Dot Less Strip

Discover the advantages of commercial lighting with Flexible Neon's offerings. Explore the longevity, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of festoon lighting, LED floodlights, fairy lights, and LED modules for your projects.

Embracing extra low voltage lighting within your business not only signifies a technological advancement but also embodies a strategic choice laden with a multitude of benefits. One of the foremost advantages lies in the heightened safety offered by low voltage systems. By inherently reducing electrical risks, these systems create a secure environment conducive to the well-being of both employees and customers. This is particularly true for establishments equipped with our collections, which include 12V, 24V, and 36V lighting solutions, ensuring enhanced safety across diverse business landscapes, from corporate offices to bustling retail hubs.

Furthermore, extra low voltage lighting seamlessly aligns with contemporary sustainability goals. Engineered for maximum energy efficiency, our 12V, 24V, and 36V lighting systems curtail overall energy consumption, leading to tangible reductions in operational expenditures. This not only contributes to lower costs but also positions your business as a champion of environmental stewardship. By opting for our eco-friendly lighting solutions, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, bolstering your brand reputation as a responsible custodian of the planet.

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, businesses that embrace our extra low voltage lighting solutions take a definitive stride towards a luminous, safer, and greener future. By prioritising safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability, you're not only illuminating your spaces but also setting a precedent for responsible and forward-thinking operational paradigms.

Connecting low voltage wires together is a common task when working with lighting systems like festoon cables, LED drivers, dotless strips, modules, flexible neon, and more. Follow this detailed guide to ensure safe and reliable connections for your low voltage lighting projects.

Materials You Will Need:

• Low voltage wires (such as festoon cable, dotless strip wires, module wires, or flexible neon wires).
• Wire cutters/strippers.
• Soldering iron and solder (for permanent connections, if needed).
• Heat shrink tubing (for added insulation and protection).
• Wire connectors (such as wire nuts, butt connectors, or crimp connectors).
• Electrical tape (as an alternative to heat shrink tubing).
• Cable ties (for cable management).
• Heat gun or lighter (if using heat shrink tubing).
• Safety gear: Safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves.

Procedure:

1. Safety First:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves to protect your eyes and hands.

2. Prepare the Wires:

• Ensure that the low voltage wires you plan to connect are clean, undamaged, and stripped of any damaged insulation.
• Strip the ends of the wires to expose approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-12 mm) of bare wire. Use wire strippers to do this.

3. Choose the Connection Method:

Wire Connectors (WAGO):

• Wire connectors are a quick and reliable way to connect low voltage wires together. They come in various sizes to accommodate different wire gauges.
• To use wire connectors:
  • Insert the prepared wires into the open slots of the WAGO connector. Make sure that each wire goes into its designated slot based on size and polarity.
  • Once the wires are inserted correctly, close the clamping unit securely. This action will grip the wires tightly, establishing a secure connection.
  • Ensure that the wires are held firmly in place by gently tugging on them.

Soldering (for Permanent Connections):

• Soldering provides a strong and secure connection. This method is ideal for applications where you don't want any chance of wires coming loose.
• To solder wires together:
  • Twist the exposed ends of the wires together.
  • Heat your soldering iron to the appropriate temperature for your solder.
  • Apply the soldering iron to the twisted wires to heat them.
  • Apply solder to the heated wires, allowing it to flow evenly over the twisted area.
  • Remove the soldering iron and let the solder cool and solidify. Ensure the wires are held in place until the solder hardens.
  • Optionally, slide heat shrink tubing over the soldered area and use a heat gun or lighter to shrink it for added protection.

4. Insulate the Connection:

• If using wire connectors, they provide built-in insulation.
• If soldering, slide heat shrink tubing over the soldered area or use electrical tape to insulate the connection.
• If using heat shrink tubing, apply heat evenly using a heat gun or lighter until the tubing shrinks and seals the connection tightly. Ensure there are no gaps in the tubing.

5. Secure and Organise the Wires:

• Use cable ties or clips to secure and organise the connected wires, keeping them neat and tidy.

6. Test the Connection:

• Before energising your lighting system, test the connection to ensure it's secure and functioning correctly.

7. Repeat as Needed:

• Repeat the above steps for all the low voltage wire connections in your project.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively connect low voltage wires for your festoon cables, dotless strips, modules, flexible neon, and other low voltage lighting applications. Always adhere to safety guidelines and manufacturer recommendations for your specific lighting products.

When it comes to creating the perfect ambience in your living or working spaces, understanding the nuances of lighting is crucial. Two of the most popular lighting schemes, direct lighting and indirect lighting, offer distinct advantages and applications. Before embarking on any lighting project, it's essential to grasp the key differences between them.

Direct Lighting: Focusing the Beam

Direct lighting is all about precision. In this scheme, the light source directs its rays to illuminate a specific area or object. The result is a focused and intense spotlight effect, creating a well-defined hotspot at the centre of attention. Think of the concentrated illumination from a desk lamp, and you have a classic example of direct lighting.

Indirect Lighting: The Art of Diffusion

Conversely, indirect lighting takes a different approach. Here, the light source emits its rays upwards, allowing light to diffuse throughout the space. Rather than concentrating on a particular area, indirect lighting bathes the entire room in a gentle, even glow. It achieves this by reflecting light off surfaces, such as ceilings or walls, before it spreads throughout the space.

Distinguishing Between Direct and Indirect Lighting

Understanding the distinctions between these two lighting schemes is vital. Let's explore the pros and cons of each:

Direct Lighting: Shedding Light on the Benefits

• Focus: Direct lighting excels at focusing on specific objects or areas, making it ideal for tasks and highlighting points of interest.
• Highlight: It creates defined hotspots, making it perfect for showcasing products, exhibits, or architectural details.
• Safety: Direct lighting enhances visibility in potentially hazardous or dimly lit spaces, such as stairs or roads.
• Aesthetic Appeal: When used thoughtfully, direct lighting can provide an aesthetic touch and create captivating shadow effects on walls.

Direct Lighting: Shedding Light on the Drawbacks

• Harsh Shadows: The concentrated light can create harsh shadows, which may not be ideal for all environments.
• Screen Reflection: Direct lighting can cause reflections on screens, potentially affecting visual comfort.
• Glare: It may produce glare, leading to eye strain.
• Uneven Lighting: The ceiling often remains dark as most of the light is directed downward.

Indirect Lighting: Benefits of the Subtle Approach

• Illusion of Spaciousness: Indirect lighting gives the illusion of a larger space by diffusing light evenly without revealing the light source.
• Glare Reduction: It minimises glare and is suitable for rooms with screens, such as those with TVs or computers.
• Soothing Atmosphere: Indirect lighting casts a calming, even light in all directions, creating a relaxed ambience in various settings.
• Structural Accentuation: It's excellent for accentuating unique structures in both interior and exterior spaces.

Indirect Lighting: Consider the Drawbacks

• Brightness: Indirect lighting may not provide enough illumination on its own and may need supplemental lighting.
• Dark Spaces: Over-reliance on ceiling-based indirect lighting can leave some areas of a room in relative darkness.
• Limited Visibility: In some cases, it may not offer sufficient visibility, particularly in workspaces.

When to Use Direct and Indirect Lighting

The choice between direct and indirect lighting largely depends on the purpose of the lighting and the space in question:

Direct Lighting - Ideal For:

• Home & Office: Direct lighting enhances workspaces, such as desks and conference tables.
• Work/Study Table: Table lamps offer focused illumination for reading or working.
• Kitchen: Ideal for task lighting over workstations and sinks.
• Museum & Art Gallery: Perfect for highlighting specific exhibits or artworks.
• Street Lights: Ensures safety by illuminating specific areas at night.
• Decoration: Direct lighting can serve as both functional lighting and decor.

Indirect Lighting - Ideal For:

• Ceiling & Wall Lighting: Creates a modern, ambient atmosphere.
• Kitchen Cabinet: Adds a touch of elegance and practicality.
• Bathroom: Enhances the overall look while ensuring practicality.
• Automobiles & Marines: Used for decoration and accent lighting.
• Hotel & Restaurants: Elevates interior and exterior aesthetics.
• Architectural Designs: Highlights architectural elements.

Combining Direct and Indirect Lighting

To achieve the best of both worlds, you can combine direct and indirect lighting in your space. For instance, use indirect lighting to create a warm, ambient atmosphere throughout the room, and then employ direct lighting to focus on specific tasks or areas.

Direct Lighting Vs. Indirect Lighting: The Verdict

While both direct and indirect lighting have their merits, indirect lighting often shines as the preferred choice for its even and elegant illumination. It reduces glare, provides superior visibility, and contributes to a modern aesthetic. In contrast, direct lighting can be ideal for spotlighting specific areas or objects but comes with limitations like harsh shadows and uneven lighting. Ultimately, the choice between these two lighting schemes depends on your specific needs and the desired ambience.

Types of Lighting Schemes:

Lighting schemes are categorised into five types:

1. Direct Lighting: Approximately 90% of the light is directed downwards, with some reflected upwards.
2. Semi-Direct Lighting: Typically, 60% to 90% of the light is directed downward, with the remainder reflected upwards.
3. Indirect Lighting: Around 90% of the light is emitted upwards, with some reflected downwards.
4. Semi-Indirect Lighting: Similar to semi-direct lighting but with the distribution of light in the opposite direction.
5. General Lighting: Light is evenly distributed in all directions, creating a soft, ambient illumination.

Understanding these lighting schemes can help you make informed decisions when designing the lighting for your space. Whether you prefer the precision of direct lighting or the elegance of indirect lighting, choosing the right lighting scheme can transform any room into a comfortable and functional environment.

Choosing the correct wire gauge for flexible neon lighting is essential for safety and efficiency. It is important to consider the current load and voltage drop to achieve optimal performance. Various American Wire Gauge (AWG) options are available to meet the specific needs of different lighting applications.