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Please read completely before installing.

It is important to read these guidelines completely to understand how LED 

tape lighting works and how it can be configured and installed so you can 

properly design your lighting layout.

Installing tape lighting is an easy DIY project. However, basic wiring skills and 
tools for stripping, splicing, and connecting wires are required.

IMPORTANT

 

Do not submerge for long periods of time.

 

Do not power LED tape while coiled on reel, as the LEDs will overheat.  

The mounting surface will act as a heat sink to dissipate heat.

 

Do not stare directly into the LED lights when illuminated.

 

Never connect more than one power supply to a run of LED lighting.

 

Use only insulated staples and plastic clips to secure cords and wires.

 

Route and secure wires so they will not become pinched or damaged.

 

Do not install low-voltage DC wiring in the same runs as 120-volt AC power.

All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes,  
low-voltage Class 2 circuit. If you are unclear as to how to install and wire  
this product, consult a qualified professional.

Planning

RibbonFlex LED lighting is designed for indirect lighting applications. The 

LEDs themselves are not intended to be seen directly by the eye. Every 

installation is unique, and the desired lighting effect is based primarily 

upon personal preference. Installation location, wall colors, mounting 

angles, and the light’s reflection off walls, surfaces, and objects will affect 

the final lighting appearance. Subtle adjustments to the positioning and 

angle of the LED tape can greatly impact the overall lighting effect. 

Installation considerations

 

How will you switch your LED lighting on and off?

 

Do you want to be able to dim your lighting?

 

What is the best layout configuration for your installation?

 

What are the best ways to mount the tape lighting?

 

How will you cut, connect, and conceal the wires to your lighting?

Surface preparation and installation

Before removing the 3M paper backing, test the LED strip in the space you 
intend to light. Once the platic backing is removed and the lighting is fully 
installed, you cannot reposition or move the LED tape light to another location. 
The tape may not stick securely.

Power the LED tape light and temporarily hold or tape into position with 

painter’s tape – do not remove the 3M plastic backing. Do not stare 

directly into the LEDs.
Try various angles and positions to get the desired level of illumination and 

lighting appearance. If the LEDs create undesirable bright spots on walls 

or reflections, reposition the tape light strip farther away from surfaces or 

try a different mounting angle.

 

Mounting surfaces should be smooth, clean, completely dry, dust 

free and above 60ºF (15 ºC) before installing/sticking the LED tape 

strip in place. Thoroughly clean all mounting surfaces with isopropyl 

alcohol. Do not use common rubbing alcohol and household cleaners, 

which may leave behind residues.

 

For best adhesion, lightly sand the surface where you will mount 

the tape lighting with fine grit sandpaper (150-300 grit). Sand in a 

circular motion rather than straight-line motion.

 

When installing on painted surfaces, paint should be fully cured 

based on manufacturer’s cure time. 

 

Be careful not to peel off the 3M adhesive from LED strip; just remove 

the red plastic backing.

 

3M sticky back tape requires pressure to activate the adhesive. 

Working from one end to the other, firmly press the tape down with 

your fingers, taking care not to press on the individual LEDs.

Visit armacostlighting.com/installation for additional installation tips and FAQs.

Input voltage ........................................................................ 12-volt DC
Energy consumption:  Blue strips ................................4.14W (.35A) each 

Green & Red strips ....................5.06W (.42A) each

Beam angle .................................................................................. 120°
LED light source ................................................. High Power SMD 2835

See product packaging or visit armacostlighting.com for additional 
product-specific information.

Three-year limited warranty

Improper installation, abuse, or failure to use this product for its 

intended purpose will void warranty. This warranty only applies when all 

components, including LED power supplies, have been provided by or 

approved for use by Armacost Lighting. The warranty does not cover labor 

or any other costs or expense to remove or install any defective, repaired 

or replaced products.

armacostlighting.com

© 2021 Armacost Lighting.  
All rights reserved.

210801

18 in. Weatherproof Red/Green or Blue LED Tape Light

Powering LED tape light strips

Power tape light strips by wiring directly to a 12-volt battery. Maintain polarity at all connection points (+ to +, – to –).

BATTERY

FUSE

PROTECTION

SWITCH

LOW-VOLTAGE

LED DIMMER

A low-voltage LED dimmer can also be used with battery powered systems.

If connecting to a standard 120-volt circuit, a 12-volt DC power supply will be required.

120-VOLT

AC OUTLET

LOW-VOLTAGE

DC POWER SUPPLY

LOW-VOLTAGE

LED DIMMER

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