Installation Guide
60 LEDs per meter (18 LEDs per foot)
Model # GFS2835060
Please read completely before installing.
These guidelines explain how GroFlex LED Grow Lighting works and how
it can be confi gured, cut to size, connected, and installed, so you can
properly design your GroFlex layout.
Installing GroFlex is an easy DIY project. However, basic wiring skills and
tools for stripping, splicing, and connecting wires are required. For questions
or installation advice, please contact support@armacostlighting.com.
IMPORTANT
Use only with low-voltage, 12-volt DC, constant voltage power supplies.
Never connect GroFlex directly to 120-volt household power.
Do not power GroFlex while coiled on reel, as the LEDs will overheat.
The mounting surface will act as a heat sink to dissipate heat.
Do not look directly at GroFlex LEDs when illuminated.
Never connect more than one power supply to a length of GroFlex.
Do not install GroFlex where it can become immersed in water.
The integrated coating will protect it from light sprays and mists
generated by watering systems.
Use only insulated staples and plastic clips to secure cords and wires.
Route and secure wires so they will not become pinched or damaged.
Use certifi ed CL2 or better cabling for wire runs inside walls.
Do not install 12-volt DC wiring in the same runs as 120-volt AC power.
All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes.
GroFlex uses a low-voltage Class 2 circuit. If you are unclear as to how
to install and wire this product, consult a qualifi ed professional.
Planning
The unique profi le of GroFlex LED lighting allows you to create custom
fi xtures or conform GroFlex to your growing space to maximize plant
growth. Installation location, mounting angles, and refl ection off walls,
surfaces, and objects will affect the amount of light reaching your
plants. Subtle adjustments to the positioning and angle of the GroFlex
tape can affect the overall light output, and each GroFlex installation
will be different.
Visit armacostlighting.com/grofl ex for application ideas and inspiration.
Installation considerations
How will you switch your GroFlex on and off?
What is the best layout confi guration for your installation?
What are the best ways to mount GroFlex?
How will you cut and connect the wires to your GroFlex?
Choosing a power supply
Power supplies come in various sizes with different wattages and are
often referred to as transformers, AC/DC adaptors, or LED drivers.
GroFlex LED tape operates on low voltage and requires a power supply
to convert 120-volt household AC power to 12-volt DC power.
Never connect GroFlex LED tape lighting directly to 120-volt
household power.
Only use GroFlex with Armacost Lighting-approved LED
drivers and power supplies. Using other power supplies will
void warranty.
While GroFlex LED grow lighting is fully dimmable, Armacost Lighting
recommends using this product only at full brightness for best results.
For on/off control
If an AC outlet controlled by a wall
switch is not available for your power
supply, use an Armacost Lighting
Wireless Switch. This device adds
switched outlet convenience without
running any new wires. Alternatively,
consider Armacost Lighting’s Dual
Wireless Wi-Fi Controller, which
has a built-in scheduling function for effortless control of your plant
lighting. Your 12-volt power supply can also be switched on and off with
a simple timed outlet.
Power supply size
Determining your wattage requirements
GroFlex power requirements are stated in watts and are based on several
factors, including your design confi guration. GroFlex can be installed in a
series (strips connected or wired end-to-end) or in an array (multiple legs
of LED strips or series of strips wired directly to a single power supply).
An array uses two or more legs of various lengths wired to a power
supply in a parallel connection. You will need to calculate total wattage
used in an array to guard against overloading the power supply.
LEG 3
LEG 1
LEG 2
POWER
SUPPLY
Each leg should not exceed 8.2 ft. (2.5 m)
Choosing a higher wattage power supply does not necessarily mean
you can run longer lengths of GroFlex. However, it will allow for more
lighting legs in an array design. Exceeding the lengths in the following
chart will cause the end of GroFlex farthest from the power supply
to lose brightness due to voltage drop. Using a higher wattage power
supply will not reduce the effect of voltage drop.
Maximum recommended tape length
Model GFS2835060, 60 LEDs/meter
Straight run confi guration 8.2 ft. (2.5 LEDs/m) – will use approximately 14.3 watts
Center feed / Split T confi guration 16.4 ft. (5 LEDs/m) – will use approximately 28.6 watts
Array confi guration Varies based on layout and max wattage of power supply
How to calculate total wattage required in lighting system
Using the chart below, determine the watts used in each leg of GroFlex.
A straight run is considered one leg. A center feed or “split T” is two
equal length legs. An array can have many legs. Include only the lengths
of GroFlex in your calculation, not the connecting wires.
Add together the watts used in each leg of GroFlex to get total watts required.
Approximate watts used per meter at full brightness
GroFlex Model GF2835060 – 60 LEDs per meter
Meters 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Feet 1.6 3.3 4.9 6.6 8.2
Watts used 5.5 9.1 12.7 14.5 16.8
Watts used is the power consumed by your GroFlex lighting,
not the watt rating of a power supply.
Always choose a power supply rated at or greater than your needs.
Due to voltage drop, longer lengths of GroFlex will average fewer
watts per foot than shorter lengths.
To accurately measure watts used by your GroFlex system,
use a multimeter.
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LED Grow Lighting
Tailored-Spectrum LED Tape Light
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