Lutron Tape Light Advanced Applications Guide
Application Note #830 | Revision D | May 2025
1.0 Overview
Purpose
This application note is designed to help provide recommendations for installers who are planning a Lutron tape light project with a non-standard application that may not be covered by the product installation instructions.
Applicability
The instructions in this application note apply to installations using any Lutron LED tape lights and wireless controllers covered in the Tape Light Solution specification submittal. Please see Lutron P/N 3691301 for Lumaris and P/N 3663141 for Rania at www.lutron.com for further details.
Considerations
The limitations of wire length must be carefully followed to ensure that LEDs are consistently illuminated from the beginning of the run to the end of the run. Light output quality outcomes may vary depending on specific installation implementations.
2.0 Definitions
Throughout the system design process, it is important to understand the role each component plays in the design. A few keywords are used throughout this document, and are defined below:
2.1 Wire Types
Power Wire
The power wire or power cable is a 2-conductor cable which connects the wireless controller to the power interface.
Control Wire
The control wire or control cable is a 3-conductor (tunable white wireless controller) or 6-conductor (multi-channel wireless controller) cable that runs between the controller and the LED tape, or between two sections of tape.
2.2 Wire Configurations
Homerun
Homerun refers to a wiring configuration where two or more devices are wired to a single power source and each device has an independent wire run back to the source. This is the recommended wiring configuration.
[Diagram Description: A schematic showing a Power Interface connected via Power Wire to multiple Wireless Controllers. Each Wireless Controller is then connected via Control Wire to a separate LED Tape segment. This illustrates independent wire runs from the source to each device.]
T-tap
T-tap (sometimes known as "Y-tap") refers to a wiring configuration where two or more devices are wired to a single power source and the devices share all or part of the wire run back to the source.
[Diagram Description: A schematic showing a Power Interface connected via Power Wire to a Trunk section of Control Wire. This Trunk then splits into Branches, each connecting to a Wireless Controller, which in turn connects to an LED Tape segment. This illustrates shared wire runs.]
Trunk
Trunk refers to a section of power wire or control wire that is shared between multiple devices. In a homerun configuration, the trunk length is zero.
Branch
Branch refers to a section of power wire or control wire that runs between a trunk and a single device. In a homerun configuration, the branch is the entire wire run. For control wire, the wire between segments of tape should be included in the total branch length.
3.0 Wiring Topology for Lutron Tape Light
Three basic options exist for wiring the tape light strips: series, parallel, and series-parallel. A dual-ended wiring option is also available for applications that require a continuous run exceeding the 16.4 ft (5 m) limit¹ or are sensitive to brightness imbalances between ends of the tape light. Each installation should be carefully considered to determine the most effective wiring option for that application. Examples are demonstrated below.
Series
Any installation where tape segments are connected to each other and only one segment is directly connected to the controller.
[Diagram Description: A schematic showing a Wireless Controller connected to a series of LED Tape segments. The output of one tape segment connects to the input of the next, forming a chain. Only the first segment is directly connected to the controller.]
Parallel
Any installation where all tape segments connect directly to the controller.
[Diagram Description: A schematic showing a Wireless Controller connected to multiple LED Tape segments. Each LED Tape segment is connected directly to the controller via its own wire run.]
Series-Parallel
Any installation where series and parallel wiring is combined.
[Diagram Description: A schematic showing a Wireless Controller with LED Tape segments connected in series on one side and also in series on the other side, extending outwards. This combines series and parallel concepts.]
Dual-Ended Option
An installation where the control wire connects to both ends of a single tape run. This is effectively identical to a parallel installation with two tape segments of half the total length.
[Diagram Description: A schematic showing a single run of LED Tape connected to a Wireless Controller at both ends. This is described as effectively a parallel installation with two segments of half the total length.]
¹ This application is only applicable to Lumaris tape lights. It is recommended that Rania High Output tape lights do not exceed 16.4 ft (5 m) per controller.
4.0 Multi-Zone Wiring
When wiring multiple Lutron wireless controllers to a power interface, consider whether the controllers will be programmed together in a single zone, or in separate zones.
For wireless controllers programmed in separate zones, wiring LED+ and LED- in a homerun configuration (shown in the schematic example below) will minimize interactions between controllers. Wiring in a T-tap configuration may result in subtle interactions between controllers.
Please note that xxL-TWCL-WH is compatible only with LU-PH3-A (Lumaris power interface). xxL-MWCL-WH may be used with either LU-PH3-A or LU-PH3-B. For LU-PH3-A, only one wire is allowed per terminal block connection.
[Diagram Description: A schematic illustrating a 120/277 V~ power source connected to a LU-PH3-x Power Interface. The Power Interface has terminals for Line/Hot, Neutral, and Ground. From the Power Interface, power and control wires extend to three separate Wireless Controllers, each designated as Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. Each Wireless Controller is connected to one or more LED Tape segments. The diagram indicates that LED+ and LED- wires are run in a homerun configuration from the Power Interface to each controller for minimal interaction between zones. It also shows a specific barrel connection for a Tunable White Wireless Controller (xxL-TWCL-WH) to the LU-PH3-A power interface. Solid lines represent power wire, and dashed lines represent control wire.]
5.0 Wire Length Recommendations (Power Interface LU-PH3-x Only)
When using the power interface (LU-PH3-x) with Lutron tape light, there may be times when it would be advantageous to use greater than 10 ft (3 m) of control wire on the output of a wireless controller. To maintain consistent light output, the length of the 24 V- power wire must be considered when extending the wire length on the controller's output. Maximum wire length between the power interface and wireless controller for different sizes is listed below.
| Controller Type | 12 AWG (4.0 mm²) | 14 AWG (2.5 mm²) | 16 AWG (1.5 mm²) | 18 AWG (1.0 mm²) | 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunable White | 75 (22.9) | 50 (15.2) | 30 (9.1) | 20 (6.1) | 10 (3.0) |
| Multi-channel | 60 (18.3) | 38 (11.6) | 25 (7.6) | 15 (4.5) | 9 (2.7) |
The tables below demonstrate how power wire and control wire lengths can be varied to increase installation flexibility and maintain optimum performance. Note that 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) power wire and 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire are supplied in Lutron kits and used in the tables. These revised wire length rules ONLY apply when using a power interface (LU-PH3-x), and when controllers are homerun to the power interface.
If more wire is needed, other gauges of wire may be required. Refer to the multiplier tables and examples below for guidance on changing wire gauge. For Lutron Designer – Canvas View users, refer also to the Tape Light Assistant to validate desired installation configuration.
Case 1: Permissible 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) Control Wire Length for RGB + Tunable White Tape: ft (m)a,b
| Contoller's Total Tape Load: ft (m) | 5 (1.50) | 10 (3.0) | 20 (6.0) | 40 (12.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.2 (2.50) | 83 (25.30) | 80 (24.40) | 74 (22.50) | 60 (18.30) |
| 16.4 (5.00) | 22 (6.70) | 19 (5.60) | 12 (3.70) | - |
| 24.6 (7.50) | 14 (4.27) | 10 (3.0) | 4 (1.22) | - |
| 32.8 (10.00) | 9 (2.75) | 6 (1.83) | - | - |
Case 2: Permissible 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) Control Wire Length for Tunable White Tape: ft (m)a,b
| Contoller's Total Tape Load: ft (m) | 5 (1.50) | 10 (3.0) | 20 (6.0) | 40 (12.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 (1.25) | 157 (48.00) | 155 (47.25) | 148 (45.10) | 134 (40.80) |
| 8.2 (2.50) | 69 (21.00) | 65 (19.80) | 59 (18.00) | 45 (13.70) |
| 16.4 (5.00) | 15 (4.57) | 12 (3.65) | 5 (1.52) | - |
a Tables assume one series run of tape, except for Case 1 – 24.6 ft (7.50 m) and 32.8 ft (10.0 m) of tape, which assumes two or more t-tapped runs where at least one run is 16.4 ft (5.00 m). When homerunning tape to the controller, the allowable length of control wire to each run may be doubled on each branch, only if each branch is similar load length.
b If using more than six connectors on any individual series-wired LED tape run, each additional connector reduces the maximum length of the control wire allowed by 6 in (152.4 mm), regardless of gauge.
5.0 Wire Length Recommendations (Power Interface LU-PH3-x Only) Continued
Case 3: Permissible 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) Control Wire Length for High Output Rania Tape: ft (m)a,b
| Contoller's Total Tape Load: ft (m) | 5 (1.50) | 10 (3.0) | 20 (6.0) | 40 (12.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 (1.25) | 74 (22.55) | 71 (21.64) | 64 (19.50) | 51 (15.54) |
| 8.2 (2.50) | 28 (8.53) | 25 (7.62) | 19 (5.79) | 5 (1.52) |
| 16.4 (5.00) | 1 (0.30) | - | - | - |
| ...Multiply "Permissible 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) Control Wire Length" by: |
|---|
| 14 AWG (2.50 mm²)c: 6 |
| 16 AWG (1.50 mm²)c: 4 |
| 18 AWG (1.00 mm²)c: 2 |
| 22 AWG (0.50 mm²): 1 |
| ...Multiply "Permissible 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) Power Wire Length" by: |
|---|
| 12 AWG (4.00 mm²)c: 6 |
| 14 AWG (2.50 mm²)c: 4 |
| 16 AWG (1.50 mm²)c: 2 |
| 20 AWG (0.75 mm²): 1 |
Please note that lengths of wire between tape segment runs can cause noticeably inconsistent light levels between the beginning and the end of the LED tape run. In general, no individual series-wired LED tape run should have more than 10 ft (3 m) of 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire from first LED tape segment to the last LED tape segment.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the insulation displacement connectors used for wire-to-tape connections, ONLY Lutron provided 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) stranded wire may be used on the inlet of the wire-to-tape connectors, and consistent connection can only be guaranteed using LU-WK1-4Wd, LU-WK1-6W or LU-WK1-TW. Solid wire and other sizes are not supported. If using another gauge, splice a piece of LU-WK1-4Wd, LU-WK1-6W or LU-WK1-TW to the end for insertion into the connector.
a Tables assume one series run of tape, except for Case 1 – 24.6 ft (7.50 m) and 32.8 ft (10.0 m) of tape, which assumes two or more t-tapped runs where at least one run is 16.4 ft (5.00 m). When homerunning tape to the controller, the allowable length of control wire to each run may be doubled on each branch, only if each branch is similar load length.
b If using more than six connectors on any individual series-wired LED tape run, each additional connector reduces the maximum length of the control wire allowed by 6 in (152.4 mm), regardless of gauge.
c Not available for purchase from Lutron.
d Applicable to Rania tape lights.
6.0 Wiring Examples
Examples of how to apply the tables in Section 5 are provided below. In all examples, the following hardware is used: LU-PH3-x, xxL-MWCL-WH, LU-Txx-RT-IN.
Example 1: Using the lookup table in Case 1 and the 16.4 ft (5.0 m) maximum run rule
Incorrect
[Diagram Description: A Power Interface is connected to a Wireless Controller via 5 ft (1.52 m) of 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) power wire and 9 ft (2.75 m) of 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The controller powers two LED Tape segments, each 16.4 ft (5.00 m) long. The total length of the LED tape run is 32.8 ft (10.00 m), which exceeds the 16.4 ft (5.0 m) maximum run rule.]
Correct
[Diagram Description: A Power Interface is connected to a Wireless Controller via 5 ft (1.52 m) of 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) power wire and 9 ft (2.75 m) of 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The controller powers two LED Tape segments, each 16.4 ft (5.00 m) long. The configuration is described as "Separated into parallel runs", implying each 16.4 ft segment is a separate run from the controller, adhering to the maximum run rule.]
Example 2: Using gauge multiplier tables
Incorrect
[Diagram Description: A Power Interface is connected to a Wireless Controller via 10 ft (3.0 m) of 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) power wire. The controller powers two LED Tape segments. The first segment is 44 ft (13.4 m) long using 18 AWG (1.00 mm²) control wire, and the second is 1 ft (0.31 m) long using 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The total length of the 22 AWG control wire is indicated as 22 ft (13.4 m) x 2, with a note to "Must increase wire size or use less control wire" and "Must subtract to account for 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) splice". The total run length of 44 ft exceeds typical limits for the wire gauge used.]
Correct
[Diagram Description: A Power Interface is connected to a Wireless Controller via 10 ft (3.0 m) of 16 AWG (1.50 mm²) power wire. The controller powers two LED Tape segments. The first segment has a 40 ft (12.2 m) run using 18 AWG (1.00 mm²) control wire, and the second segment has a 1 ft (0.31 m) run using 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The diagram indicates a total of 22 ft (13.4 m) of 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire with splices, and a total of 8.2 ft (2.50 m) for the second LED tape segment. The note "(5 ft (13.4 m), 20 AWG (0.75 mm²) x 2)" appears to be a transcription artifact or refers to a different aspect not fully depicted, but the overall intent is to show a corrected wiring scenario with appropriate wire sizing and length management.]
Example 3: Using the homerun multiplier
Incorrect
[Diagram Description: A Power Interface is connected to a Wireless Controller via 10 ft (3.0 m) of 16 AWG (1.50 mm²) power wire. The controller powers two LED Tape segments. The first segment is 28 ft (8.5 m) long using 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The second segment is also 28 ft (8.5 m) long using 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The diagram shows a homerun configuration for these two segments, totaling 14 ft (4.30 m) of 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire x 2. The outcome is described as "Loads are not balanced. Cannot apply the homerun rule."]
Correct
[Diagram Description: A Power Interface is connected to a Wireless Controller via 10 ft (3.0 m) of 16 AWG (1.50 mm²) power wire. The controller powers two LED Tape segments. The first segment is 28 ft (8.5 m) long using 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The second segment is also 28 ft (8.5 m) long using 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire. The diagram shows a homerun configuration for these two segments, totaling 14 ft (4.30 m) of 22 AWG (0.50 mm²) control wire x 2. The outcome is described as "Loads are balanced. Can apply the homerun rule."]
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