LED Installation Guides (PDF format)

How to Install LED Cove Lighting using Kick APR60

How to Install Kick-KR8 PWM Dimmer for LED lighting

Some Frequently Asked Questions about LED

Why is dimmable LED the best choice for home theaters?

A: For the best viewing experience home theaters should be lit with a combination of cove and downlighting. Some clients like to use Kick HO ribbon around the back of the plasma or LCD screen to create a glow on the wall which does not get reflected in the screen. Light sources which do not reflect in the screen will provide the best viewing experience.

Why do you seem to sell only 12v DC products instead of the LED bulbs and other LED which plugs directly into 115v AC?

A: Kick Lighting manufactures specification grade LED lighting. In our experience the transformers built into 120v AC products are low quality, they produce heat and they fail to deliver on the long life promise of LED. Using external, UL listed Class 2 transformers (power supplies) ensures that our customers get their money's worth. 12-volt DC native LED fixtures are easy to combine with dimmable electronic transformers and low voltage wall switches such as the ones offered by Lutron, Leviton and LeGrand. We also have 24vDC dimmers and lighting.

What is new in LED technology?

A: LED dates back to Marconi Labs in the 1920s. LED has been used widely for power indicator lights, traffic and automobile tail lights. Using LED for general illumination is developing rapdily and is making steady gains as the output and quality of white LEDs increases.

Why use LED in coves?

A: The cost of high quality LED for general illumination has dropped recently. Dimmable fluorescent requires a special ballast which costs around $100 USD each. LED loves dimming and does not use ballast. It does require a special dimmer but that is far cheaper than using a series of dimmable ballasts.

Do LEDs really last 100,000 hours?

A: The output of an LED fades over time; it loses efficiency. LED is considered to have failed when the output drops below 70% of the initial output. Reputable manufacturers base their lifetime claims on tests which estimate the useable life by monitoring output decay in the early part of the LEDs use.

The simple answer is that most LEDs will NOT last 100,000 hours with any kind of useable output. But the good news is that many will last 40,000 to 60,000 hours. There is a lot of junk out there since the price of LED has been too high for many users and some vendors will simply sell LEDs that are within a budget conscious price range. However, your best bet is a well priced LED fixture which uses a good power supply (either 12 or 24 volt)and a warranty for at least 3 years.

What's "green" about LED?

A: Unlike fluorescent lamps, which last only 10,000 hours and then must be disposed of, LED contains no mercury. Many LEDs and their fixtures are completely recyclable after their estimated 50,000 hour life ends. LEDs are far more efficient than incandescent, including halogen and will soon be more efficient than all fluorescents.