Wiring LED strip

DammitJim · 01-04-2017, 09:44 AM

So, I have searched the forums to perform this mod. I have purchased the amazon kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Then I also got the splitter so that I can cut the roll into 2 strips. I am looking at making a hole under the awning right down the middle. My camper has a cabinet right behind that and I can then wire the stuff cleanly. I am actually looking at getting 12V power from the light above the dinette.

So, I have 2 questions:

Do I need to take special considerations when I make the hole in the aluminum siding? I had a fiberglass camper before and I don't know why I get the feeling that aluminum siding is composed differently as a wall and maybe there is something behind it?
Looking at making the hole under the awning:
My roll of LEDs came with 2 adapters. It seems that one is to hook up to power and the other to connect another strip to it (extend it). Can I just cut the LED roll in half and use each of those connectors to get power from the splitter?

Here one can see the splitter:

I'll try to post pictures of what I'm asking.

Seann45 · 01-05-2017, 09:24 AM

Hey Jim you could have saved yourself some money by ordering the kit that did not have the 120 volt power supply.. since these things operate on 12 VDC.

Since I use mine on RV 12VDC only I added a power point (formerly called cigarette plug) to the lower flashing and wired that directly to my battery. That way there is only a hole in the trim and not in the wall of my RV.

DammitJim · 01-05-2017, 09:39 AM

Thanks Seann! Yes, I could have saved my dad some money by having him get kit w/o the 120V power supply, but he just happened to ask me what I wanted for Christmas and that's what I found when I was quickly looking

Now, I will be using 12VDC. What do you mean by the lower flashing? I want a clean install where I don't see many wires being routed and such. Do you have a picture? What gauge wire did you use for such a long run?
Thanks!

DammitJim · 01-06-2017, 07:11 AM

I would like to do this mod this weekend. Anyone have any suggestions on my 2 questions?

chugchug · 01-06-2017, 08:49 AM

I assume you already ruled out the porch light and any other existing opening. If you have to cut a new hole through the skin, check that there is no stud in the way.

DammitJim · 01-06-2017, 09:01 AM

Thanks chugchug. I considered doing the porch light, but I wanted to keep this independent + I don't want to run a wire up the side. I know, I'm making it harder on myself by making a hole vs routing wires.
Thanks for the tip on looking for a stud! I hadn't thought about that.
What should I use to cover the hole where I feed the wires through on the outside?

DammitJim · 01-06-2017, 09:17 AM

Thanks chugchug. I considered doing the porch light, but I wanted to keep this independent + I don't want to run a wire up the side. I know, I'm making it harder on myself by making a hole vs routing wires.
Thanks for the tip on looking for a stud! I hadn't thought about that.
What should I use to cover the hole where I feed the wires through on the outside?

chugchug · 01-06-2017, 09:30 AM

You need something to hold the butyl against the aluminum skin

https://www.amazon.com/KING-CE2000-P...=rv+wire+cover

https://www.amazon.com/JR-Products-5...MRKF0BT9EDJ4HY

Or just make your own from a piece of PVC.

DammitJim · 01-06-2017, 09:39 AM

I got butil tape. So, you are suggesting to not just stuff it, but actually put a cover. I don't expect the hole to be that big. Got it. Thanks!

chugchug · 01-06-2017, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DammitJim

I got butil tape. So, you are suggesting to not just stuff it, but actually put a cover. I don't expect the hole to be that big. Got it. Thanks!

Certainly, you must have a cover. Not just for the butyl tape, but also to protect the wire from the edge of the aluminum siding.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

DammitJim · 01-06-2017, 10:34 AM

Oh, maybe I'll get some kind of rubber grommet to put on there so it doesn't cut the cable. That's an awesome suggestion!

DammitJim · 01-09-2017, 09:31 AM

You guys are right about the 3M stuff. The stickiness of the LED roll wasn't very good. Not sure if it is because the strip is older or something or what, but I ended up buying a roll at Home Depot. Then I had to cut it in half because it was too wide.
I am now leaning more towards just making a hole in the porch light and wiring that. Then use fasteners to the aluminum siding to route the cable. I'll also wrap the cable in white electrical tape to keep it dry.
Is there an easy way to take off the bulb holder from the porch light? I would like to keep the light bulb working so I was going to tap into the wire to hook up the LEDs. Make sense?

DammitJim · 01-13-2017, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DammitJim

You guys are right about the 3M stuff. The stickiness of the LED roll wasn't very good. Not sure if it is because the strip is older or something or what, but I ended up buying a roll at Home Depot. Then I had to cut it in half because it was too wide.
I am now leaning more towards just making a hole in the porch light and wiring that. Then use fasteners to the aluminum siding to route the cable. I'll also wrap the cable in white electrical tape to keep it dry.
Is there an easy way to take off the bulb holder from the porch light? I would like to keep the light bulb working so I was going to tap into the wire to hook up the LEDs. Make sense?

Pictures are worth 1000 words, so here is what my install looked like. I know, the cable might dangle, but at least I got it hooked up.

chugchug · 01-13-2017, 08:26 AM

Looking good

Seann45 · 01-13-2017, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DammitJim

Thanks Seann! Yes, I could have saved my dad some money by having him get kit w/o the 120V power supply, but he just happened to ask me what I wanted for Christmas and that's what I found when I was quickly looking

Now, I will be using 12VDC. What do you mean by the lower flashing? I want a clean install where I don't see many wires being routed and such. Do you have a picture? What gauge wire did you use for such a long run?
Thanks!

I used 10ga wire.. the lower flashing is the trim piece that hangs below the floor of the RV from where the wall ends.. I think I posted photos in the mod section..

MrSalamander · 02-12-2017, 08:47 AM

I took my power from the light under the step. Took out the bulb out of the outside lamp. The led run under the edge of the trailer leaving the plug for the LEDs just on the outside edge of the awning bar. I just run 4 wire extension cord up to the LED. Would think of permanent mount the wire except I have a power awning and I don't want to see the wire and don't feel like drilling holes in the side. I can control the LEDs on and off from the switch inside the trailer. I also upgraded the LED receiver to a wireless one. That I bought from Amazon which is hidden under the trailer. So I can change the colour.

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