5 minute read
Choosing the Appropriate Tape Light
By Randy Reid
Multiple CCT options. IP and location ratings. Lumen output and lumen drop. Color control options. Lighting control compatibility.
The versatility of tape light offers lighting designers and installers the ideal lighting for any environment. But, when it comes to choosing the right tape light for your project, the options can almost be overwhelming.
There are fundamental questions to ask in helping you narrow down your options to find the right fit for your project.
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
Will the tape light be used in an indoor or an outdoor installation?
Tapes designed for outdoor applications often feature a thin silicone coating to protect the electric components from sun, wind, and moisture. They usually carry at least an IP66 rating. Additional protection from the elements comes from mounting the tape light within a channel or extrusion.
Indoors, this added protection is often not necessary. IP54-rated tapes are common for indoor applications, although some manufacturers carry IP20 options. There are cost increases associated with more stringent ingress protection.
If used indoor, what is the tape illuminating?
For many applications, such as residential projects, the color temperature will be a crucial factor. Tape lights are widely available ranging from 2700K to 6000K, and nowadays, many manufacturers offer tunable white products.
In retail projects and even some industrial applications, CRI value might be the most important variable. For example, lighting produce in a grocery store or a makeup counter at a department story ought to have a CRI above 90. In a warehouse, accurate color rendering can be a safety issue, as discussed in our most recent issue.
Light output, commonly cited in lumens per foot, and the closely associated wattage per foot are important to consider if light output is the most important variable. Typical options range from 0.5W/ft (low-output) to 9W/ft (high-output).
Most tape lights are compatible with ELV, MLV, 0-10V, TRIAC, DMX, SPI, and PWM dimming protocols, providing flexible control options for tailored lighting experiences depending on the power supply chosen. Make sure the tape light is compatible with the dimming protocol used on the project.
An unique element in tape light is the copper trace, which influences performance of the light along the length of the tape. Most products feature a 2 or 3 oz. copper trace. On applications with long runs, the lumen output will drop along the length of the tape. To rectify this problem, some newer products feature a 4 oz. copper trace, which carries the current along the tape’s entire length, ensuring uniform light output for the full run length. The 4 oz. options will carry a higher price compared to their 2 and 3 oz. counter parts, and in projects where run length doesn’t exceed 10-20 feet, lighter copper traces will suffice.
NON-PERFORMANCE FACTORS
In the sports world, it is often said that “the best ability is availability.” The same could be said in the lighting world, as the most important question is often: “Is this product available?” The answer to that question might make your tape light decision for you.
Before selecting a product, ensure that it meets local energy code requirements. The most well-known example is California’s Title 24. Many of Tivoli’s products, for example, carry the designation of being Title 24 compliant. It is important to check for compliance with local codes before selecting a tape light for a project in that region.
A final set of factors can be grouped together under “environmental considerations.”
There is an ever-increasing focus on how the products we use impact the environment. That has opened the door to an array of new eco-friendly options. If the customer has expressed a desire to use sustainably sourced materials, look for a tape light that carries Declare certification or similar designation.
An interesting product to note is Tivoli’s Natura Turtle Safe tape light, which ensures the safety of wildlife by emitting a specific wavelength (593 nm amber LED) safe for sea turtles, helping to mitigate negative impact of artificial lighting on nesting habitats.
CHOOSING A PRODUCT
Deciding which factor is most important helps determine which family of products work for you. From there, the right choice is often the best combination of performance, price, and availability.
Familiarize yourself with the options and talk to an expert –they can help guide to you the right solution. But don’t let the abundance of options discourage you. Tape light is a versatile product which can be easily installed and can turn impatient clients into satisfied ones.
