Enttec Neon Flex User manual

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
1 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Neon Flex - Installation Guide
Horizontal bendable weatherproof RGBW silicone pixel strip
Contents
Safety............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Electrical Safety................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
System Planning and Specification ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Protection from Injury During Installation.......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Installation Safety and Guidelines.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Physical Dimensions.............................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Electrical Connections ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Voltage Drop..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Control Channels....................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Wiring Application.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Mounting Installation............................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Servicing, Inspection & Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................................................9
Cleaning.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Ordering Information .........................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Neon Flex ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Neon Flex Accessories............................................................................................................................................................................................10

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
2 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Safety
Ensure you are familiarised with all key information within this guide and other relevant ENTTEC
documentation before specifying, installing, or operating an ENTTEC device. If you are in any doubt about
system safety, or plan to install an ENTTEC device in a configuration not covered within this guide, contact
ENTTEC or your ENTTEC supplier for assistance.
ENTTEC’s return to base warranty for this product does not cover damage caused by inappropriate use,
application, or modification to the product.
Electrical Safety
▪This product must be installed in accordance with applicable national and local electrical and
construction codes by a person familiar with the construction and operation of the product and the
hazards involved. Failure to comply with the following installation instructions may result in death or
serious injury.
▪This device can be damaged by excess voltage. The installation of an overvoltage protection device
on the electrical system may reduce the risk of damage.
▪Provide a means of locking out AC mains power to the installation to be shut down and made it
impossible to reapply accidentally.
▪Before applying power to the installation, check that all power distribution equipment and cables are
in perfect condition and rated for the current requirements of all connected devices and factor in
overhead.
▪Isolate the installation from power immediately if Neon Flex, accessories power cables or connectors
is in any way damaged, defective, shows signs of overheating or is wet (if not an IP67 component).
▪Adhere to the maximum length limitations for Neon Flex and accessories as specified in the guide
and product documentation.
▪To reduce the risk of fire or electrical faults do not exceed the ratings and limitations defined in the
product datasheet or this guide.
▪Do not hot swap Neon Flex or accessories.
▪Shut down power to the installation during cleaning in addition to when the system is not in use.
▪Always comply with local electrical and building regulations. If you have any uncertainties, seek
support from a local distributor for guidance and assistance.
▪This device operates on DC power and excludes an earth connection.
▪The Earth wire MUST ALWAYS be connected.
▪Always make sure that the power and data connections are connected correctly and securely.
▪Do not reserve polarity when connecting from both ends.
▪Always test connections with a multi-meter before applying power.
▪ENTTEC recommend the use of cable ferrules when connecting non-tinned cable.
System Planning and Specification
▪Please refer to the product datasheet and installation guide to determine the light output and cable
required for your installation before initiating your system design.
▪For best practice keep all cable run lengths to a minimum to avoid electrical noise.
▪Avoid running data cabling close to mains power or devices that emit electromagnetic noise (i.e. air
conditioning units).
Protection from Injury During Installation
▪Always use suitable personal protective equipment when installing ENTTEC products.
▪When installing the Neon Flex above ground level, ensure that the installation hardware and
supporting structure can hold the weight of all the devices they support.
▪In an overhead installation or where the Neon Flex system may cause injury if it falls. Block access
below the work area and work from a stable platform whenever installing, servicing or moving the
Neon Flex system.
▪Once installation is completed, check that all hardware and components are securely in place and
fastened to supporting structures.

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
3 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Installation Safety and Guidelines
Always work with a plan of installation that respects all system limitations as defined within this guide and adheres to
the safety information.
▪Ensure proper data flow by following the direction indicated on the Neon Flex.
▪Avoid covering Neon Flex with any insulating material.
▪Take care not to apply tension on the cabling while installing Neon Flex or accessories.
▪Qualified personnel should perform the installation, and professional consultation is advised when
unsure.
▪Power connections should not be made until all installation work is complete.
▪Do not install Neon Flex if the cabling is damaged.
▪Verify the operating voltage and frequency compatibility before connecting Neon Flex to a power
supply.
▪Avoid crushing or clamping Neon Flex or accessory cabling during installation.
▪Protect connections and avoid leaving them exposed or disconnected in damp or wet environments.
▪Handle Neon Flex strips only when they are not energized.
▪Prevent short circuits by ensuring connectors and accessory cabling are positioned safely.
▪Ensure proper restraint and secure installation of Neon Flex and accessory cabling before system
sign-off.
▪Confirm the surface's weight-bearing capacity before attaching Neon Flex and accessories.
▪For outdoor installations, employ corrosion-proof and rated fixings.
▪Avoid bending Neon Flex into curves with diameters less than 80mm (3.15in).
▪Maintain a minimum distance of 0.5m from combustible surfaces.
▪Avoid overstretching Neon Flex cabling sections.
▪Do not operate Neon Flex in temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F).
▪Ensure sufficient airflow for convection cooling of Neon Flex units.
▪Avoid covering or enclosing Neon Flex without proper heat dissipation methods.
▪Keep the device out of direct sunlight whenever possible for optimum operating temperature.
▪Do not modify the Neon Flex system in any way.
▪Use a flat and solid surface for the supporting structure.
▪Verify the suitability of mounting positions and surfaces with a qualified person.
▪Ensure secure installation with all necessary safety anchors.
▪Avoid routing the product onto rough surfaces or sharp corners that may damage its finish.
▪Do not use the product if the finish is damaged, there are loose electrical connections, or the wires
are visible without insulation.
▪Avoid installing the product in pools used by humans.
▪Prohibit excessive pulling or bending force during installation.
▪Always use the product with an electrical isolation transformer providing Safety Extra Low Voltage
(SELV).
▪Consider all limiting factors before finalizing the system design and adhere to the lowest applicable
limit.

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
4 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Physical Dimensions
Neon Flex – SPI 12V
Neon Flex – DMX 24V
Female Connector
Male Connector

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
5 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Wiring Application
▪ENTTEC offers various products to control Neon Flex, each designed for different use case scenarios and its control
protocol.
▪Key specification information and application diagrams for each system can be found in its product datasheet
and user manual.
▪To see the full range of ENTTEC lighting controllers, please visit www.enttec.com for the latest information.
Electrical Connections
▪ENTTEC Neon Flex is a made-to-order product with the finish of the product specifically moulded to provide
optimal weatherproof performance.
▪Specifications including lengths of the Neon Flex, cable lengths, connector style and type are necessary before
placing an order.
▪Female or male connector with cable can be ordered separately in various lengths.
▪It is recommended to ensure the feeder cable is long enough to reach the cable entry point of flex where
connection can be made.
▪Do not cut the Neon Flex and the waterproof connectors. DIY cutting of this product will void the warranty.
▪Tighten the female and male connectors with pliers when installing to ensure there are no gaps.
Cat5/6 Cat5/6
Female Connector
with Cable
PC running
Lighting Software
Network Switch
Lighting Controller
Power Supply Power Supply
Neon Flex Neon Flex
Mid Power
Injector

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
6 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
▪Below is a guide indicating the number of cores and their connections. Always refer to the product label for
accurate information. If you have any doubts, please contact our support team for assistance.
Neon Flex - SPI 12V
This is comprised of 3 cores and the pinout as follows:
Neon Flex - DMX 24V
This is comprised of 5 cores and the pinout is as follows:
Cable colour
Function
Red
24V+ DC
Yellow
DMX+
Green
Address
White
GND
Blue
DMX-
Voltage Drop
▪The longer the distance between the power source and the Neon Flex, the greater the voltage drop. Excessive
voltage drop can lead to reduced brightness and colour shifting.
▪The power supply should be located as close as physically possible to the beginning of the Neon Flex to minimize
the effect of voltage drop.
▪For optimum performance and to reduce the impact of voltage drop, ENTTEC recommend the use of multiple
smaller DC power supplies at the beginning of each run of Neon Flex, instead of a low quantity of high-capacity
power supplies with longer connection cables.
▪Power injector cable can be ordered separately for mid power injection.
▪Power supply unit is not supplied with the product. ENTTEC recommend IP67 rated or higher power supplies where
applicable to your installation requirement.
▪If you are concerned about voltage drop and the impact on your installation, contact the ENTTEC team or your
reseller.
▪The maximum run length of the customisable Neon Flex is an essential factor to consider for installations in
terms of voltage drop.
Max. run length
Neon Flex –SPI 12V
Neon Flex –DMX 24V
Single Power Injection
4M
8M
Double Power Injection
8M
16M
Control Channels
▪Each RGBW pixel of DMX controllable Neon Flex consumes the equivalent of 4 DMX channels of data.
▪Each RGBW pixel of SPI controllable Neon Flex consumes the equivalent of 4 or 8 DMX channels of data from your
controller respectively, whether running in an 8-Bit, 16-Bit or pixel grouping configuration.
▪The hard upper limit to the number of Neon Flex you can run from one data feed can be calculated by dividing
the maximum number of data channels per output of the ENTTEC controller by the DMX channel footprint of the
Neon Flex.
Cable Colour
Function
Red
12V+ DC
Yellow
Data
Black
GND
Red - 12V+
Yellow - Data
Black - GND
Red - 24V+
Yellow – DMX+
Green - Address
White - GND
Blue – DMX-
DC Input DC Input
DC Input
Single Feed
Double Feed

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
7 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Mounting Installation
▪Neon Flex is an incredibly durable product; however, it must be installed following the provided picture guide. It
is essential to have at least two people during the installation process to support the product at various locations
as shown in the guide. It is crucial to exercise caution during installation and ensure that the bending radius of
the Neon Flex is not exceeded.
▪Do not use staples, nails, or any other sharp objects that may damage the silicone insulation when securing the
product.
▪Always use ENTTEC mounting accessories for mounting installation. Mounting accessories order information can
be found at the end of the document and the product datasheet.
▪Install the screw into position and make sure that the screw head is flush or recessed below the base of the
aluminium profile.
DMX or SPI 8-Bit RGBW Channel Footprint
Channel Order
1
2
3
4
Attribute
Red
Green
Blue
White
SPI 16-Bit RGBW Channel Footprint
Channel Order
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Attribute
Red
Red Fine
Green
Green Fine
Blue
Blue Fine
White
White Fine
Required Screw Dimension

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
8 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
▪Ensure that the mounting accessories are properly aligned and that the joint is smooth and seamless. Any
displacement of the profiles can result in incorrect bending of the product, which may cause damage over time.
▪Mounting accessories are available in different lengths to accommodate various installation needs. When cutting
aluminium accessories, use appropriate tools while prioritizing safety. Ensure that the cutting surface is neat and
smooth to prevent any damage to the product's finish.
▪Avoid using glues and resins as fixing agents. The use of glues and resins may void the warranty unless explicitly
specified otherwise.
▪Maintain a minimum distance of 10mm between the aluminium mounting piece and the end cap or connectors.
This spacing ensures proper installation and functionality.
▪When inserting the Neon Flex into the mounted aluminium channel, ensure that it is inserted in the correct
direction. Incorrect installation may result in light failure or malfunction.
▪To maintain the waterproof performance of the connector, it is important to avoid bending the Neon Flex against
the light terminal. Make sure to keep a minimum distance of 100mm before shaping the Neon Flex. This will help
prevent any potential damage or compromise to the waterproof seal of the connector.

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
9 |
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
▪Ensure that the feeding cable does not bear any force and allow for a 10mm lead with a loose configuration. This
will help prevent any strain or stress on the cable, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
▪Use an IP-rated waterproof junction box to mount the cable junction in outdoor applications for a hermetic
enclosure and added protection.
▪Each fixing option serves a specific purpose, but if there is any uncertainty, it is recommended to contact technical
support for further assistance.
Servicing, Inspection & Maintenance
▪Servicing, inspection & maintenance should only be carried out by qualified technicians
familiar with all safety information within this document and the Neon Flex system.
▪Neon Flex and accessories have no user serviceable parts. If your installation has become
damaged, parts should be replaced.
▪Power down the entire system and ensure a method is in place to stop the system from
becoming energized during Servicing, Inspection & Maintenance.
Key areas to examine during inspection:
▪Ensure all connectors are mated securely and show no sign of damage.
▪Ensure all connectors show no sign of corrosion.
▪Ensure all cabling has not obtained physical damage or been crushed.
▪Ensure all Neon Flex and accessories are secured to the surface and have been installed in accordance with
the guidelines set out within the installation guide.
▪Check for dust or dirt build-up on the Neon Flex System and schedule cleaning if necessary. – Dirt or dust
buildup can limit the ability of the Neon Flex system to dissipate heat and can lead to damage.
▪If deemed necessary for a Neon Flex or accessory to be replaced, it should be removed in a reverse order
to installation as defined in this guide.
▪The replacement strip or accessory should be an appropriate size and be installed in accordance with all
steps within the installation guide.
▪To order replacement parts contact your reseller or ENTTEC directly.

 INSTALLATION GUIDE
10
|
Neon Flex (73060)
Visit the ENTTEC website for the latest version
ID: 5951130
Cleaning
Dust and dirt buildup can limit the ability of the Neon Flex system to dissipate heat resulting in damage.
It’s important that the Neon Flex system is cleaned in a schedule fit for the environment it is installed within
to ensure maximum product longevity.
Cleaning schedules will vary greatly depending on the operating environment of your Neon Flex. Generally,
the more extreme the environment, the shorter the interval between cleanings.
▪Before cleaning, power down the system and ensure a method is in place to stop the system
from becoming energized until cleaning is complete.
▪Do not use abrasive, corrosive or solvent-based cleaning products on a Neon Flex system.
▪Do not spray Neon Flex or accessories with a high-pressure water jet.
To clean an ENTTEC Neon Flex system, use low-pressure compressed air to remove dust, dirt and loose
particles. If deemed necessary, wipe the Neon Flex with a damp microfiber cloth.
A selection of environmental factors that may increase demand for frequent cleaning include:
▪Use of stage fog, smoke or atmospheric devices.
▪High airflow rates (i.e. in close proximity to air conditioning vents).
▪High pollution levels or cigarette smoke.
▪Airborne dust (from building work, the natural environment or pyrotechnic effects).
▪If any of these factors are present, inspect all elements of the system soon after installation to see whether
cleaning is necessary, then check again at frequent intervals. This procedure will allow you to determine a
reliable cleaning schedule for your installation.
Ordering Information
Neon Flex
Product
SKU
Neon Flex
73060
Please refer to the datasheet or contact the ENTTEC team to discuss your customisation needs.
Neon Flex Accessories
Product
SKU
Aluminium Mounting Accessory - Straight Linear
1000mm –73061
Aluminium Mounting Accessory - curved
500mm –73062
1000mm –73063
3Pin SPI –Power Injector Connector
73064
3Pin SPI –Male Connector with cable (2m)
73065
3Pin SPI –Female Connector with Cable (2m)
73066
3Pin SPI –Extension Cable (2m)
73067
5Pin DMX –Power Injector Connector
73068
5Pin DMX –Male Connector with cable (2m)
73069
5Pin DMX –Female Connector with Cable (2m)
73070
5Pin DMX –Extension Cable (2m)
73071
Please contact the ENTTEC team to discuss the customisation options available.
Due to constant innovation, information within this document is subject to change.