Pluto PrecisionStrip™ – Professional Installation Best-Practice Guide

This guide outlines the recommended practices for achieving the best performance, longevity, and visual results when installing Pluto PrecisionStrip™ COB LED lighting. While the strip is low voltage, any wiring of LED drivers or connection to the mains supply must be completed by a licensed electrician in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.

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1. Measuring & Planning

Precision Matters

Standard LED strips have large cut points (25–50mm), often resulting in installs that are:

• Too short → creates dark patches at the end

• Too long → leads to bunching, hot spots, or needing to hide excess

• Messy → extra joins or unnecessary soldering

Pluto PrecisionStrip™ solves this with 3.6mm cut increments, allowing installers to size strips with near-millimetre accuracy.

Best Practice

• Perform a dry fit measurement using a tape measure along the internal length of the extrusion or recess.

• Subtract 3–5mm to allow for diffuser tolerances and thermal expansion.

• For mitres or corners, plan whether to:

  • run continuous strip around the bend (if radius allows), or

  • use soldered corner joins for sharper angles.

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2. Cutting the Strip

Recommended Method

• Only cut on the marked cut lines (3.6mm intervals).

• Use sharp precision scissors or flush cutters.

• Avoid crushing the phosphor layer when cutting.

Important Notes

• Ensure polarity consistency when reconnecting segments.

• Always inspect copper pads after cutting to confirm they are clean and intact.

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3. Soldering & Adding Tails (If Required)

(Pluto Lighting also offers pre-soldered tails for convenience and reliability.)

Wire Selection

• Use high-quality silicone wire, typically 20–22AWG for short runs.

• For long runs, upsize to reduce voltage drop.

Soldering Technique

• Tin both the copper pads and the wire ends.

• Use a clean, temperature-controlled iron (approx. 350–380°C).

• Keep heat time short to avoid overheating LEDs.

• Apply heatshrink for:

  • strain relief

  • polarity protection

  • mechanical durability

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4. Installing Into Aluminium Extrusion

Correct extrusion use is critical to longevity.

Why It Matters

COB LEDs produce heat that must be dissipated. Full contact with aluminium prevents thermal degradation and dimming over time.

Best Practices

• Ensure the channel is clean, dust-free, and dry.

• Apply the strip in a single, smooth action to avoid air pockets.

• Avoid bending or flexing against sharp edges.

• Use a suitable diffuser (opal or frosted recommended for COB).

• Ensure the strip does not touch the diffuser directly — spacing prevents abrasion.

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5. Mounting & Fixing

Surface Prep

• Clean surfaces with isopropyl alcohol.

• Avoid mounting on:

  • raw timber (moisture)

  • rough plaster

  • porous surfaces

Fixing Methods

• Use the strip’s adhesive backing for placement.

• For overhead or high-heat areas, use additional fixing methods such as:

  • neutral-cure silicone

  • extrusion mounting clips

  • micro countersunk screws (extrusion only)

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6. LED Driver Positioning

Driver Selection

Always match:

• Voltage (typically 24V for PrecisionStrip™)

• Total wattage, leaving 20–30% overhead

Placement Guidelines

• Keep drivers in ventilated spaces, not sealed voids.

• Avoid installing directly above ovens, fridges, or other heat sources.

• Maintain accessible locations for future servicing.

Voltage Drop Consideration

• Keep cable runs short.

• Upsize cabling for long distances from driver to strip.

• For long installs, power-feed from both ends or centre.

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7. Dimming & Control Compatibility

Pluto PrecisionStrip™ is compatible with:

• PWM dimmers

• Trailing-edge dimmers (via compatible LED drivers)

• Smart control systems (e.g., Shelly, DALI, Casambi depending on driver selection)

Best Practice

• Ensure drivers and dimmers share the same control technology.

• Test dimming from 0–100% before final fixdown.

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8. Corners, Joins & Multi-Segment Installs

Options

• Continuous radius bends where possible

• Soldered corner joints

• Micro connector clips (not recommended for long-term installs)

Professional Tip

Avoid cheap clip connectors — soldered connections offer:

• Better conductivity

• Longer life

• Lower failure rate

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9. IP Rating, Moisture & Wet Areas

For kitchens, laundries, or bathrooms:

• Use IP-rated strip where exposure is likely.

• Seal ends with silicone caps or neutral-cure silicone.

• Avoid installing directly above open steam paths (kettles, hobs, etc.).

For exterior installations:

• Use fully sealed extrusion

• Seal driver enclosures

• Consider UV-rated diffusers

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10. Safety & Compliance Notes

• All mains-voltage wiring must be performed by a licensed electrician.

• Installation must comply with AS/NZS 3000.

• Drivers must be SELV-rated for use inside cabinetry.

• Ensure correct polarity and protection for all wiring.

• Avoid overloading circuits with too many LED runs or accessories.

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11. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Dim output → voltage drop; power-feed both ends

• Hotspots → insufficient extrusion cooling

• Flicker → incompatible dimmer or failing driver

• Uneven colour → mismatched batch; avoid mixing different reel batches on one run

Recommended Maintenance

• Inspect connections annually

• Wipe diffusers clean to maintain uniform light

• Check driver vents for dust buildup