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Do I need two transformers for two 12 inches LED strips?
I am designing open shelves for my kitchen and have several questions: I will need 24' of strips split into two 12' runs - do I need two transformers? For open shelves if I use diffuser channels how do I route connectors to the next shelf?
The maximum recommended run length for our LED strip lights in most cases is limited to 16.4 ft (one reel) so for two runs of 12 ft, you will need to use two separate transformers. This is unfortunately due to the current draw limitations on the LED strip light, as well as power supply capacity constraints, especially for a residential Class 2 installation.
Multiple sections of the LED strip lights can be "daisy-chained" using low voltage wire such as our PN 7098. We've linked to a layout distribution below which should help visualize the installation method:
As far as the aluminum channels are concerned, the PN 3070 connectors will be too wide to fit inside the channels, so we would either recommend soldering the low voltage wire directly onto the LED strip copper pads or allowing the LED strip ends to protrude a bit to allow for the connection to happen outside of the aluminum channel.
Most likely I will solder directly - my thinking is to route the shelves and install the channel all the way to the wall like a large U. So we will miter the channels at the 90-degree corners. Can I bend the steps that tightly or use soldered wire jumpers?
Soldering directly is definitely a solid option and should work well for joining the sections between the aluminum channels.
For the 90-degree turns, we would not recommend bending the LED strips for two reasons. First, the LED strips do not bend laterally, and only in an up/down direction. Secondly, the bend radius for a 90-degree turn would likely be too tight, resulting in damage to the LED components. Since it sounds like you'll be set up to solder jumper wires, using the wires for the 90-degree turns won't be too much extra trouble.
Regarding your second question, the answer is most definitely "yes" and the layout diagram below should be helpful:
https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1C
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LED power suppliesLED strip lights
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