GE Current Tetra miniMax User manual
1
Tetra®miniMax
LED Lighting System
GEMM2471-W1, GEMM2450-W1, GEMM2441-W1, GEMM2432-W1
Installation Guide
24
Volt
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
RETROFIT SIGN CONVERSION LED KIT FOR USE ONLY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH KIT INSTRUCTIONS.
KIT IS COMPLETE ONLY WHEN ALL PARTS REQUIRED BY
THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE PRESENT.
TROUSSE DE CONVERSION À DEL POUR LA
MODERNISATION DES ENSEIGNES
À UTILISER CONFORMÉMENT AU GUIDE D’INSTALLATION.
Prepare Electrical Wiring
Electrical Requirements
• Acceptable for use in dry, damp and wet locations.
• The grounding and bonding of the LED Driver shall be done in
accordance with National Electric Code (NEC) Article 600.
• Follow all National Electric Codes (NEC) and local codes.
• These products are only suitable for connection to a circuit
from a Class 2 power source.
• These products have not been evaluated for use when connected to a
power source that does not comply with Class 2 voltage and energy
limited supplies.
Save These Instructions
Use only in the manner intended by the manufacturer.
If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This Class [A] RFLD complies with the Canadian standard ICES-005. Ce DEFR de la classe [A] est conforme à la NMB-005 du Canada.
WARNING/AVERTISSEMENT
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
∙Turn power off before inspection, installation or
removal.
∙Properly ground GE power supply enclosure.
RISK OF FIRE
∙Use only UL approved wire for input/output
connections. Minimum size 18 AWG (0.82mm2)
∙Follow all NEC and local codes.
∙Not to be submerged or used in a marine environment.
RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
∙LEDRetrotKitinstallationrequiresknowledgeofsign
electricalsystems.Ifnotqualied,donotattempt
installation.Contactaqualiedelectrician.
∙Installthiskitonlyinhostsignsthathavebeenidentied
in the installation instructions and where the input rating
oftheretrotkitdoesnotexceedtheinputratingofthe
sign.
∙InstallationofthisLEDretrotkitmayinvolvedrillingor
punching of holes into the structure of the sign. Check
for enclosed wiring and components to avoid damage
to wiring and electrical parts.
∙Do not make or alter any open holes in an enclosure of
wiring or electrical components during kit installation.
RISQUES DE DÉCHARGES ÉLECTRIQUES
∙Coupez l’alimentation avant l’inspection, l’installation ou le déplacement.
∙Assurez-vous de correctement mettre à terre l’alimentation électrique GE.
RISQUES D’INCENDIE
∙N’utilisezquedeslsapprouvésparULpourlesentrées/sortiesdeconnexion.
Taille minimum 18 AWG (0.82mm2)
∙Respectez tous les codes NEC et codes locaux.
∙Ne pas submerger ou installer dans un environnement marin.
RISQUE D’INCENDIE OU DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
∙L’installation de l’équipement de remplacement DEL exige Ia connaissance des
systèmesélectriquespourenseignes.Sinonqualié,netentezpasd’installation.
Veuillezcontacterunélectricienqualié.
∙Risque d’incendie ou de choc Électrique. Installez cet ensemble seulement dans
desenseigneshôtesquiontétéidentiésdanslesinstructionsd’installationet
dont la capacité d’entrée de l’ensemble ne dépasse pas la capacité d’entrée de
l’enseigne.
∙L’installation de cet équipement de remplacement DEL peut impliquer le perçage
oulepoinçonnagedetrousdanslastructuredupanneauVériezlecâblageet
lescomposantsincluspouréviterd’endommagerlecâblageetlescomposants
électriques.
∙Nepasfaireoumodierlestrousouvertsdansuneenceintedecâblage
ou de composants électriques pendant l’installation de cet équipement de
remplacement DEL.
2
Measure and cut Tetra LED
strip to the appropriate length
for each letter. Cuts can be
made between any of the
modules.
Remove tape backing and stick
LED modules into place. When
using tape apply approximately
15 psi pressure on the module
(avoid the lens dome surface) for
5 seconds, full bonding strength
after 24 hours. Continue until you
have reached the end of the strip.
23
Use rivets, screws, or electrical
grade RTV silicone to secure
atleasteveryfthLEDmodule
within the channel letter. Use
#6 (M3) pan headed metal
screws, 1/8-inch (3.2 mm)
rivets, or electrical grade RTV
silicone.
4
Before you begin, clean surfaces
and remove all debris from the
inside of the channel letter.Clean
the surfaces with a 50:50 mixture
of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and
water and let dry.
1
Components
Layout Modules
Drill a 1/4-inch (6.4 mm)
hole near the LED strip and
grommet the hole for supply
wire access.
5 6 Remove all the debris from the
inside of the channel letter and
replace the sign face.
NOTE: For halo-lit applications LED modules should be mounted on UL
recognized clear acrylic or polycarbonate. The light output from the LED
system should be directed back into the sign enclosure. This will allow for
uniform backlighting of the sign and will provide simple mounting.
Do not
press lens
1
12
2
3
3
4
45
5
6
UL approved 18 AWG (0.82 mm2) supply wire
UL approved 22-14 AWG (0.33-2.08 mm2) wire connectors or
22-18 AWG (0.33-0.82 mm2) in-line/IDC connectors
#6 (M3) screws, 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) rivets, or electrical grade RTV
silicone or equivalent
Tetra®24 Volt Power Supply
Tetra®miniMax LED modules
Electrical grade RTV silicone:
• Momentive RTV 6700 Series Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant
• Momentive White Blanc RTV 162 Silicone Rubber Adhesive
Sealant-Electrical Grade
• Dow Corning 3140 - Non-Corrosive Flowable (clear)
• DowCorning3145-Non-CorrosiveNonowable(clearorgray)
• Dow Corning RTV 748 Non-Corrosive Sealant-White
TCMeasure Point
6
3
Electrical Connections
NOTE: Donotuseconnectorspre-lledwithsiliconegrease/mineralbaseprotectivegreaseorusesiliconegreasetosealconnections.
Red stripe (+)
White (-)
Connect LED strips using in-line (IDC) connectors or
twist-on wire connectors.
NOTE: Seal all connections in wet locations with
electrical grade RTV silicone.
1
Cap wires Optional:Cutwiresush
Must cap all exposed wires with appropriate wire
connectors and seal with electrical grade RTV silicone.
Optional: Cutwiresushtothemoduleandsealwith
electrical grade RTV silicone.
2
Connect the red stripe wire (+) of the LED strip to the red
wire (+) of the power supply. Connect the white wire (-)
of the LED strip to the black or blue wire (-) of the LED
power supply.
NOTE: All electrical connections should be suitably
protected from mechanical damage and the
environment. Seal all connections in wet locations with
electrical grade RTV silicone.
4
Run a wire from the LED power supply to the LED module
and connect.
NOTE: Must be used with Tetra®24 Volt Power Supplies.
NOTE: Refer to Maximum Loading & Remote Mounting
Specications on page 4.
3
LED
Power
Supply
To Tetra LED System
Red (+)
Black or blue (-)
To LED
power
supply
Red (+)
Black or
blue (-)
Red Stripe (+) White (-)
Seal all connections in wet locations
with electrical grade RTV silicone
Seal all connections in wet locations
with electrical grade RTV silicone
Retrot Instructions
1. (Existing Signs Only) Prior to installation, survey the site for information regarding power and accessibility inside and outside the building. Ensure
that the branch circuit supplying the existing transformer or ballast will be within the voltage ratings of the new LED power supply, and have a
current rating not exceeding 20A, or that permitted by applicable local, state, or country electrical codes (whichever is less).
2. (Existing Signs Only)Removetheexistinglightingequipmenttobereplaced,suchasneontubingoruorescenttubes;andassociated
transformersandballasts.Careshouldbetakennottobreaktheexistingneonoruorescenttubes. NOTE: Follow all federal and local regulations
whendisposingofneontubing,uorescenttubes,transformersandballasts.
3. (Existing Signs Only) If removal of the existing lighting equipment eliminates the disconnect switch, as required by applicable local, state, or
countryelectricalcodes;anewdisconnectswitchmustbeinstalled.
4. (Existing Signs Only) Repair and seal any unused openings in the electrical enclosure. Openings greater than 12.7-mm (1/2-in) diameter require a
metal patch secured by screws or rivets and caulked with non-hardening caulk. Smaller openings may be sealed with non-hardening caulk.
5. (Existing Signs Only) A clean and dry mounting surface ensures optimum adhesion if the self-adhesive method of mounting is chosen. Follow
the manufacturer’s directions when using a non-oil based solvent, such as rubbing alcohol to clean the surface area where you intend to mount
the module. Before installing, ensure the surface is dry.
6. Using the layout guidelines above, determine required number of LED modules required to illuminate the sign.
7. A Tetra®24VDCClass2PowerSupply,aslistedbelow,mustbeusedwiththisretrotkit.UsingtheMaximumLoadingchartbelow,determinethe
number of Tetra®Class 2 Power Supplies required to power the number of LED modules required to illuminate the sign, so as not to overload the
Tetra®Class 2 Power Supply chosen.
8. Follow the instructions above to properly mount the LED modules.
9. Connect the DC output of the power supply to the LED modules using the Electrical Connections instructions above.
10. Connect the power unit to the supply in accordance with the applicable local, state, and country electrical codes, and the instructions found in the
power supply installation guide.
11. Ifrequired,thedisconnectswitchshallbeinstalledbyqualiedpersonnel,inaccordancewithapplicablelocal,state,andcountryelectricalcodes.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information provided is subject to
change without notice. All values are design or typical values when measured under laboratory
conditions. Current, powered by GE is a business of the General Electric Company.
© 2018 GE.
www.currentbyge.com SIGN160 (Rev 12/05/18)
GE2031-1383
Troubleshooting
Specications
Maximum Loading per Tetra 24V DC Power Supply
SKU Rating
25W
Power Supply
Note: Load shall
not exceed 1.04A
80W
Power Supply
Note: Load shall
not exceed 3.3A
100W
Power Supply
Note: Load shall
not exceed 4.0A
180W Power Supply
Note: Load shall
not exceed 3.8A
per each (of 2)
output channels
300W Power Supply
Note: Load shall
not exceed 4A
per each (of 3)
output channels
GEMM2471-W1
GEMM2450-W1
GEMM2441-W1
GEMM2432-W1
24V DC,
14.7mA/module
0.35W/module
58 modules/
29 ft. (9.14 m) 184 modules/
92 ft. (28.95 m)
220 modules/
110 ft. (35.05 m)
210 modules/
105 ft. (33.5 m)
per output channel
420 modules/
210 ft. (67.05 m)
per power supply
220 modules/
110 ft. (35.05 m)
per output channel
660 modules/
330 ft. (105.15 m)
per power supply
Maximum Remote Mounting Distance from Driver Output
18 AWG/0.82 mm2
Supply Wire 16 AWG/1.31 mm2
Supply Wire 14 AWG/2.08 mm2
Supply Wire 12 AWG/3.31 mm2
Supply Wire
25W Power Supply 120 ft./36.6 m - - -
80W Power Supply 20 ft./6.1 m 25 ft./7.6 m 35 ft./10.6 m 40 ft./12.1 m
100W Power Supply 20 ft./6.1 m 25 ft./7.6 m 35 ft./10.6 m 40 ft./12.1 m
180W Power Supply 20 ft./6.1 m 25 ft./7.6 m 35 ft./10.6 m 40 ft./12.1 m
300W Power Supply 20 ft./6.1 m 25 ft./7.6 m 35 ft./10.6 m 40 ft./12.1 m
NOTE: The maximum loading claimed in the table is at ambient temperature 25°C (77°F).
For linear long runs, center connection to the LED strip is recommended to minimize voltage drop.
Tips
• For optimal light uniformity in halo-lit applications the Tetra®LED modules should be mounted on UL recognized plastic and the
light output from the Tetra®LED system should be directed back into the sign enclosure. This will allow for uniform backlighting of
the sign and will provide simple mounting for the Tetra®LED system.
• A best practice for the supply wire at the point at which it is brought into the sign is to have a drip loop on the inside of the letter to
keep water from collecting on the Tetra®LED strip.
• These products are not required to be enclosed or protected from weather.
Symptom Solution
All letters are OFF • Check AC input connection and/or check circuit breaker.
• Check wire connection(s) at the Tetra® LED System and power supply for improper termination(s) or short
circuits. Properly terminate or replace the wire connection(s).
• Check that connections are the red striped wire (+) of the LED strip to the red wire (+) of the power supply and
the white wire (-) of the LED strip to the black or blue wire (-) of the power supply.
Some LEDs
appear dim
• Ensure the overall length of the Tetra® LED System does not exceed the maximum load.
• Ensure the length of supply wire is equal to or below the recommended remote mounting distance.
• Ensure the overall length of the Tetra® LED System does not exceed the maximum load.
Some of the letters are
not illuminated
• Check wire connection(s) at the Tetra® LED System and power supply for improper termination(s) or short
circuits. Properly terminate or replace the wire connection(s).
• Check that connections are the red striped wire (+) of the LED strip to the red wire (+) of the power supply
and the white wire (-) of the LED strip to the black or blue wire (-) of the power supply.
Shadows • Re-route supply wire and secure to the back of the can with electrical grade RTV silicone. Adjust wire
connector orientation so that it does not cover any LEDs.
• Adjust LED layout to ensure uniformity of illumination on the face of the letter.
For the latest install guides for your product go to: https://products.currentbyge.com/sign-lighting/tetra-minimax
This product is intended solely for the use of non-residential signage lighting and is not intended for use in any other applications.
Conforms to the following standards:
This manual suits for next models
4
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