Shelly Solutions – RGBW2: Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor LED strip lighting has become a popular addition to smart homes, especially for pool and patio areas. The ambiance it creates enhances the outdoor living experience. This project utilizes IP68-rated LED strips along with an IP67 power supply, IP66 enclosures, and dielectric grease, ensuring seamless and trouble-free operation.

Introducing Shelly RGBW2

Shelly RGBW2 is a versatile 4-channel LED strip controller compatible with both 12 and 24 VDC. When paired with RGBW LED strips, the controller offers a unified interface featuring a Color Wheel in the Shelly Smart Control app. Alternatively, when used with four white LED strips, each channel can be independently controlled and monitored through the app.

However, it's important to note that RGBW2 is not outdoor rated and should be used with a suitable enclosure. The maximum load for 12VDC is 45 watts per channel, with a total device maximum of 144 watts. For 24VDC, the maximum load per channel is 90 watts, with a device maximum of 288 watts. Additionally, RGBW2 can also effectively control 12/24VDC LED bulbs.

Installation Guidelines

To ensure a successful installation, follow these guidelines:

1. Utilize 16 AWG gauge wire to connect RGBW2 to V+ and V-.
2. Secure the connectors for V+ and V- within the enclosure housing.
3. A separate IP66 enclosure is necessary for the disposal cord connection to the driver.
4. Most LED strip manufacturers utilize black wire for V+; however, it's essential to verify the wiring configuration.
5. Some LED strips may have their red and green wires switched, with green controlling the red channel and red controlling the green channel.

Important Notes

1. Apply dielectric grease to fill openings on strain reliefs to enhance waterproofing.
2. Coat all seals with dielectric grease before closing enclosures and wire connectors.
3. RGBW2 does not support power injection for longer strip lengths. In installations exceeding RGBW2's capacity, LEDs closer to the controller will appear brighter than those at the far end. Consider using multiple RGBW2 controllers for such installations.
4. Leave sufficient slack in the wires feeding the strain reliefs to accommodate future maintenance or repair needs.

Product Specifications

Before proceeding with your installation, review the following product specifications:

• Materials:

  • Shelly RGBW2 (Quantity: 1)
  • Shelly ARUS-TD300-24 (24VDC/300 watt IP 67 driver, Quantity: 1)
  • Shelly IP6610755 (Enclosure, Quantity: 2)
  • Power First 1FD87 (Appliance cord/13 amp, Quantity: 1)
  • CRC 02085 (Dielectric grease, 3 oz, Quantity: 1)
  • Wago 221-413 (Lever connectors, Quantity: 5)
  • Phoenix Contact 3201482 (Quantity: 12, 16 AWG Ferrule)
  • Phoenix Contact 3203150 (Quantity: 5, 20 AWG Ferrule)
  • 16 AWG stranded wire, red (Quantity: 6 inches)
  • 16 AWG stranded wire, black (Quantity: 6 inches)

• Assembly Steps:

  1. Remove the cover from one IP661075 enclosure.
  2. Feed the leads from both the appliance cord and the LED driver through the provided strain reliefs into the IP6610755 enclosure.
  3. Crimp 16 AWG ferrules onto the ground, neutral, and line leads for both the disposal cord and the LED driver.
  4. Use Wago 221-413 lever connectors to join the wire leads for ground, neutral, and line.
  5. Apply dielectric grease to the openings of the Wago 221-413 lever connectors.
  6. Coat the opening of the IP6610755 with dielectric grease and cover the seal.
  7. Close the enclosure's cover and secure it with the included screws.
  8. Repeat the above steps for the second IP661075 enclosure.

Ensure proper crimping of ferrules and secure connections to guarantee optimal performance and safety.

By following these guidelines and specifications, you can create a stunning outdoor lighting setup with Shelly RGBW2, enhancing your outdoor living space and smart home experience.

Original blog here