Frequently Asked Questions

    Instructions are included with each Armacost Lighting product and can also be downloaded from the specific product page. Please review instructions thoroughly in order to understand how products work and are properly configured and installed. If you are still experiencing issues or need to speak with an installation technician, please visit Contact Us for assistance.

    LED Lighting

  • Can LED strip lights go around corners?

    Although Armacost Lighting RibbonFlex LED tape light is thin and flexible, do not bend strip lights or make sharp turns. The preferred method to make turns is to use SureLock connectors.

    Alternatively, use WireGrip connectors with wire or solder wire directly to the copper LED strip light’s copper pads. For a more detailed guide, see the Making corner turns with RibbonFlex tape light PDF.

  • How do I avoid bright spots from LEDs on counter tops?

    When your countertop is highly reflective, the best method for mounting LED tape for under cabinet lighting is to install the tape lighting flat up against the back side of your cabinet lip. RibbonFlex LED strip light from Armacost Lighting has a wide 120 degree beam angle, and by installing the tape lighting on the cabinet lip it will eliminate LED bright spots on reflective counter top surfaces. For detailed installation photos, including techniques for running tape light from one cabinet to another, see this PDF.

    Alternatively, using LED Tape Light Mounting Channels with diffused lenses minimizes bright spots on counter tops. Channels also deliver protection and a more finished look to the LED tape light installation.

    For a continuous, spot-free illumination, try RibbonFlex COB White LED Tape Light. Chip on Board (COB) LED lights create a seamless line of light without dots or spots.

  • Why do sections of LED tape lighting look different?

    This is most likely a polarity or connection issue. When connecting two pieces of white LED tape light, connect positive wires to positive (+ to +) and negative wires to negative (– to –). Polarity is easily identified with + and – markings on the LED tape.

    When connecting two pieces of multicolor LED RGB tape light, connect the +12V/G/R/B indicators on the tape light to maintain polarity and correct color sequencing. (The same concept applies to RGB+W LED tape light. Just match the corresponding markings, such as +24V/G/R/B/W, when connecting.)

    An easy way to check polarity when using a LED strip light connector is to look for the Armacost Lighting AL logos. If they are not oriented the same way, there will be a polarity issue.

  • If tape light is needed on both sides of an obstacle (i.e., kitchen sink, refrigerator, range), what is the best method to jump the obstacle?

    To jump the obstacle, use a connect a length of wire to the two strips of LED tape light. This can be done with a WireGrip LED strip light connector and an appropriate length of wire or a SureLock LED strip light connector can be extended to connect two LED strips. To extend the length, cut the SureLock Wire Lead connector in half, and splice a wire to the two ends of the connector.

  • Which are the brightest LED strip lights?

    LED strip light brightness is dependent upon density of the LEDs on the strip. Armacost Lighting RibbonFlex 120 LEDs/m is the brightest LED tape light product we offer, delivering a super bright output designed for task lighting. 60 LEDs/m is bright enough for a broad range of undercabinet and accent lighting. 30 LEDs/m is less bright and best for accent lighting applications. All Armacost Lighting RibbonFlex LED light strips are fully dimmable from 100% – 0%.

  • How will system performance be impacted if a non-dimmable LED is connected to a dimmer?

    A non-dimmable LED should not be connected to dimmable system. If this does occur lighting performance will be impacted. LEDs may blink, flicker or otherwise not work as intended.

  • LED Power Supplies

  • When should a dimmable LED driver vs. a standard driver be utilized?

    The choice between LED power supply types is based on preferred dimming and control method.To dim an LED lighting system with a 120-volt AC dimmer switch, pair with a universal AC dimmable driver. To control an LED lighting system on the output or DC side of the power supply, either a standard or universal driver may be utilized.

  • Will a higher wattage power supply increase the brightness of the LED tape light?

    No, a higher wattage power supply will not increase the brightness of the LED tape light.

  • If a higher wattage power supply than required is used, will it harm the LED lighting?

    Provided the power supply output voltage matches the lighting’s rated voltage, a higher wattage power supply will not harm the LED tape lighting.

  • If one circuit contains multiple LED lighting types, is a separate power supply required for each type (i.e. pucks, bars or RibbonFlex LED tape lightis)?

    No, multiple types of LED lighting can be wired to the same power provided the lighting is all rated the same voltage and does not exceed the rated wattage of the power supply.

  • LED Lighting Control

  • Can I use an AC dimmer with white LED tape lighting?

    Yes, a dimmer switch (i.e. Lutron or Leviton) can be used with low voltage LED strip lights, but an AC dimmable power supply must be utilized. A special dimmer switch is not required for LED tape lights; most modern dimmers are compatible with Armacost Lighting AC Dimmable Power Supplies. Dimmable products will operate under the full dimming range adjustment 0% – 100%. Do not use an AC dimmer with standard electronic power supplies; they are not compatible. If you are unsure what type you have, go here. To learn more about dimming white LED lighting and what may be your best installation option based on your application and power supply, please visit LED Dimming Basics.

    For optimal AC dimming performance, use a forward phase CL-style or equivalent dimmer. The use of reverse phase or ELV dimmers may degrade performance.

  • Can I connect two or more dimmers or color controllers to a single power supply?

    No, use only one dimmer or one color controller per power supply in your LED lighting application. If you connect more than one of these components to a single power supply, you will experience poor performance issues (irregular dimming, inconsistent/uneven illumination) with your lighting.

  • Where do I place a low-voltage dimmer or controller in my lighting configuration?

    Wire a low-voltage dimmer or controller between the low-voltage side of the power supply and the LED lights. Armacost Lighting offers a variety of low voltage dimmers and controls for white and color strip lights.

  • What should a user do if the remote is not working?

    To enable a remote the first time it is used, pull out the plastic barrier sheet from the battery compartment located on the bottom of the remote. If it is an older remote, the battery may need to be replaced. It is possible that the remote has lost connection with the receiver; in this case it must be re-paired. For instructions regarding how to re-pair remote, refer to installation guide.

  • Remember to always review the troubleshooting section of the instructions included with your product (or download them on the product page). The solution may be a simple adjustment as outlined in these guidelines.

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