Thanks to its versatility and flexibility, LED tape lighting is widely used as a creative lighting solution in today’s residential and commercial applications. Often called strip lights or ribbon lights, LED tape lights are popular among designers and decorators because they install easily and are highly functional with different color options, lengths, and customization capabilities. LED tape lighting goes practically anywhere and illuminates nearly anything. We’ve seen tape light used a number of ways – to brighten kitchen counters, on railings, under toe-kicks and stairs, behind mirrors, and tucked inside spaces you wouldn’t think possible. Certain types of LED light strips can display hundreds of colors; adding fun accents to cabinets, TVs, shelving, or inside recessed cove spaces. Most LED tape lights can be trimmed to fit your needs, or extended for longer runs.
With so many choices for LED tape lighting currently on the market, choosing one can quickly drain the fun right out of it. There is no simple rule to follow or one-size-fits-all option. At PROLIGHTING, we’ve tried to make the process of buying high quality, efficient LED tape lighting easier on contractors and DIYers alike, by offering the unique Trulux™ LED tape lighting system from American Lighting. This award-winning system combines an assortment of high CRI tape light, compatible wireless controls, and linear extrusions for endless customization in your home or business. Anyone from lighting novices to professionals can benefit from the commercial-grade Trulux™ system, and will see quickly why it’s the better choice over other systems sold at big box stores. With this guide, we’ll highlight some of the different features of the Trulux™ system so you can get to work designing a lighting scheme that’s right for you.
Trulux Basics
The Trulux™ lighting system is one of the most complete, user-friendly linear lighting systems available. With Trulux™ and its matching components, anyone can build custom fixtures that bring beauty and function to kitchens, laundry areas, offices and more. Trulux™ LED tape lighting is available in a variety of white color temperatures, color changing, and other specialty options.
The way it works is, efficient LEDs sit on a 10mm wide circuit board offered in rolls or reels that can be cut to your desired length. Choosing which type of LED tape will depend on the needs of your project. The Trulux™ system of LED tape light is available in standard grade, high output, spec grade, tunable CCT (white light tunable), RGB (color tunable), and RGB+WW (color and white tunable), each with their own compatible controls. The term ‘RGB’ refers to individual red, green, and blue LEDs that mix to create multiple colors with the help of an RGB controller.
Brightness:
Lumen output is one of the most important factors when choosing LED tape light, because it will determine the type of light you’ll receive. The Trulux™ standard grade single color is a fine option if you’re looking to simply add accent light to a space. You’ll get soft and subtle illumination in a choice of four Kelvin temperatures – from 2400K to 4000K. For applications like task lighting where brighter light is needed, choose a standard or high output tape with more lumens per feet. High output tape will make a bigger impact with greater illumination. Or, consider spec grade if you’re working with a very large, open commercial application. Both options are available in the same Kelvin temperatures mentioned above.
Different projects require a certain amount of brightness to achieve their goal. Our PRO tip: always go for the brighter option and add a dimmer. Below are some helpful guides for lumen requirements:
- Accent or mood lighting: 100-300 lumens//ft.
- Under cabinet lighting: 175-350 lumens/ft.
- Task lighting w/greater distance from source: 300-450 lumens/ft.
- Recessed “slot” or cove lighting: 180-500 lumens/ft.
Flexibility:
Customizing lengths is simple, thanks to cut-to-size marks along each strip. At each cut point there is a black line with copper solder pads on either side. The copper pads make it possible to link LED tape sections together, by way of connectors. Each one of the LED tape light sections or spools has pre applied, peel-and-stick 3M adhesive backing for easy mounting.
The Trulux™ system isn’t limited to just indoor projects. Each Trulux™ LED strip is available in unjacketed (IP54) and jacketed (IP65) versions. The IP65 rated jacketed versions are “dust tight” and water resistant for use outside. It can be installed under eaves on gazebos and decks, around outdoor kitchens and bars, and even under stairs for walkway visibility at night. High output tape is great for outdoor areas (when jacketed), because it is three times brighter than standard grade, and will make more of an impression at night. For outdoor use, be sure to always choose LED tape light with an IP65 rating.
For harsher environments, Trulux™ offers specialty, silicone-encased Submersible LED tape light. Available in single color and RGB, this IP68 rated waterproof tape maintains its rating when sealed with IP68 end caps and a neutral cure silicone for indoor and outdoor water feature applications. Submersible tape is cuttable (once per reel), and is ideal for use in pools, ponds, fountains, landscaping, or any outdoor living areas and coastal environments that are in constant contact with water or direct sunlight.
In addition to specialty submersible tape, the Trulux™ system also includes EdgeLit and Bendable options. Trulux™ bendable offers installation advantages for back-lighting mirrors, signs, and curvilinear coves because it can bend left and right via preformed notches. Trulux™ EdgeLit is a great grazing tool for columns, back bars, reception areas, and niches. Both specialty tapes are available as 16.4 feet strips in 3000K warm white light.
Customization:
Whether you’re looking for a quick way to elevate kitchen cabinets or want a more customized built-in look, the Trulux™ system has everything to meet your unique design needs. While the adhesive backing on the Trulux™ tape light works substantially well, for certain applications there may be more that’s desired. This is where the use of extrusions comes in. Combining the flexibility of Trulux™ LED tape with the unique design configurations of extrusions increases the ways in which it can be used.
Extrusions are great for those that want a more professional finish, or for more complex installations, such as under cabinets, display shelving, and under stairs. Extrusions should also be used for under-railing applications to secure the tape light for a longer-lasting installation. These aluminum extrusions house your LED tape strips by adhering them to the bottom of the track. A UV protected lens slides over the top to diffuse the light for a more even glow. The Trulux™ specialty 45 degree and PRO30 under cabinet extrusion lend themselves to window framing, jewelry retail, other display cases and custom under cabinet light fixture creations.
Controls:
Convenient wall mount or hand-held Radio Frequency controls are available (along with DMX controls) to expand the functionality of your system. Wall controls include dial or touch versions that pair with the Trulux™ app for even greater control. Wi-Fi options are also available for larger projects that require control across multiple zones. 
Believe it or not… this is just a summary of what the Trulux™ system can do. This is by no means a deep dive into all of the ways in which this system can be used. We understand that for some, this information can be enough to make your head spin. That’s why, for an easier, all-in-one option, we recommend browsing our Trulux™ LED Tape Light Kits.
Our Top Pick:
The Trulux™ Tape Light Kits come with everything you need to create linear lighting effects in your home or commercial space. You don’t have to piece together a system because each ready-to-install kit comes standard with a hand-held remote, driver, receiver, connectors, and tape light.
At PROLIGHTING, we have everything you need to customize your Trulux™ system including controllers, dimmers, power supplies, connectors, and end caps. If you have any questions or concerns about which accessories you need for your installation, our team of certified lighting PROs are here to help. They’ll work with you on a lighting layout, and make sure you choose the best products for your application. You can give us a call, email, or use the live chat feature on our website, and we’d be happy to assist you.
Comments are closed.