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116 Research Dr.
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (484) 661 – 1572
Fax: (484) 244-7122
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sb-lighting.com
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Thank you for purchasing our SunBound Lighting system. We hope you will enjoy our custom LED lights and find them
convenient to install. We have put together this guide to assist with your installation and offer some suggestions to
help with the process.
Planning Considerations (See Sample Installation Diagram below)
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Determine where you will install your under/in-cabinet lights.
Decide where you will install your transformer and the wire gauge needed to power the lights.
Consider what type of connectors you would like to use to connect the wiring to your lights.
If you plan to link multiple lights, consider how you would like to connect light to light.
If you would like to dim your lights, be sure to use a compatible LED dimmer.
Sample Installation Diagram
For optimum installation results, consult a qualified, licensed electrician prior to installation.
Note: Each and every project is unique. These instructions are given as know approaches and general guidelines to installing our product.
Your project may dictate an entirely different installation approach, which makes your installation unique. If you have questions regarding
your installation please contact SB –Lighting Technical Support or your electrical contractor.
SunBound- All Rights Reserved
[email protected]
1|P a g e
116 Research Dr.
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (484) 661 – 1572
Fax: (484) 244-7122
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sb-lighting.com
Installation Tips:
Lights
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Lay your lights on the counter-top or cabinet where you plan to install them.
Determine the location of the mounting brackets, making sure they will line up to support both sides of the light frame.
Drill a pilot hole for the mounting screw then screw the bracket into the hole.
Pop the lights into their brackets and slide adjust them to the desired location.
Wiring and Connections
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To run power through the wall to the lights, wall-rated wiring must be used.
14/2AWG is commonly used, but SunBound Lighting offers 18AWG in-wall rated wiring that can replace thicker, more
expensive wire.
For all light connections we recommend using JOW connectors. (see diagram on page 1)
-To connect 18AWG to a light, we recommend using a W2L connector.
-To connect light to light, we recommend using an L2L connector.
For making extensions use wire and L2L connectors (consult the Wiring Chart page 4)
Power
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First, turn power OFF at main circuit breaker.
Determine locations to install the driver and switch.
Place transformer in a location that is accessible for servicing and meets electrical code—floor joists or behind sink
basins are often desired locations.
Remove driver faceplate and pop out wiring knockouts as needed.
Connect appropriate wires following instructions included with the transformer.
Attach the 120VAC LED/CFL compatible dimmer switch to dimmable driver.
Follow the install instructions provided with the device.
Replace driver faceplate and turn power ON at main circuit breaker.
Avoid Voltage Drop
“Voltage drop” is a gradual lessening of power through a wire over a long distance. The farther the light fixture is from the
power source, the more voltage drop will occur. Voltage drop becomes a significant factor in any LED light installation when
the distance between the lights and the power source is greater than 20 feet. To minimize voltage drop, you can:
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Use a thicker gauge wire between the 12V transformer and the light (Please see chart below)
Use multiple smaller power sources throughout a large installation.
Place the 12V transformer closer to the 12V light by extending the wiring between 120V house power and the 12V
transformer, rather than between the 12V and the light.
Install the LED lighting in parallel from the power source. We would recommend installing the power unit in the middle
of the run and having equally section running from the power supply to the left and to the right or run. There is less of a
chance of voltage drop.
Ensure applicable AWG wire is installed between driver and fixture. Additionally, a dimmer switch will trim voltage
down, causing an output less than 12VDC. Performance will not be affected if the LED strip fixture is receiving ≥
10.5VDC (12V models). Use the Orange Boost Tap as an optional voltage boost (roughly 1V) in place of the Black (Line)
wire if the fixture is receiving noticeable light degradation. Cap the existing hot wire not in use.
SunBound- All Rights Reserved
[email protected]
2|P a g e
116 Research Dr.
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (484) 661 – 1572
Fax: (484) 244-7122
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sb-lighting.com
Note on above: Parallel connection will cause the resistance to drop which will make the current increase rapidly. This will
result in the lights getting warmer quicker than series connections. To lessen this effect, make sure to divide the sections
equally. This will help distribute power equally and lessen voltage drop.
Ensure applicable wire is installed between driver, fixture, and dimmer. When choosing wire, factor in voltage drop, amp rating,
and type to prevent long term damage, fire or electric shock.
Recommended Wire Gauge – From Transformer To Lights
Total Feet of
Lights
1 ft
2 ft
3 ft
4 ft
5 ft
6 ft
7 ft
8 ft
9 ft
10 ft
SunBound- All Rights Reserved
Wire Gauge
(AWG)
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
16
Max wire
Length
96 ft.
48 ft.
32 ft.
24 ft.
20 ft.
16 ft.
14 ft.
12 ft.
10 ft.
15 ft.
Total Feet of
Lights
11 ft
12 ft
13 ft
14 ft
15 ft
16 ft
17 ft
18 ft
19 ft
20 ft
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Wire Gauge
(AWG)
16
16
16
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
Max wire
Length
14 ft.
12 ft.
10 ft.
18 ft.
16 ft.
15 ft.
14 ft.
13 ft.
12 ft.
10 ft.
3|P a g e
116 Research Dr.
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (484) 661 – 1572
Fax: (484) 244-7122
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sb-lighting.com
Troubleshooting Guide/ FAQ
Do SunBound LEDs produce heat at normal operating temperature?
LED chips produce very little heat. However, the electronic circuit board that powers the LEDs does produce heat. For this reason
SunBound light bars are designed with an aluminum heat sink housing, which decreases running temperature and increase LED
performance. The typical temperature range for crescent, orbit, and pyramid frames should be from 90°-110°F. Groove and slim
frames generate more heat due to the low profile design, so they can get up to 120°F. If LEDs are hot to the touch, they are being
overpowered due to improper circuitry or a defective driver.
Can SunBound LED light bars be damaged if wired improperly?
No, SunBound lights are designed with circuits to prevent any damage occurring in DC applications. However, they may not turn on if
the polarity is reversed. This is a common mistake, always double check to make sure + and – are lined up correctly when
troubleshooting.
Why don’t my lights turn on?
The most common reason for lights not turning on is polarity. Unlike AC Voltage, DC voltage remains strict with polarity. Always
make sure the negative and the positive terminals match up. Check to make sure your connections are correct
Why are my lights flickering?
There could be several reasons why your lights are flickering. The most common occurrence happens when an incompatible dimmer
switch or defective driver is installed. If you are using a dimmer not provided by SunBound, ensure it is CFL/LED compatible. Also see
dimmer switch specs for minimum load requirements. Check the output voltage of the driver, and ensure the output reads between
10V-12V without any load. Lastly, make sure all the wiring is correct. If excess flickering is still apparent, please contact technical
support.
The reset breaker trips repeatedly
Ensure the driver is not overloaded. Always de-rate the driver 20% from its labeled rating. Ensure there is not a short circuit
occurring. If the breaker continues to trip after reset then contact technical support as the driver may be defective.
Are SunBound LED lights dimmable?
Yes. If you are powering your lights with a dimmable transformer you must use an LED/CFL compatible dimmer switch, which
connects from the AC 120V input into the dimmable transformer. Most LED/CFL dimmer switches should work with our lights.
The following dimmer switches have been tested by SunBound Lighting:
Lutron dimmer - model # MACL-153MH - Maestro-150w - Single-Pole/3-Way/Multi-Location - LED-CFL-Dimmer
Leviton dimmer - model # DSL06-1LZ- Decora-Universal Dimmer-Single-Pole/3-Way -LED-CFL-Dimmer
These dimmer switches have been successfully installed by our customers:
Lutron dimmer - model # AYLV600-P - Ariadni - 450w - Single-Pole - Magnetic Low-Voltage Slide Dimmer
Lutron dimmer - model # AYLV603-P - Ariadni - 450w - 3-Way - Magnetic Low-Voltage Slide Dimmer
Lutron dimmer - model # NTLV-1500 - Nova T - 1200w - Single Pole - Magnetic Low-Voltage Slide Dimmer
Lutron dimmer - model # V-1000 - Vareo – 1000w - 3-Way - Magnetic Low-Voltage Slide Dimmer
Leviton dimmer - model # IPM-06-1LZ – Illumatech - 450w - Single-Pole & 3 way - Magnetic Low-Voltage Slide Dimmer
Leviton dimmer - model # R12-06672-1LW - Decora-SureSlide-600-Watt-Single-Pole - Incandescent-LED-CFL-Dimmer
* If you are using a power supply that plugs into a standard outlet, then you will need an inline DC dimmer control. This can easily connect
between the power supply and the first light bar. SunBound Lighting has limited types of low-voltage DC dimmer switches. Please consult our
catalog and/or website for information.*
SunBound- All Rights Reserved
[email protected]
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