LED Strip Wiring Questions

khargy · 01-30-2011, 01:24 PM

I'm trying to setup some RGB LED strips in the basement as general and task lighting. I want to install some in strips across the ceiling and some under the bar and behind the TV and whatnot. They are going to be computer controlled so all the wiring will be originating from computer closet also in the basement. That is also where I'll have the 12V power supply to let me setup multiple legs of the lighting (I'll need one leg for any "zone" of lighting that I want to be able to turn on and off individually).

So I just want to make sure I'm safe and I'm not sure what's allowed as far as 12v wiring in the walls. Most of the wiring will be in the drop ceiling to power the overhead strips, but some will need to do down the walls behind the paneling/drywall for the bar, tv and whatnot.

These are the LED Strips I'll be using:
http://www.sirs-e.com/st/5050-strip-...ml?cPath=67_69

The are rated at 2 Amps per 5 Meters Reel in White (i.e. red, green, blue full on). Most likely I won't have more then 5 meters in one run, but even if I had 10 meters that's bring me up to 4 Amps.

Would 18AWG speaker wire be safe to wire these up with?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

Can I just use regular wire nuts to connect things?

mpoulton · 01-30-2011, 07:00 PM

Yes, that cable looks like a good solution.

LyonsElecSupply · 01-30-2011, 09:12 PM

How long will your feed wire be?

4 amps on 18 ga wire at 12v may cause undesired voltage drop......you really dont want more than 3% voltage drop on 12vdc.....

My calcs are showing a 4A load, 12vdc, 15 feet one way run with 18ga copper is an 8% drop.....

Get 16 or 14 ga wire.......

Robberson · 03-28-2012, 02:45 AM

I want to install some in strips across the ceiling and some under the bar and behind the TV and whatnot.

--------------------------
led strip lighting
led strip lighting outdoor
12v led light bars

01-30-2011, 01:24 PM	#1
khargy Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 2	LED Strip Wiring Questions I'm trying to setup some RGB LED strips in the basement as general and task lighting. I want to install some in strips across the ceiling and some under the bar and behind the TV and whatnot. They are going to be computer controlled so all the wiring will be originating from computer closet also in the basement. That is also where I'll have the 12V power supply to let me setup multiple legs of the lighting (I'll need one leg for any "zone" of lighting that I want to be able to turn on and off individually). So I just want to make sure I'm safe and I'm not sure what's allowed as far as 12v wiring in the walls. Most of the wiring will be in the drop ceiling to power the overhead strips, but some will need to do down the walls behind the paneling/drywall for the bar, tv and whatnot. These are the LED Strips I'll be using: http://www.sirs-e.com/st/5050-strip-...ml?cPath=67_69 The are rated at 2 Amps per 5 Meters Reel in White (i.e. red, green, blue full on). Most likely I won't have more then 5 meters in one run, but even if I had 10 meters that's bring me up to 4 Amps. Would 18AWG speaker wire be safe to wire these up with? http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 Can I just use regular wire nuts to connect things?

01-30-2011, 07:00 PM	#2
mpoulton Semi-Pro Electro-Geek Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 2,189	LED Strip Wiring Questions Yes, that cable looks like a good solution.

01-30-2011, 09:12 PM	#3
LyonsElecSupply Electrical Supplier Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 205	LED Strip Wiring Questions How long will your feed wire be? 4 amps on 18 ga wire at 12v may cause undesired voltage drop......you really dont want more than 3% voltage drop on 12vdc..... My calcs are showing a 4A load, 12vdc, 15 feet one way run with 18ga copper is an 8% drop..... Get 16 or 14 ga wire....... __________________ "Do it right the first time and avoid duplication of effort" Your AHJ/Inspectors ALWAYS have the final say on ANY electrical code issue. If in doubt, contact a licensed, experienced, reputable electrician to perform the work.

03-28-2012, 02:45 AM	#4
Robberson Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1	LED Strip Wiring Questions I want to install some in strips across the ceiling and some under the bar and behind the TV and whatnot. -------------------------- led strip lighting led strip lighting outdoor 12v led light bars

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LED Strip Wiring Questions