Hello there, we are giving our 3rd floor a makeover to turn it into a master suite. The collar ties are visible under a vaulted ceiling and we’re considering installing uplighting on the top surface of these ties. I am on the lookout for LED tape that not only provides ample brightness for tasks like cleaning but also dims down to a cozy, warm glow rather than an odd, grayish tint. Does anyone have suggestions for LED strip or tape products that fit this bill
It’s tough to find convincing warm dim tapes at the moment. QTL and Livex offer some solid options, though they come at a higher price. If you’re integrating a dimming system like RA3, you’ll find better choices, including tunable white options or mixing two types of tapes for improved color temperature control.
@Whit
I see. So, I might need a mix of different products to achieve the effect I want?
Jai said:
@Whit
I see. So, I might need a mix of different products to achieve the effect I want?
Yes, exactly. A dimming system will let you pre-set brightness levels easily. This way, no one has to adjust two dimmers each time, which helps keep the color temperature consistent.
@Whit
Where does the pre-programming occur? Is it integrated into the driver, or is the driver and control programming separate?
Jai said:
@Whit
Where does the pre-programming occur? Is it integrated into the driver, or is the driver and control programming separate?
The pre-programming is handled by the dimming system. You can use either two separate CCT tape zones or a combination of a specialized driver and tunable white tape. You’ll control these through a keypad on your wall, which adjusts the dimmers or the driver settings to your preferred levels. If you need more detailed assistance, feel free to send a direct message, and I can help you design a full system since I work as a specifier and dealer.
I’ve had a good experience with Flexfire Sienna
Smart LED strips like Govee offer full customization via an app, though they don’t specifically feature warm dimming.
From the dozens of tape lights I’ve tried, GM lighting, Richee lighting, and Yuji lighting are the only ones I’d recommend for warm dimming. They follow a halogen curve, not a linear one, which requires careful planning and additional layers to be effective.
@Ember
Thanks for the insights! Could you explain the difference between a halogen curve and a linear curve?
Jai said:
@Ember
Thanks for the insights! Could you explain the difference between a halogen curve and a linear curve?
Sure! A linear curve changes the color temperature evenly from 100% down to 1%, while a halogen curve maintains a constant color temperature from 100% to about 50%, and then transitions linearly from there down to 1%.
You’re looking at about $12 per foot wholesale for quality DtW tape, which could end up costing $20 per foot from an electrical contractor.
Lior said:
You’re looking at about $12 per foot wholesale for quality DtW tape, which could end up costing $20 per foot from an electrical contractor.
Thanks for the info. $20 per foot is quite steep, but it’s been enlightening to learn so much so quickly!
May I join in with a question? I’m constructing a floating staircase and would like to install dim to warm tape light under each tread. Is there any tape light that can run longer than 12 feet? I have 20 treads, each 4 feet wide, and it would be great if I didn’t need 7 different drivers. I am also using RA3, just FYI.