED strip lights. The primary electrical requirements for this installation would be 24 volts DC constant voltage output and a power capacity of at least 120 watts (5.5 watts x 18 ft = 99 watts, 20% overhead added).

​All three of the Meanwell products you mentioned appear to have the ability to provide this output, so they should be compatible; for further differences and recommendations between those options, we would recommend reaching out to Meanwell to better determine the best fit.

We did notice that you're looking to use a Lutron Caseta dimmer, which uses a phase-cut dimming signal. From what we understand, Meanwell products are NOT compatible with phase-cut dimmers and therefore may present some compatibility issues, so we would recommend reviewing this as well.

Choosing between T8 LED Tube and LED Strips for an Existing Electrical Boxes

I'm trying to choose between tube and strip lights and I need info on how I can hook it into my existing ceiling outlet box. 

While each installation can differ, we generally recommend using our LED tube lights if there is an existing 4-ft fixture already in place. Our LED tube lights can be used without a ballast and therefore can be used without any additional electronic components.

LED strip lights, on the other hand, can provide you with some additional versatility and installation options. This approach, however, will require additional wiring and configuration, including power supply units and LED strip assembly.

I have six separate track lights on separate dimmer switches. The reasons they interest me are that they look to be very low profile and you have a 99 CRI strip light but only 95 CRI tube lights. Are there any other advantages or disadvantages I should be aware of for strips vs ubes? If I go with the strip light option, what do I need to do? How does it connect to the end feed and will the extra transformer fit inside the end feed? Will I need new dimmer switches? I currently use these(Lutron CTELV-303P-WH Skylark Contour 300W Electronic Low Voltage Single Pole / 3-Way).

Since you don't have a fluorescent fixture at all, the LED strip light option is definitely worth considering.

The challenge with installing an LED strip light in a location like this is that the existing track systems operate at a completely different voltage type and level. Typically, they are 120 volts or 12 volts AC, while the LED strip lights require 12 volts DC.

As such, the electrical wiring and systems inside the track lights will not be useful here and will need to be bypassed completely.

Below is a configuration diagram for a simple LED strip setup:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A

You will see the TRIAC dimmable power supply, which is the key component here that you will want to determine where you can fit this in your current installation. It is a somewhat bulky device and you will want to ensure it is installed in a location compliant to local electrical code. (Most frequently, it is installed inside of a junction box mounted inside of the wall).

The TRIAC power supply appears to be 9 inches, so it won't fit in the current electrical box in the ceiling. Could I just purchase your junction box and attach it to the ceiling? Do you sell it in white? Alternatively, I could install the TRIAC in the attic near the switches, but then it would need to feed into the current wires that run to the ceiling position. I'm thinking that those standard wires must be different than the ones needed for the DC, is that right? If so, I guess the TRIAC has to go right next to the strip lights. 

We are not sure about the electrical code requirements and considerations of mounting the junction box on the ceiling, so that is something you will want to confirm before going down that path. The junction box is unfortunately not available in any other colors.

The concern with installing the TRIAC dimmable power supply far from the LED strip lights is that large distances between the power supply and LED strip lights can result in voltage drop, whereby the brightness of the LED strips become diminished by the reduction in voltage supply. Generally, we recommend keeping the LED strip sections within 32 feet of the power supply unit to reduce the impact of voltage drop.

My understanding is that your tube lights are not dimmable, is that correct? 

That is correct. We agree that the LED strips would be the best option for a dimmable + flicker-free lighting solution.

​Do you sell L pieces for the aluminum channel so I can turn corners with the flex strips?

Unfortunately we do not sell any "L" shaped corner pieces. The best way to accomplish this would be to solder wires directly between the LED strip segments that meet at the corner. The aluminum channels can also be cut at 45-degree angles to create a gapless 90-degree turn.

​Do I need the centric series power supply rather than the triac to get flicker free? 

​The most recent batch of TRIAC dimmable power supplies is also now rated flicker-free. Therefore, you will be able to use the TRIAC dimmable power supply and achieve flicker-free and dimmable light output.

​Do you sell a junction box that covers the centric? 

​We do not sell a junction box for the CENTRIC SERIES power supply. We would recommend going with the TRIAC dimmable power supply since it also provides flicker-free light output.

Can I connect two separate 8 foot strips to one power supply? 

Yes, they can be connected "in parallel" - please see the blog post below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/connecting-led-strips-in-series-vs-parallel

I'm just about ready to order the absolute strip. I'm still trying to decide on whether to go with 6500k or 5000k. What connector will I need for that? 

Both the 5000K and 6500K should be good options for you. Here is an article, in case you haven't had a chance to yet see it, that might help you make a more informed decision one way or another:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/art-painting/difference-between-5000k-and-6500k-bulbs

Once the LED strip is cut, it cannot be re-joined using the pre-mounted female DC cables. They can be re-joined using the PN 3071 accessory that you have correctly identified.

Does High CRI LED Strip Light Flicker-free?

Does high CRI LED strip flicker-free? In that, if we use the dimmer, it will be flicker-free or not? We need to use your LEDs for our test equipment and we need to control the lux level with your diffuser, will it be recommended that any other products be available with you? 

We're happy to confirm that our LED Strip Lights are flicker-free when paired with a flicker-free power supply, such as our FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip, as well as our FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer.

Please note that as our LED Strip Light products are available in both 12V and 24V versions, it will be important to select a compatible 12V or 24V power supply. 

LED Strip Lighting Layout

I am only putting the best into this place, so that means quality lighting. I am in a 19 x 16' space with 10' high ceilings and am curious as to what layout would be best. I plan on installing both the 4000k LED strip lighting alongside the red LED strip lighting for nighttime sessions. I will likely have both on during the day to put some Red back into the spectrum. When I install them, what is the recommended spacing between the two? Or have them right next to each other? I want what looks best and most balanced. 

Based on the measurements provided, we calculate that the space would be sufficiently illuminated by 14,960 lumens. As such, we might recommend utilizing 34 feet of LED Strip Lights in your studio space, which is just about two 16.4 ft reels of the LED strip lighting products, which emit 450 lumens per foot.

It might also be helpful to know that our 12V and 24V LED strip light products have maximum run lengths that can be powered by a single power supply. The maximum length for 12V is 16.4 ft, whereas the 24V maximum length is 32.8 ft.

As such, depending on the product selected, you will require a dedicated power supply of the matching product voltage. Further, each dedicated length and power supply will require a dedicated dimmer unit, in the event that you would like to dim the connected lengths of strip light products.

​We have attached a link below, which illustrates a common LED strip light configuration that utilizes multiple connected segments.

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1B: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B?px=-2201.5&py=-2227.5&pw=1403&ph=1455&s=0.1

Regarding light configuration, you may find that the ideal distance between the red and 4000K white LED strip lights may come down to personal preference and layout. As such, there is unfortunately not a precise alignment recommendation that we could make.

That being said, it might be helpful to know that many customers choose to install these lights along the ceiling perimeter to wash the walls in light.

While these LED strip lights can be installed in multiple ways, we also sell the Aluminum Channel for LED Flex Strip product which can be used for mounting the lights within corners or flat surfaces.

Can the power supplies/drivers be remotely mounted?

My question is regarding both dimmable and non-dimmable drivers for Waveform’s strip lights. Can these be remotely mounted? How far can the driver be from the light strip (Film Grade 5600k)? I will need 4 drivers for my installation. How much space is required between drivers?

The difficulty with the remote mounting of the LED strip power supplies is that they operate on low voltage DC, so we do want to be careful about the distance between the power supply and the LED strip light, as they can be susceptible to voltage drop.

​While we do not have an official specification, our recommendation would be to keep the distance between the power supply and the LED strip run to within 32 feet, as this will keep voltage drop to within 0.5 volts. This assumes that the system uses 24-volt DC and 16 AWG wires.

In terms of spacing, the LED power supplies should be provided with ample space around the units to provide sufficient ventilation and cooling. For additional reliability and safety, we would recommend using the junction box accessory.

LED Strip, Power and Control for Under Cabinet Lighting

I wanted a tunable light under the cabinet. My preference would be if could dim the lights at the switch, but control the "color" of the light with an app. Is this possible? We have three individual cabinet areas: 1) 80" span with a 30" gap over the stop and then continues for another 18" (we would not need to light under the stove) 2) 52" span (nothing special here) 3) 74" counter span (nothing special here, either) What products do we need to accomplish this? 

Our FilmGrade Hybrid LED strip lights are designed for cinematography applications, but they could certainly be repurposed for an under-cabinet installation.

A very nice feature of the FilmGrade Hybrid LED strip lights is the ability to change the color temperature of the lights between 3200K (warm white) and 6500K (cool white). This will, however, require some additional third-party controllers to achieve, and would not be compatible with a wall-dimmer installation.

For under-cabinet installations, most of our customers utilize a single-color LED strip light installation using our CENTRIC HOME LED strip lights. While this product is fixed at a single color temperature, this product may be better suited for an under-cabinet installation as the color temperature options of 2700K or 3000K are better suited for residential installations. Additionally, it can be hard-wired to a wall switch, and also includes UL safety ratings for permanent residential installations.

Below is a link to an example installation diagram along with a parts list, which you may find helpful:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A

Based on the cabinet dimensions we have approximately 18' linear feet of cabinets in three unique areas that will need lighting. Do we need three reels and three power supplies or could we do two reels and three power supplies?

The LED strip reels can be cut into shorter lengths, so the two reels with three power supplies sound like a better option for you!

​The two reels will provide you with sufficient length to cover 32.8 ft, which is more than the 18 feet required for your cabinet dimensions.

​In fact, a single reel will provide you with 16.4 ft, so if you are OK with shortening the LED strip lights for some of your cabinets (the LED strip lights most likely do not need to go all the way from one end of the cabinet to the other), that might also save some of your cost as you would be able to use just a single reel instead of two.

Here is an example layout diagram that you may find helpful:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B

We're not sure if we need the 12V or 24V, and also do we need a junction box with the power supply?

I also want to confirm our dimmer switches will be compatible with this. Below are two different dimmer switches I'm planning to purchase:

Lutron MACL-153M-TP Maestro

Lutron MRF2-10D-120-TP Maestro 

Both the 12-volt and 24-volt versions will work OK for your installation, but generally, we recommend our 24-volt versions as they perform slightly more efficiently than their 12-volt counterparts. For additional details, you may find our article below helpful:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/advantages-of-a-24v-led-system-vs-12v

The junction box is an optional accessory for the power supply but can be useful for mounting the power supply safely and securely.

In terms of dimmer compatibility, our dimmable power supplies are designed to work with the majority of Lutron and Leviton dimmers. Below is a list of all dimmers we have tested for compatibility:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/files/DC_3093.pdf

We do see both the MACL and MRF2 series dimmers on our tested list (I believe the letters and digits that follow are designators for non-electrical variations such as color, etc), so I do believe that either of those options should work well for your installation!

I don't believe we have any further guidance or recommendations, but you may want to review the following layout map for a visual preview of what you have in mind for the installation configuration:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B

Do you have a flicker-free controllers for the RGB LED strip lights?

I have epilepsy so I’m very interested in these flicker free LED’s. I want the RGB color changing LED strip. Do I have to get the FilmGrade one to get the flicker free or does the ColorSpace give me flicker free as well? 

Unfortunately we do not offer any flicker-free controllers for the RGB LED strip lights, so that this will be much more challenging to accomplish a flicker-free LED strip set up.

​On the other hand, the FilmGrade White LED strip lights can be controlled with our FilmGrade power supply and FilmGrade LED dimmer, providing for completely flicker-free light output. Please see below for a installation diagram for your reference:

​https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3D

LED Strip Lighting for Floating Shelves

I want to use strip lighting on 4 individual shelves, 2x2ft, and 2x3ft. Two shelves are mounted on either side of the TV. I want to use the existing wall switch for on/off and feed power from the attic down as I’m on the slab. Ideally, I would like to have voltage conversion in the attic and feed 12v/24v wiring out a hidden hole behind each shelf to led strips. Can you provide suggestions and equipment list? 

Based on the details provided, it appears that your installation can be accomplished using one unit of the 16.4 ft reel of LED strip lighting product divided into the 2 and 3 ft segments, as well as one unit of the TRIAC dimmable power supply in order to connect the LED strip lights to the wall switch and wall wiring. 

​It might also be helpful to note that our LED strip light products are available in both 12V and 24V. As such, it will be important to select the appropriate power supply voltage option.

​You may also find value in the below wiring products, which can be utilized for connecting the power supply to the LED strip lights, as well as connecting the LED strip segments together. 

​16 AWG Wire for LED Strip Lights - 33 ft / 10 meters: https://store.waveformlighting.com/products/16-awg-wire

LED Strip to Wire: https://store.waveformlighting.com/products/led-strip-to-wire-solderless-connector-for-single-color-led-strip-10-pack-1

LED Strip to Strip: https://store.waveformlighting.com/products/led-strip-to-connector-solderless-connector-for-single-color-led-strip-10-pack

I have also attached a link to a layout map below which illustrates the configuration closest to the description provided. ​

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1B: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B?px=-2255.5&py=-2110.5&pw=1511&ph=1221&s=0.1

LED Strips and Accessories for Under Cabinet Lighting

For under cabinet lights, I believe I have everything needed. Please check this and make sure I have everything needed and recommend any additional items or different items that would be better. The kitchen lights would have two zones, each turned on and off individually. Off of one power supply and one dimmer, there would be two parallel light loops each with its own on/off switch. 

PN 3003.27 (16 ft), PN 3092 , PN 3081 , PN 7094 , PN 3060 

We've reviewed the proposed purchase list and confirmed that the items are sufficient for your installation. During checkout, please be sure to select the correct 24-volt LED strip light option (PN 3004.27) to pair with the 24-volt power supply (PN 3092).

​In terms of the required components and parts, it appears that our installation diagram shown in the link below would be the closest representation of the proposed installation:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_2D?px=-2154&py=-2089&pw=1308&ph=1178&s=0.1

​The main difference, of course, is the single LED strip run as opposed to the two separate runs you have in your proposal.

​With respect to the two parallel runs that are to be switched separately:

I plan on using a 110V AC wall switch as with a shallow box it tucks up underneath the cabinet, is hardly visible, and works very well. I don't see any switches like this on your website so if this switch won't work could you suggest a switch (with a mount if necessary) that will fit under the cabinet?

Would the power supply be harmed if the output is an open circuit?

As for the power supply, FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip 3092, can it mount in the cabinet above the microwave?

Can extra end caps and mounting brackets be purchased?

From an electricity perspective, I do not see any concerns and agree with you that the switch should be able to handle 24 volts and 5 amps. If there are electrical code compliance concerns, however, I would be sure to double-check as I know there tend to be some strict requirements in terms of product fit, even if it may be deemed safe from an electrical and fire safety perspective.

We, unfortunately, do not sell and switch products, but I would perhaps recommend searching for a third-party supplier for a dedicated DC switch. I do recall seeing a few "DC inline style" switches that could be used, for example, this product here (please check for max current limitations).

Next, if we have understood your question about the open circuit correctly, there will be no issues in terms of power supply damage or reliability. The open circuit would be electrically equivalent to powering the power supply without plugging it in anywhere (as is common with laptop chargers, etc).

Generally speaking, the power supply does require open airflow for sufficient cooling. However, if running the LED strips at 48 watts, the heat generated will be limited and should not be a concern for the suggested installation.

Yes. We do sell extra mounting brackets and end caps as separate items. Please see the product page below:

Do you have different product variants that allow the LED strips to lower brightness? 

We are interested in purchasing an LED strip we previously bought an LED strip with 9W 24V and 3000K. But after fitting it inside the LED profile and fixing it inside a kitchen cabinet it's still too bright that we have to cover it with silicon inside. Kindly advise if you have something suitable for our needs.

​Unfortunately, we do not have any different product variants that would allow for lower brightness. We would recommend one of two options:

Dimmable Power Supply for the Centric Home LED Strips

We have a wall dimmer and will be using the 3000K Centric LED strips. I'm wondering about power supplies. Does it seem your Centric flicker-free ones don't have an option for a junction box being included? And your Triac dimmable ones don't seem to be flicker-free but do have a junction box? But you don't have a flicker-free with junction box?

First of all, you are correct that only the "TRIAC dimmable power supply" product includes a junction box option. Our most recent production batch of this product, however, incorporates flicker-free performance, and you will see the same level of flicker performance as the CENTRIC SERIES power supplies. As such, should you require both flicker-free performance and a corresponding junction box, the TRIAC dimmable power supply should be a perfect option for you.

​

Dimmable LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet Installation

I have an electrician coming after the first of the year to install uplighting above my kitchen cabinets. Any suggestions? Would like it hardwired. Dimmable too? 

Our LED strip lights have been a very popular option for under and above cabinet lighting installations. Please see below for the product link.

This installation can indeed be hard-wired and dimmable. Please see below for an installation diagram that shows the components and configuration needed:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B

LED Dimmer Compatible with Centric Daylight LED Strips

I have one Centric Daylight Strip that I would like to be able to dim without flickering. There is a possibility that I may add more strips later and I would want to be able to dim all of the strips at the same time. Can film grade dimming be accomplished using a standard wall dimmer or is there a way to gang the Film Grade Dimmers?

The FilmGrade dimmer is a standalone dimmer unit, so it would not be well-suited for use in an installation where synchronized dimming is required.

​As an alternative, we would perhaps recommend our TRIAC dimmable power supply units, which can be wired in parallel and synchronously controlled from a single dimmer switch. The product provides the flicker-free output and you should see comparable flicker performance. Please see below for an example layout of how this can be accomplished:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C

Is it possible to use a single knob to transition from RGB to white tunable?

If I bought a 5 in 1 LED light with the DMX Dimmer and the power supply, Would it be possible to use a single knob to transition from RGB to white tunable?

While our DMX decoder would be a great option for our 5-in-1 LED strip lights, the controls are accomplished via digital signals only, so there would unfortunately not be any knobs or dials that could accomplish this.

​That being said, there may be some third-party DMX controllers which incorporate analog inputs that can be programmed to achieve the functionality you are looking for.

LED Strip Lights for Stair Lighting Installation

I have a staircase with 16 steps. Each step is 32" in length. They need to be hardwired to 120V. I want to have a timer so that they come on in the evening (7:00 pm) and off in the morning (6:00 am). Single color with blue being prefer, but white will also work. I'm having a difficult time putting this package together. Can you help by recommending the items that I would need for this project? 

To start off, our SimpleColor Blue LED strip lights sound like a great option for you. These LED strip lights feature just a single color light output and should provide you with the simplest lighting installation. Below is the product link for your reference:

In terms of spanning each of the 16 staircase steps, the configuration will require a bit of careful planning due to some limitations in the "maximum run length" per LED strip light.

​For the SimpleColor Blue LED strip lights, the maximum run length is 16.4 ft. If I have done the math correctly, this means that each run can cover 6 steps at a time (6 steps x 32 inches / step = 16 ft). In order to cover all 16 steps, you will require three separate runs, each powered with an independent power supply.

Depending on the distance between each of the stairs, you will likely want to use PN 3071, or a combination of PN 3070 + PN 7098.

​The power supply we would recommend in this installation would be our TRIAC dimmable power supply, which is designed to be hard-wired to the wires in your wall. To control the lights on a timer, you may want to consider using a "smart home" type dimmer switch such as the third-party Lutron Caseta, which can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times during the day.

​Below is a configuration diagram for our CENTRIC HOME LED strip lights, which uses the same 12 volt low voltage architecture and may be useful for better visualizing the wiring needed to complete the installation:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C

Please note that you may want to consider using PN 7095 to connect the power supply output wires to the LED strip DC input jacks:

Finally, should you prefer a plug-in approach, our FilmGrade LED power supply can also be a nice alternative that can also be programmed using a third-party electrical timer similar to those used for Christmas tree lights.

Will the CRI change when the LED Strips are dimmed?

If I reduce the brightness of a LED strip (dimming) will be the CRI the same as before? Or the CRI is a constant value, like a feature or how to define, a "passive skill" so does not matter that I reduce a 20W LED strip consumption to 10W and reduce the brightness highly, the CRI will stay constant, and the same as before? 

When LED strip lights are dimmed via PWM, the LEDs are pulsed "on" and "off" at a very rapid rate. During the "on" phase, the LEDs will exhibit the same color and spectral properties as when the LEDs are at full power. During the "off" phase, the LEDs are completely turned off.

(Here is some additional information on the PWM frequency as it relates to flicker-free dimming).

​With PWM, various brightness levels are achieved by adjusting the ratio of the time between the "on" and "off" phases (aka PWM duty cycle). Since the quality of the light during the "on" cycle remains the same regardless of the PWM duty cycle, we also see that the CRI value will remain constant across the dimming curve.

What if I use another dimming way, like resistance with a potentiometer? So when we control the current or voltage they will get, then what does happen with CRI? If so, then the only good way is PWM, but does PWM work only with a PWM receiver or can it work without a receiver? 

If you are looking to implement your own dimming solution, using a potentiometer or voltage splitter can be an option. With high-power LED strip light installations, however, this is known to be tricky due to the high amounts of energy that must be dissipated. (This is why PWM is usually the preferred method for dimming in high-power LED installations).

For an example of a PWM dimmer, please see our inline dimmer product below:

If you were to reduce the brightness of the LED using current or voltage reduction, you may see some changes to CRI. Based on the data I have seen, however, the changes are typically in the 1-2 point range and are not significant.

Is your PhotonPanel™ 100W Grow Light Panel and Dimmer UL listed?

We are planning a growth area and would like to daisy chain 3 panels to be on three separate shelf levels but to have them be dimmable -- and were looking at your PhotonPanel™ 100W Grow Light Panel and the FilmGrade DC Power Supply and FilmGradeTM Flicker-Free LED Dimmer. 

We must have UL-listed components. I have purchased some LED panels to test out with plants, but sometimes it is too bright and so I believe dimmable would be useful. Is there a way to do this with your products? 

Unfortunately, apart from our power supplies, the grow light panel and dimmers are NOT UL listed at this time.

Dimmable T8 LED Tube Lights for Art Studio Lighting

I am interested in the CRI 95 5000K Northlux LED Tube, but I need a dimmable one if possible. 

Unfortunately, our T8 LED tube light products are not compatible with dimmers.

However, our LED Strip Light products are compatible with dimmers and could prove to be a valuable alternative depending on your installation.

I decided to, for now, purchase several packs of the 4000K CRI 95 Centric Daylight Bulbs. What is the R rating for these bulbs?

We have attached the photometric report for the 4000K CENTRIC DAYLIGHT™ Full Spectrum Flicker-Free A19 10W LED Bulbs below, which lists the R values.

Photometric report link: https://www.waveformlighting.com/photometrics/TR_4005.40.pdf

LED Tape Lights and Controller for Channel Lighting

I'm interested in installing LED tape light / channels into a few rooms. I would like to use the tape lights that feature both a warm and cool mix of LED's so the warmth can be adjusted. How can I drive and control such an install? I currently use networked Lutron Dimmers on conventional 120V fixtures.

It's currently quite difficult to achieve the color tuning functionality using traditional wall dimmers such as those offered by Lutron and Leviton, as these dimmers are only capable of adjusting brightness, and unfortunately not color.

Another option would be to search for third-party controllers which can wirelessly control the output (brightness and color) using a remote control. Below is an example of a product which would achieve this:

Are you aware of any dimmable DC power supplies that could be controlled from a conventional Casetta dimmer / remote?

Our TRIAC dimmable power supply units have been tested with Lutron Caseta, and should meet the requirements you outlined in the most recent email. For more information, please see our article below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/dimming-led-strip-lights-and-led-bulbs-using-smart-lighting-systems

Does the TRIAC dimmable power supply referenced produce a ripple free clean DC signal, or is it a rectified / modified 120Hz pulse?

The TRIAC dimmable power supply's output is flicker-free by virtue of its very high PWM frequency. The frequency is > 20,000 Hz, which makes any stroboscopic flicker virtually undetectable.​Strictly speaking, however, since it is a PWM signal, it is not a flat DC current flow.

What tape light would you recommend that has the LEAST amount of green in the spectrum, and the most (Far) red?

​We would suggest the 2700K as it has the most amount of red phosphor, and therefore, by extension, the most amount of far-red energy as well.

The amount of green across the various color temperature options is likely to be similar.

LED Lights Recommendations for Digital Photo Studio

I'm converting a utility room in our garage to be a dedicated digital photo studio. As such, I know I need much more controlled/accurate lighting. Note, that I do not plan to shoot photos/video in the room, just edit, evaluate, and display.The skylights have remote-controlled blackout shades. My initial thoughts about your products are as follows:

I was thinking of using your 16' LED strip mounted in an aluminum channel on the ceiling ridge, e.g. Centric Daylight strip 5000K. For the LED strips, do your aluminum channels have a system to interlock end-to-end or would you recommend other types of aluminum channels for reasonably diffuse light?

While the linear light fixtures could allow for an easier installation than the LED strip lights, the linear light fixtures are not dimmable. As such, your space might benefit from the LED strip light products, which allow for dimming functionality.

Further, the aluminum channel products unfortunately do not feature the ability to interlock. However, there may be third-party products available elsewhere which would allow for a continuous length of mounted LED light strips for installation along the trusses of the room.

I was thinking of using your FilmGrade Hybrid LED strip mounted in your corner aluminum channels mounted under the bottoms of the trusses in the photo to illuminate the right side wall where I would hang/display prints. How accurate are the hybrid strips in simulating various color temps, etc.? Equally important, what's a simple solution for a controller that would allow me to specify the desired color temperature and it would set the appropriate LED values? Is this doable, what would you recommend?

The FilmGrade™ HYBRID LED Strip Lights could be a great option for your space, and I am happy to confirm that this product can be used to simulate any color temperature between 3200K and 6500K by adjusting the intensity of each color temperature.

However, it might be valuable to know that a LED strip light product featuring a single dedicated color temperature is able to emit more light per foot than the individual colors of the HYBRID LED Strip Lights are able to. For example, the HYBRID LED strip lights emit 225 lumens per foot, per color, whereas the single-color FilmGrade™ WHITE LED Strip Lights emits 450 lumens per foot.

This product can be controlled using several different methods. Though the easiest implementation would likely be to utilize a color tunable LED controller, which would allow for you to easily adjust each color point. The below article contains detailed descriptions for each configuration method available for the product.

How to Connect Hybrid CCT Tunable LED Products: https://www.waveformlighting.com/film-photography/how-to-connect-hybrid-cct-tunable-led-products

You sell your T5 Linear light fixtures (D50) in 4 ft. I was thinking of using a couple of those to set up a dedicated print viewing station. Your website says they are out of stock but will ship on 12/14. Is availability still accurate as I would like to go ahead and order them to start experimenting?

We can confirm that the 5000K 4-ft NorthLux™ 95 CRI T5 LED Linear Light Fixture product is currently expected to be available by December 14th. In the event that you would like to place your order prior to that availability date, we would process the shipment as soon as the items become available.

Do all of your 5000K lights actually meet D50 spec or only where specifically indicated?

Not all of our 5000K color temperature products are designed to be compliant with the D50 standard. However, if you had a specific product in mind, I would be happy to review the item to check for D50 compliance.

Anything else you would advise or suggest that I consider?

Regarding installation suggestions, the primary consideration which comes to mind would be to test the LED strip light products within the space prior to cutting the product into segments or installing them completely, as we are unable to accept returns for these products as soon as they have been cut or altered.

Our second suggestion is to keep in mind that the FilmGrade™ HYBRID LED Strip Lights requires a 24V power supply.

Third, the HYBRID LED Strip Lights product has a maximum run of 32.8 ft, and draws a variable amount of power per foot depending on the color point adjustment. Details regarding this can be found on the product specification sheet. As such, you may want to consider a power supply which is capable of outputting enough power to accommodate the power draw needs of the lengths of your installation.

On the FilmHybrid LEDs, I saw the referenced setup with the two dimmers. But to use that, I need to figure out the dimmer settings that correspond to different Kelvin temperatures. I'm assuming to do that I would need to have a spectrophotometer that can measure incident light which I don't have. Is there another 3rd party solution that you could recommend that wouldn't be too complicated or expensive that would allow me specify the color temp and then set the appropriate values on the two LED channels of the hybrid film strip?

Any 3rd party aluminum channel manufacturers you recommend that might have interlocking sections? I'm still going to take a look at yours as well.

Unfortunately, the dimmer uses an analog dial to control the relative brightness levels of the two channels, so there is no way to digitally map the two output levels to a specific color temperature level. You may want to think of this as being similar to a traditional shower faucet, with one for hot and one for cold, without the ability to set a specific water temperature.

We are not aware of any third-party products or solutions that could incorporate our LED strip light to achieve the lighting controls you are looking for, but do hope to be able to offer such solutions in the near future. For the time being, we may recommend searching for cinematography and photography lighting products such as those manufactured by ARRI or Kino Flo, although these will likely be a much higher price point.

I've got a few questions on your 24V dimmable transformer that I purchased:

Is this designed to be driven at 100% rated load (96W) for a prolonged period of time? Is there any issue with splicing a pigtail and plugging it into an outlet (that has an AC dimmer upstream)? Is there a minimum load requirement on the transformer? Any issues if there is a GFI on the circuit?

The 24 volt dimmable power supply load is de-rated at 100% (full 96 watt capacity) until ambient temperatures exceed 105 F. Maximum allowable ambient temperature is 140 degrees F, at which the power supply output load is de-rated to 60% (59 watts capacity).

​We do not maintain a minimum load requirement on the power supply unit, but all dimmer tests are performed at 85% load.

With respect to your questions regarding installation through a wall outlet and the use of GFI components, I would consult with an electrician for further recommendations. From what I understand, there may be code compliance issues arising from:

From a pure electrical standpoint, I do not believe there would be any performance issues, but such installation methods would be beyond the scope of our safety and reliability assurances.

.

How to control the color temperature of FilmGrade™ HYBRID LED Strip Lights?

What is needed to control the color temperature of FilmGrade™ HYBRID LED Strip Lights? 

The first method would require the use of a DMX or controller solution. Below is an example of a third-party controller available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/LEDUPDATES-Controller-remote-Temperature-Changing/dp/B07DVHXGTD/

​Alternatively, you can also use a combination of two inline dimmers to control each color channel independently. The product link is below: https://store.waveformlighting.com/products/filmgrade-flicker-free-dimmer-for-led-strip

Additional accessories and components are needed for this approach, which is outlined in the connection diagrams shown in the article here. 

FilmGrade™ HYBRID LED Flex Panel - Transformer & Dimmers

Our architect specified your product - FilmGrade™ HYBRID LED Flex Panel. We have already purchased one panel and would need to order 7 more. We are also looking for a transformer that would be able to power 8 panels at the same time and two dimmers - one regular and one for switching the colors. 

Can you please advise on the product that would be suitable for this project? 

Our LED flex panel requires 50 watts per color to operate. If both colors are to be operated simultaneously, each panel will require up to 100 watts.​As such, 8 panels will require 800 watts to operate. This is a very high power capacity level and we, unfortunately, do not have any products which can support this configuration. Instead, we would recommend operating each panel with an independent power supply unit.

If we follow your recommendation and operate each panel with an independent power supply unit, would you be able to provide this unit?

Can you please advise on the quantity we would need and a price per one? 

Each power supply unit costs $49, and the link to the product can be located below.

Each of these power supplies would be sufficient for one panel. Therefore, for 8 panels, you will require 8 power supply units. You will also need a third-party controller to vary the color and output of the panel. (The sample setup you have from the one panel should simply be replicated by a factor of 8).

Can you please also advise if this power supply unit will work for dimming and color-changing? If not, will it be compatible with Lutron Caseta dimmer? 

Unfortunately, our product will not achieve the color-changing features you are seeking.​Do you have information on how you had the single-panel sample unit set up? Please let me know and I can assist in replicating that setup for you.

You mentioned earlier, that we would need a third-party controller to vary the color and output of the panel. Can you please advise if this device from your website can be used for dimming and color-changing? 

If not, can you recommend a different product? 

We want to be able to dim 8 panels from one dimmer at the same time, and also change the colors on all 8 panels from one device at the same time. 

We would recommend daisy-chaining eight of our DMX decoder units, controlled from a single DMX controller. Below is the product link:

LED Lighting and Dimmers for Laundry Room Lighting

I'm hoping you can help me a little with my laundry room lighting. Here are the specs: basement location - 1 small window in a well (almost no natural light). Room is 7.5' by 11.8', ceilings is 7.5' high (currently lit by a 4 t8 tube troffer fluorescent light in a drop ceiling). Block wall is off white -all wiring is surface wiring in conduit. 

Our high CRI LED products sound like a great fit for your retrofit installation, and the use of our LED strip lights in your fluorescent fixtures sounds like a great idea.​I don't foresee any issues from a performance perspective, but if there are any electrical code or inspection concerns, we would recommend confirming that this is a permissible installation method as regulations can differ depending on the specific inspectors as well as authorities having jurisdiction.

One alternative option would be to keep the fluorescent fixtures in place and utilize our T8 retrofit lamps, which offer the same level of color quality.

Should I use 2 strips or 4 by my calculations 4 would be giving me almost 8000 lumens, and this is not a baseball field. Will 2 strips look like 2 long blobs up there? or will I have even light over the troffer? 

I inputted the provided room dimensions into the lumen estimation calculator (https://www.waveformlighting.com/lumen-calculator). Based on a target of 60 footcandles (which should provide you with a very nice level of brightness for most laundry-related tasks without being overly bright), the recommended lumen output for the lights would be approximately 6000 lumens.

​Your calculations are correct that four 4-ft rows of the LED strips would provide you with approximately 7200 lumens (450 lumens per foot * 16 feet). I do not think this is an unreasonable amount of light, especially if you have a troffer diffuser that will reduce the light output a bit.

I'm a little confused about dimmer options...I see that you have a triac dimmer compatible power supply. Are all wall dimmers triac? or just the standard incandescent ones. Do I still need to get an LED or other specialty dimmer from Lutron etc...i.e. low voltage electronic dimmer?

Most wall dimmers utilize TRIAC phase dimming, and our TRIAC dimmable power supply is compatible with most standard residential wall dimmers. Some of the most commonly seen wall dimmer brands include Lutron and Leviton. Please see below for a list of dimmers which we have tested compatibility for: https://www.waveformlighting.com/files/DC_3093.pdf

 I was thinking I would use the 24 v option since I might like to run some of the strips in the hallway outside the laundry room and that would require a little more distance between the power supply and strip light. Does that make sense? I will be having an electrician do the actual installation.

Generally, 24 volts is almost always a better option when running longer wire connections. This is because a higher voltage option requires lower amperage, which is typically what causes voltage drop issues. For additional information on voltage drop, please see our article below: https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/what-is-led-strip-voltage-drop

In order to connect my troffer strip to the next strip out in the hallway, I would use your 16 gauge wire that you sell by the spool, I believe. Would I be using the strip to wire pigtail connector that you sell? If so, how do I join the two wires? wire nuts in a junction box? or is there a way to solder the wire to the strip at either end and add a cover for protection?

The best way to accomplish this connection would be to use our PN 3070 solderless connector, joined to the 16 AWG wire using wire nuts. Please see the screenshot below, taken from the layout maps found at this link: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B

You may of course also forgo the PN 3070 component and solder the 16 AWG wires directly onto the LED strip copper pads as needed.

Also, is it possible to buy smaller quantities of the various connectors? I don't want to buy 10 if I only need two.

Unfortunately the connectors are pre-packaged packs of 10 and we would have no way to offer just two of them. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Does your power supply require a neutral wire for dimming?

Your webpage shows a nice diagram using a Lutron dimmer. The Lutron dimmer I wish to use is the Caseta plug-in dimmer, P-PKG1P. It has two output plugs. Both plugs are two-wire, not three-wire plugs. Does your power supply require a neutral wire for dimming? If so, I could rig one.

If your dimmer does not have a neutral wire connection (it should just have two black wires), ​the TRIAC dimmable power supply's neutral wire can be connected directly to the neutral wire in the wall.

Which power dimmer switch should I order to work with your 220v power supply?

I am writing from Europe and planning to your LED stripes and dimmable power supplies for my new large bathroom project for barrisol ceiling (smth like this - https://youtu.be/QeMlIcZOlO0) As long as voltage here is 220v I am looking for proper dimmer switch (lutron for ex.) When I go to Lutron webpage every switch states it is meant for 120v. Can you please advise which switch should I order with your system to work with 220v? 

We currently do not have any specific compatibility test data for non-USA models of dimmers that can be used with our TRIAC dimmable power supply.​The dimmable power supply is designed to be compatible with phase dimmers in general, however, so you should find that most dimmer models available locally (including at 220 volts) should work with our product, without any issues.

realUV LED Strip Lights for Cabinet with Uranium Glass

I have 5 shelves that are 3' by 2' with uranium glass that I want to 'glow'. Planning on purchasing a 5m 365nm realUV LED strip and cutting it into 5 pieces. Question: based on your Watt estimator, 3' of LED strip is a lot of coverage for 6 sq ft of the shelf. Will I want a dimmer? Side note: I wish you had longer connector wires. Shelves are 1.5' ft apart. I can kludge together with extra connectors/wire/wire-nuts, but will not be a real clean look. 

While we have not done any tests in-house, we do believe that our realUV LED strip lights will work very well for uranium glass, and have had several customers report success with similar projects.

You are correct that our UV LED strip lights do offer quite a bit of output per foot, so you may not need as much power to achieve the fluorescence effects you are after. In general, however, having too much UV intensity is not necessarily a bad thing, as the fluorescence effects will tend to hit a "ceiling" once a certain UV intensity level is reached.

That being said, we do offer an inline dimmer that could very well be used for your installation should you prefer to have control over the UV intensity. The connection diagram can be found at the link below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/7021_4D

Finally, we sincerely appreciate your feedback on the solderless connector cable length. I'll definitey have our team consider a longer cable product for future product development.

In the meantime, our PN 7098 cable product will likely be your best workaround. For a cleaner installation, if you are comfortable, directly soldering the wires onto the copper pads may also be an option for you.

When you say ‘solder onto the copper pad’, are you suggesting that I could remove the wire from PN 3070 and solder in the new, longer length of wire? I’m very comfortable with soldering and that would be a great option! 

The LED strip lights, once they are cut, will have solder pads exposed and accessible. The photo below shows the copper semi-circles right along the cut-line:

​From there, the PN 7098 wires can be tinned, and then directly soldered onto the copper semi-circles. This assembly will essentially replace and negate the need for PN 3070 / 3071 altogether.

Do BR30 and A19 bulbs dim properly with older-style dimmers that adjust voltage?

Do BR30 and A19 bulbs dim properly with older-style dimmers that adjust voltage? Do the bulbs make a humming noise when dimmed with the older-style dimmers?

We can confirm that our A19 and BR30 lamps are designed for use with modern phase dimmers. However, they are not designed for use with older dimmers such as rheostat dimmers.

As such, these products may not be compatible with the dimmers that you have installed. We might recommend reaching out to a local lighting expert for further specialized instruction regarding compatibility.

Power Supply Recommended for a Goal Zero Solar Setup

I want to run a 12V LED filmstrip with a dimmer from a Goal Zero solar setup that has USB and cigarette lighter plug (or direct battery terminal) connection options. Will the dimmer work in this scenario, and do you offer any of the power supply options, or do you have product recommendations? I don't know much about wiring so prefer no soldering or splicing, or at least having product-specific recommendations. 

While we have not tested the Goal Zero product, based on a quick review of their product specifications, it does appear that the 12-volt output provided via the cigarette lighter port would be able to power our LED strip lights and dimmer.

​To connect the cigarette lighter plug to the dimmer, you may want to consider a third-party product such as the one below:

​From there, you may benefit from referencing our Layout Maps which show the connectivity of the dimmer and LED strip lights. In your case, you would want to ignore the DC power supply unit, since the Goal Zero unit already outputs 12 volts DC.

FilmGrade™ DMX LED Dimmer & Decoder with 5-Channel Output

Why are there two 12-24vdc+ and two 12-24 VDC - inputs?

The FilmGrade DMX decoder has two sets of 12-24 volt input ports to allow for more than one power supply input. This may be advantageous if the DMX decoder is used at higher amperage levels, as this can help mitigate power supply capacity and input wire voltage drop issues.

Compatible Power Supply for Lutron Caseta dimmer

I purchased some high-quality LED light strips (60 ft in total) and I am looking for a power supply that would work with a Lutron Caseta dimmer. Your 24V PSU is rated 96W/4A but it states it can only work for 16 ft light strips. My LED strip requires 96W at full power. Would your PSU work for this?

Our TRIAC dimmable power supply is indeed compatible with the Lutron Caseta dimming system, and can safely operate LED strip loads up to 96 watts. If the load exceeds 96 watts, the system will automatically shut off to protect itself from being over-driven.​We generally recommend leaving a 10-20% headroom above the LED strip power rating as an extra safety margin. The reason we recommend this safety margin is due to the variability of actual power draw performance of LED strip products. Your LED strip light product with a 96 watt rating, for example, is likely specified at 96 watts +/- 10%, which would suggest that the actual power draw can be anywhere between 86 and 106 watts.

One workaround would be to reduce the total length of LED strip connected, to ensure that the LED strip power draw remains well below the 96 watt level. This would, of course, require that you can accept a shorter run length than you currently have planned for.

Do you have a model above 96W? I wanted to stick to Class 2 rating but that's hard to do that with my setup.

Unfortunately we do not have any thing that is simultaneously dimmable and higher power than 96 watts.

One alternative would be to split your LED strip run, and use two of the 96 watt dimmable power supplies connected to the same Lutron dimmer. Please see below for a connection diagram showing how this would look:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C

I ordered a Magnitude driver but, I want to test it because I saw reviews saying they flicker.

Now, you Centric series are rated flicker free. What about the regular Triac driver? Does it have flickering issues? 

The TRIAC dimmable power supply is also flicker free and you should not see any of the issues you are seeing with the Magnitude products.

I purchased a 60 ft strip like this one: Super Length 20 meters Constant Current DC24V 120leds/m SMD2835 LED Strip Light (coxotech.com). It is a high quality LED strip that uses integrated ICs to convert constant voltage to constant current (if my understanding is correct). Do you know if you LED drivers have PWM output or constant output?

Our TRIAC dimmable power supply units use high-frequency PWM (> 20,000 Hz) to achieve what is effectively flicker-free light output. (Typical flicker issues occur at or 2x line frequency, in the 50-60 Hz or 100-120 Hz range).

If the supplier of the LED strip lights you have in mind are certain that PWM is incompatible, that would unfortunately suggest that our TRIAC dimmable power supply would not be a suitable product pairing.

LED Lights to Stimulate Daylight for Winter Depression

I am looking for a lamp that simulates daylight as accurately as possible to combat my winter depression. 

I'm not sure exactly which light fixtures are being used in my house. They appear to be standard spot lights. I sincerely doubt there is anything special about them. I am looking for a colour temperature of about 5000K - 6500K.

I'm interested in your full-spectrum products. Whatever reproduces the spectrum of sunlight must be the best. Let's take the LED strip as the starting point and figure out a solution around that. I would also like it to be dimmable if possible.

The closest measurement I can get is 13 metres for my small room and 30 for my large room.

Based on your needs, it seems as though the ABSOLUTE SERIES LEDs at 6500K would be the best fit for you. From a spectral and chromaticity standpoint, this is the product that most closely resembles natural daylight at noontime, and should be an excellent choice.

​To address some of your questions about the technical aspects of the product:

Regarding the power supply, we can confirm that the ABSOLUTE SERIES™ LED Flexible Strip product would require a DC power supply for every 16.4 ft (5 meter) of length, such as our 12V FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip. Our DC power supply is compatible with global input voltages (100 - 240V AC, 50-60Hz), though you may require an additional wall socket adapter. 

​Further, the ABSOLUTE SERIES™ LED Flexible Strip product can be paired with the FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer product for additional dimming capability. 

Depending on your installation, we might also recommend placing the LED strip lights within an enclosure which features a diffusor, such as our Aluminum Channel for LED Flex Strip product, which is available in 'flat' and 'corner' options.

​For a detailed illustration of the configuration options available for this product, the below links may prove to be useful:

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3002_3D: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3D?px=-2252.5&py=-2245.5&pw=1505&ph=1491&s=0.1

LayoutMaps™ - LED Strip Light Layout 3002_3E: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3E?px=-2252.5&py=-2245.5&pw=1505&ph=1491&s=0.1

It is going to be pretty difficult to install a power supply for every 5 metres of strip. If I run a strip around my whole room, I'm going to have a huge number of power supplies everywhere. Is there some way to hide them?

Unfortunately, we don't have a proper recommendation to hide the power supplies. However, the cords for the DC Power Supply products are of a decent length, and could be helpful in hiding the power supply some distance from the LED strip lights.

Difference between FilmGrade and ABSOLUTE SERIES™ 99 CRI 5000K (D50) / 6500K (D65)

What is the difference between Film Grade vs. ABSOLUTE SERIES™ 99 CRI 5000K (D50) / 6500K (D65)?

The primary difference between the FilmGrade and ABSOLUTE SERIES LED product lines is the color rendering index. The FilmGrade product line has a CRI rating of 95, while the ABSOLUTE SERIES LED products have a CRI rating of 99.

Furthermore, the FilmGrade product line is offered in 5600K and 6500K, while the ABSOLUTE SERIES LEDs are offered in 5000K and 6500K.

Are these lights DC powered?

Yes, our LED strip lights and LED modules are powered via 12 volts or 24 volts DC. They will require a dedicated power supply to operate.

Do either of these lights flicker? 

If the LED strips and/or modules are powered via our power supply units, they will not produce any flicker.

Can I wire these lights in parallel (2 1-foot strips side by side)?

Yes, they can be wired in parallel, as long as the total connected length does not exceed the maximum power capacity of the power supply (e.g. do not exceed 16.4 ft for LED strips, in total). For additional information, please see our article below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/connecting-led-strips-in-series-vs-parallel

Or must I have a power supply for each strip of lights?

As long as the total power draw remains below the power capacity of the power supply unit, you should not see any issues. Below is a calculator which you may find helpful:

https://store.waveformlighting.com/pages/led-strip-power-supply-calculator-requirements

How can I order a sample 6-inch strip plus a power supply?

Please see below for the direct link to the 6-inch LED strip sample pack, which includes a power supply unit:

How can I link separate strips together? Do you have a picture of this showing the connector? I want to link 4 l foot strips side by side.

You may find our Layout Maps helpful. Specifically, see below for an illustration showing how multiple sections can be connected:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3002_3E?px=-2183&py=-2023&pw=1366&ph=1046&s=0.1

Do the link connectors come in the 16-foot reel kit? 

The LED strip reel includes DC power ports pre-installed on both ends, so you will be able to connect the power supply directly to the DC port without any issues.​The PN 3071 solderless connectors can come in handy if you're looking to cut the LED strip reel into shorter segments and are looking to reconnect them.​Finally, the 6-inch sample pack also includes all of the components to set up a short 6-inch demo circuit.

Does Waveform make housings for these lights? Can these be cut?

Please see below for our aluminum channels which would be a great option for housing the ABSOLUTE SERIES LED strip lights:

Cuttability is not an officially supported feature of the aluminum channels, but I have had customers report that this can be done quite readily using a hacksaw.

TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply Compatible with Centric Home LED Strips

Can I use the TRIAC dimmable power supply with Centric LED strips?

Yes. We're happy to confirm that the TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply for LED Strip products is compatible with our CENTRIC HOME™ LED Strip Lights for Home & Residential and CENTRIC DAYLIGHT™ LED Strip Lights for Commercial & Retail products.

Below is the layout guide, which illustrates the configuration of these products.

LayoutMaps™ LED Strip Light Layout 3001-1A: https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A?px=-4896&py=-3269.5&pw=1464&ph=1491&s=0.125

Will it damage the Centric Home Flicker-Free A19 bulbs using a dimmable power supply?

I bought a few Centric Home A19 bulbs from you. I was looking for a power supply for these bulbs, and I bought a few dimmable ones that can go 5%, 30% & 100% on light intensity. Will that damage my bulbs?

The CENTRIC HOME™ Full Spectrum Flicker-Free A19 10W LED Bulbs from your order is unfortunately not compatible with dimmer products.

However, we do offer other products which are compatible with dimmers, such as the Full Spectrum E26 BR30 LED Bulbs.

Does your TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply use high-frequency PWM?

I would like to ask if your TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply for LED Strip (3093.120) uses high-frequency PWM to dim the actual LED strip on the output side or uses PWM at the mains frequency.

I read your very good article which suggests that flicker-free PWM dimming needs to be at 25kHz or so. I live in New Zealand & we use 230VAC at 50Hz. I wish to adapt the existing 230V wiring to accommodate a dimmable LED strip. 

Our TRIAC dimmable power supply does indeed use high-frequency PWM on the output side to dim the LEDs. The PWM frequency is 25 kHz, which should be high enough for even the most sensitive or demanding of applications.

​On the AC input side, the power supply "interprets" a phase-dimming signal (commonly called TRIAC) which is produced by traditional wall dimmers in residential installations.

If you have a standard AC 230-volt mains voltage dimmer installed, our dimmable power supplier would be a great fit for the installation.

For additional guidance on installation, please see our layout map below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A

How do I know if the LED sign is compatible with Flicker Free LED Dimmer?

I just recently purchased an LED sign. It flickers on video when dimming. How do I know if that LED sign is compatible with your dimmer?

We can confirm that our FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer is compatible with LED systems at any voltage level between 6 and 60V DC and < 10 Amps of current draw. If your LED sign exceeds this voltage, we expect that the dimmer would be incompatible.

However, if there are compatibility issues between the dimmer and your LED sign, we would be more than happy to issue a return label to have the item sent back to us for a refund.

Reducing the Visible Light Output of realUV LED Light

I was hoping the 365nm realUV product would be somewhat invisible to the human eye considering the extra expense. It casts less visible light than some other products I've purchased in the past, but it is still bright enough to cast shadows in a dark room. Can I dim the LEDs somehow or is there a product with less spread into the visible spectrum?

Unfortunately, we currently do not have a way of reducing the visible light output as this is a part of the small residual amount of visible wavelength energy that "leaks" beyond the threshold of UV wavelengths.​A LED strip dimmer may significantly help reduce the amount of overall brightness. While this will certainly help reduce the amount of visible light, this will also unfortunately reduce the amount of UV output as well. If, however, you are seeing that you can accept a lower amount of UV energy, this may indeed be a great workaround solution for your situation.

LED Lighting and Dimmers for Entertainment Center

The plan is to recess the LED strips behind the face boards. The part that I am finding most difficult is the dimmer (or maybe I’m just screwed up on everything). The LED lights need to have the ability to select a color including white. I need the width of the LED strips to be 10mm or less and the height to be as low as possible. We want a remote-controlled dimmer that can be used to change the colors and brightness of the LED lights. Can you please review and provide me with an itemized list of the materials that I need to complete this project?

Unfortunately, we currently do not have any remote-controlled dimmers or power supplies available which would be capable of changing the color and brightness of the LED strip lights. Most of our customers that utilize our color-changing LED strip lights are in the entertainment or theatrical industries, where DMX systems are commonly used.

​For a more consumer-friendly remote-control solution, we would recommend searching for third-party providers of such products.

In terms of our LED strip options, our ColorSpace RGB LED strip light may be a good fit for your needs. The product features an 8 mm width, high brightness, and very narrow wavelength tolerances to ensure consistency within and among LED strip runs.

Furthermore, you may also find that our FilmGrade™ FiveSpect 5-in-1 LED strip lights may be of interest to you. This product is designed to have a high level of customized light spectrum output with the inclusion of a warm white and daylight white channel, in addition to the standard RGB channels.

To connect the LED strip lights to the power supply, we recommend our Solderless Connector Cable for a 5-in-1 LED Strip product.

Regarding the mounting of the lights within the structure, we currently do not offer mounting channels which would accommodate the 12mm width of the FiveSpect 5-in-1 LED Strip Lights. That being said, there may be third-party options available that could diffuse the light.

LED Strip Lights Compatible with Lutron Caseta Dimmer

I have a Lutron Caseta dimmer connected to rope lighting in a tray ceiling. I am having trouble finding LED strip lights to replace the rope lighting. Do you know if your LED strip lighting will be compatible and fully dim with the Lutron Caseta dimmer switches?

We are happy to confirm that our LED strip light products are compatible with the Lutron Caseta system.

To integrate our LED strip lights with the Lutron Caseta system, they will need to be connected to a dimmable power supply, such as our TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply for LED Strip. The dimmable power supply will then need to be connected to a dimmer, such as your pre-existing Lutron Caseta dimmer switch. During our testing of this configuration, we found that the dimming range was 0.2%-100%. 

​However, there are certain limitations to consider. For instance, not all dimmable power supplies are compatible with the Lutron Caseta system. Further, the Lutron Caseta system only works with single-color LED strip lights, and can only provide brightness control.

For more information regarding the integration options, we recommend the below article from our website.

Dimming LED Strip Lights and LED Bulbs using Smart Lighting Systems: https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/dimming-led-strip-lights-and-LED-bulbs-using-smart-lighting-systems

Are BR30 Bulbs Compatible with a Legrand Tru-Universal Dimmer?

I have a new job that's interested in your products. I remember the last time, I returned some products because they weren't dimming correctly. Can you confirm that the BR30s are compatible with a Legrand Tru-Universal dimmer and that they don't buzz audibly when dimmed?

We, unfortunately, do not have any test data on that particular dimmer model this time.

In the meantime, if you're in a rush to decide on the installation, we would recommend purchasing a sample set of bulbs to test and see if they work well and provide the lighting performance you are looking for. If it doesn't work out, we'd be glad to pay for return shipping and provide a full refund.

I thought the A19s used to be dimmable. Did that change?

The A19 filament bulbs are dimmable, but the 10-watt A19 bulbs are not. Please see below for the dimmable A19 filament bulbs:

Do you have a Flicker-free Dimmable Bulb Compatible with an Enclosed Fixture?

I live in an apartment with enclosed fixtures and am trying to find High CRI dimmable flicker-free bulbs that will last a semi-reasonable time in an enclosed fixture.

Unfortunately, our dimmable LED bulbs are not compatible with enclosed lighting fixtures due to the requirements for heat dissipation and airflow.

However, if the lighting fixtures are not fully-enclosed, we would be happy to recommend our Full Spectrum E26 BR30 LED Bulbs. These products feature a high CRI and are dimmable. That being said, this product is not flicker-free.

What about the filament bulbs? I know it's not flicker-free (I have some of the BR30s from my old apartment already, but these are def fully enclosed)

Yes. We can confirm that A19 filament bulbs are suitable for use in enclosed fixtures and damp locations.

Flicker Free LED Strip Lights

Do you offer LED strip lights that are flicker-free? I'm considering Filmgrade White LED and Absolute Series LED strips. Are these flicker-free? Am I correct in assuming that the benefits of the Filmgrade flicker-free dimmer apply only when the light is dimmed and not at 100% output?

When any of our LED strip light products are paired with the FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip product, they gain the ability to be flicker-free.

When the LED strip light products are paired with both the FilmGrade™ DC Power Supply for LED Strip as well as the Flicker-Free LED Dimmer, they gain the ability to be both flicker-free as well as dimmable.

In this configuration, the LED strip lights will remain flicker-free at any level of dimming, from 0% to 100%.

Color Tunable Recommendations

Would it be possible to send me a lecture about wiring your product to a lighting control system as a Lutron homeworks with dimming and color-tunable?

Unfortunately we do not have any support for color tuning of our products using Lutron systems. If you have any additional information on the specific Lutron product you are interested in, we would be more than happy to provide further information on our color tunable products to see if they would be a good fit.

For standard single-color dimming, our layout diagram below may be of help for you:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B?px=-2395&py=-2315.5&pw=1790&ph=1631&s=0.1

We want to use the Filmgrade Hybrid Led Flex Panel 3004 HY. We can use Lutron Caseta with GRX-tvi to have ability to dim 0-10V.

A few comments:

As such, it does not seem that our hybrid LED flex panel would be compatible with this system as it requires a low voltage DC system (i.e. 24 volts DC) with dimming control over channels (warm white and cool white). 

Dimmable 3000K (>90) CRI 3000K Strip Lights with Triac Dimmer Switches for an Open Staircase Installation

I wish to put Strip Lights on an open staircase under each tread. I need help in determining the correct method to instruct the fabricators to install wires and what combination of power supplies/dimmers to use. I have 17 treads, each will have 48" of illumination - for a total of 21M. 

I intend to have each tread individually drop wires to the basement so that I can wire them all independently (would you recommend this?). I would like to do white, dimmable strip lights with high (>90) CRI, and so I’m looking at the centric home, 3000K strip lights. What’s the best way to do this? The Triac Dimmer switches indicate 150W only – so how would I use multiple power supplies (each at ~120W) with a single dimmer?

Our CENTRIC HOME LED strip lights sound like a great fit for your staircase installation. The 3000K and 95 CRI colors will be sure to add some excellent lighting to your space while highlighting your staircase.

There are several ways the proposed installation can be accomplished. The constraint, however, will be in the power capacity limitations of our TRIAC dimmable power supplies, which are 120 watts and 96 watts, for the 12-volt and 24-volt versions, respectively. Converting that into the number of stair treads, it looks like each power supply will have enough power to cover approximately 4 stair treads (5.5 watts x 4 ft x 4 stair treads = 88 watts).

As such, you will likely need 4 or more separate LED strip runs to be able to cover the entire staircase, with each run being powered by its own TRIAC dimmable power supply. The good news is that the 4 TRIAC dimmable power supplies can be connected to a single dimmer switch so that all of the LED strip runs can be dimmed in unison. For a connectivity diagram, please see our layout diagram below:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C?px=-2395&py=-2315.5&pw=1790&ph=1631&s=0.1

Additionally, in connecting the separate 48" sections between the stair treads, we do offer a variety of connectors that you may find helpful. Please see below for a similar diagram but with separate LED strip segments being rejoined using our various accessories:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1B?px=-2395&py=-2315.5&pw=1790&ph=1631&s=0.1

It's mentioned that I can use a single Triac Dimmer to control 4 dimmable power supplies. However the dimmer indicates only ~100W for LED - and each of the power supplies would be ~100W x 4 =400W total.

Your calculation and interpretation there is correct. If the dimmer manufacturer recommends only a minimum of 100 watts, we certainly would not recommend exceeding that level.

We have generally seen that many dimmers support up to 600 watts, with a list of supported dimmers located here:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/files/DC_3093.pdf

We have found that dimmer manufacturers have been providing two different wattage levels for incandescent / halogen and LED / CFL systems. We are not sure what their reasoning for this is, as we believe that our dimmable LED power supplies behave similarly to dimmable incandescent loads and therefore should not be significantly different.

​To ensure safe operation, however, we would recommend following the guidance of the dimmer manufacturers as they may have their reasons for the maximum ratings.

Absolute Series LED modules for a color matching to a Pantone swatch book and small item product photography.

I am interested in the Absolute series LED modules, I just realized the modules won't fit into the aluminum channels you offer, so I'm not certain what to mount them on or use as a diffuser. Do you have any recommendations? Is the type of diffuser material likely to affect the CRI at all? 

I was also wondering about the brightness - each module produces 800 lumens. 

I am also thinking about getting one of your dimmers, is the panel with 2 modules likely to be too bright to use at full strength? 

I was also thinking about trying the North Lux light bulbs, but wasn't sure about the socket type - I'm in the UK. I noticed the Centric Daylight bulbs have an E27 European option though, are those actually the same bulbs as the North Lux? What is the actual CRI for either of these bulbs? The item page says they have a CRI of 95+, and an R9 of 80+, but the photometric report seems to suggest both of these are much higher. Am I reading it wrong? 

I was planning on getting the D65 modules as I'm used to working with natural daylight color temperatures. The Pantone color bridge I'm using says to use D50 for color matching, is the D65 fine for this? Pantone has further confused me by using M1 lighting for the color bridge guide, but M2 lighting without UV for the online color finder - do the Absolute series modules qualify as M1 lighting (the D50 version anyway)? 

First of all, our ABSOLUTE SERIES LED modules sound like a great option to give you an excellent "building block" for building your own light panel. The 99 CRI is an excellent fit for many color viewing and color-critical applications.

​Whether or not you will need a diffuser will depend on whether there will be any potential for glare. If, for example, you plan on shining the modules directly at the illumination subject, there should not be any issues. For more information, we would recommend our blog article here: https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/aluminum-channels-for-led-strip-lights-are-they-worth-it-an-in-depth-look

​If you do decide that the aluminum channels and diffusers are indeed necessary, you may want to consider our flexible LED strip version of the ABSOLUTE SERIES as they will fit inside the aluminum channels without any issues.

Each module produces 800 lumens. It's a bit difficult to provide any recommendations as to whether this is sufficient or excessive for your needs, but you may want to take a look at our lumen estimation calculator, which you can find here:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/lumen-calculator

​Alternatively, a useful rule of thumb is to remember that 800 lumens are approximately equal in brightness to a 60-watt incandescent bulb.

​Transitioning to our household lamp form factors, the NorthLux is not available in an E27 socket variant, so we would recommend our CENTRIC DAYLIGHT versions instead. For more information on E26 vs E27, you may want to reference our article here:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/e26-vs-e27-bulbs-are-they-interchangeable

The CENTRIC DAYLIGHT versions also offer an excellent 95 CRI color rendering at 5000K and 6500K, either of which should work well for you. The only minor difference (as noted by their part number including or not including the letter "D") is that the NorthLux is calibrated to D50 and D65 color standards, which may be of interest to you.

The actual color rendering values will depend on the specific bulb. Our guaranteed values are 95+ and 80+ for CRI, respectively, but depending on the specific bulb, these values may fluctuate. CRI, for example, can be anywhere between 95 and 98.

Since you'll be using the lamps for digital arts (rather than printing and visual assessments) with monitors calibrated to D65, our 6500K or D65 product options sound like the best option for you.

Is there a recommended type of material for this, or will any type of translucent plastic do? Are there any materials that look appropriate but I should actively avoid them due to them compromising the CRI too much? If I use completely transparent clear plastic just for a protective 'lid' over the module, will this affect the color temperature or CRI at all? My gut says no on this last one, but thought it was worth checking in case there's something I'm not aware of.

Unfortunately, all materials will absorb and reflect a small portion of the light energy across the spectrum in slightly different ways. We generally recommend using polycarbonate, acrylic, or glass, as these materials generally alter the spectrum to the smallest extent. Some anecdotal testing on our end indicates that polycarbonate diffusers can affect the color temperature by 200-300K. CRI is generally not affected.

I was hoping you might be able to give me some quick advice on setting up the modules - I've made a basic diagram of my plan, but I don't have much experience with this sort of thing, so I was hoping you could take a quick look and see if it makes sense.

I've reviewed the drawing you kindly provided, and everything looks good and reasonable.

Hopefully, this makes sense, if not, let me know! I will most likely put 3 modules on one panel and 2 on a separate one, but I am making the basic assumption that even if I put all 5 on the same panel using the same power supply, it should be ok, as the power supply is 24v, 60W, 2.5A, which seems to cover the minimum requirements for 5 modules, plus a bit extra - is it ok?  

Yes, the power capacity appears to be perfectly fine for this installation. The only thing to be careful of would be to make sure that the wires used to connect the modules have sufficient thickness. Generally, if you're just connecting a single module, you should be fine with 20 AWG or thicker.

Is it okay to use an inline switch sold as a 12V switch, as long as the amp rating is high enough? I found some that say 2 amp max at 12VDC, and one that says suitable for 5-24V but doesn't mention amps... They're all very basic barrel jack connected on/off switches that look identical, but I've read conflicting information online about this issue, mostly regarding the possibility of arcing with higher voltage, so I thought I'd better ask even though most people say it's ok. I'm guessing the current that will go through the switch will only be the 420mA / 10W for a single module though, given how it will be set up.  

There should not be any significant safety issues here, but we would recommend checking with the switch manufacturer to ensure that operation at 24 volts would be permissible. I believe that both the arc voltage, as well as current ratings, would both be of concern here.

Not too bothered about having to replace the switches if they break, but I don't want anything bad to happen to the LED modules. And I'm assuming that connecting and disconnecting the modules via just unplugging any of the connecting wires between the individual module and PSU while it's all switched on is a bad idea? This sort of thing is generally frowned upon, hence my idea about adding inline switches for each module for some brightness control... Sorry if any of these are silly questions, I'm learning this on the fly! 

There should be no issues with the modules, as long as they are not suddenly flooded with voltage or current.

As for the A19 style bulbs, does the article you linked basically mean it's always unsafe to use E26 bulbs in an E27 socket, even when they are compatible with 240V AC?

That is our assessment based on the dimensions and input voltage levels.

Would it be safe to use a NorthLux E26 bulb with a B22 (bayonet socket) to an E26 adapter at 240V? (E27 to E26 doesn't seem to be a thing...) Given that the product page says it's compatible with 240V AC, I assume I wouldn't have to use a step-down transformer or anything?  

Yes, the product is compatible with global input voltages and will operate with 240 volts AC despite having an E26 base.

Do you know if NorthLux bulbs (the D50 version anyway) conform to the M1 lighting standard at all? 

Unfortunately, our D50 products do not conform to the MIUV metamerism requirement for UV fluorescence. As such, you will see our conformance is limited to ISO 3664:2000 and not any of the later standards.

Do the lights emit anything into the UV range at all, or are they closer to the M2 UV-excluded type lights in that respect? Doesn't help either that the bridge guide uses M1 standards and photoshop uses M2 when the paper the guides printed on is full of OBAs.

All of our products do not emit any UV (defined as < 400nm) except for our realUV products.

Except for our ABSOLUTE SERIES LED products, the LEDs are based on a royal blue 460 nm emitter with phosphor downconversion, so virtually no energy is emitted below 430 nm or so.

I saw the section about white rendering on the Absolute series product page, does this mean they can activate the OBAs in paper and textiles, at least somewhat? 

You are correct that the ABSOLUTE SERIES LED products do have some potential to excite OBAs to improve white rendering. This is due to the underlying emitter being based on a violet emitter which peaks at 420 nm. You'll notice, though, that this is still well within the visible range of the spectrum and does not produce enough ultraviolet energy to provide meaningful improvements to MIUV rendering.

One thing you may want to look into is the realUV LED strip or floodlights​ in combination with our existing visible wavelength range products to improve UV rendering. Unfortunately, we don't have any test data or full solutions here, but this may be worth experimenting with on your end.

Flicker-Free LED Vanity with Dimmer for 60fps Video

If I purchase and install 18 FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free A19 LED Bulb with a FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer, will I have a Flicker-Free video filming experience? Can I use my existing bulbs and just replace the existing cheap dimmer I installed with your Flicker-Free LED Dimmer for any semblance of success, or do I need to buy the bulbs as well?

Our FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer product is only designed to be used with low-voltage LED lighting, such as our LED light strips.

As such, we do not recommend using it with products such as the FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free A19 LED bulbs.

Further, the FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free A19 LED Bulb is not dimmable. Therefore, we discourage using this item with any dimmer products.

That being said, our LED light strip products could be an alternative for your space. These products, such as our FilmGrade™ WHITE LED Strip Lights, are dimmable, pair with the FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free LED Dimmer, and are available in many different color temperatures.

Do you have recommended dimmers that will cause LED lights to flicker at 40 hertz?

I am looking for something to plug LED lights into that will cause them to flicker at 40 hertz. Will any of your devices, such as adjustable LED dimmers, do that?

Unfortunately, we do not have any products that allow you to adjust the flicker frequency. You will likely want to consider a microcontroller solution such as an Arduino setup.

FilmGrade Flicker-Free LED Dimmer Specs and Wiring

1) What is the switching frequency? Your info suggests 25 kHz, but you have no spec for that on your product page.

2) Is +, -, or neither common to input and output? I am installing it in a fixed installation, where the number of available conductors is limited. Do I need to run both +/- output wires to the load, or can I run the switched output wire to the load, and tap off one of the input wires (whichever is common) as the other conductor?

To answer your questions:

1) The switching frequency for the product is 25 kHz.

2) The output uses a common positive, and the switching occurs on the ground channel. The article and graphic below may provide you with some additional insights on this:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/film-photography/how-to-connect-hybrid-cct-tunable-led-products

How to wire and power a long LED strip run (100 ft+)

I am looking to install LED strip lights across a 100 ft section. How many power supplies do I need, and should I use 12 volts or 24 volts?

Our recommendation is to set up six separate LED strip runs of 16.4 ft each. We would recommend our 24 volt LED strip lights, and each of the 16.4 ft runs should be powered by a TRIAC dimmable power supply. All of the power supplies can be connected to a single wall-dimmer so that the entire 100 ft section can be controlled from a single dimmer switch.

If you're wondering why we need a separate power supply for each 16.4 ft run, see our article below which should provide some additional insights, as well as some third-party options:

Operating a TRIAC-dimmable LED power supply from wall outlet

Can a Triac-dimmable power supply such as the CENTRIC SERIES LED power supply be connected to a wall outlet and controlled by a wall-dimmer?

Electrically speaking, this could be accomplished. However, this would not be an advisable configuration from an electrical safety standpoint. This is because, in general, a wall dimmer should never be connected to a wall outlet.

Wall outlets are used for a wide range of non-lighting related electrical appliances. If a non-lighting product is inadvertently plugged in and "dimmed" from the wall-dimmer, there may be some catastrophic failures and/or safety issues that arise. For example, a microwave oven is most certainly not designed to be "dimmed" from a wall-dimmer, and could potentially lead to some serious issues.

As an alternative, we would recommend using an in-line PWM dimmer in conjunction with a plug-in power supply.

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