FAQs

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a standard classification system used to specify the degree of protection provided by enclosures or casings for electrical equipment against the intrusion of foreign objects (like dust and dirt) and moisture (such as water). LLIA provides a detailed explanation of what to expect from different IP ratings, available here.

A MacAdam ellipse is a concept used to describe color consistency in light sources. It is named after American scientist David L. MacAdam, who made significant contributions to the study of color perception. Simply put, the MacAdam ellipse is created from chromacity data mapped onto a CIE 1931 xy chromacity diagram, and the larger the MacAdam ellipse, the greater the range of color variation.  A light source specified as a 3-step MacAdam ellipse means that the color variation among different units of the same light source will fall into a region on the chromacity diagram defined by a 3-step ellipse, which represents a relatively tight color tolerance. The majority of LLIA’s lighting products fall into this tight MacAdam 3-step ellipse, meaning the color variation is imperceptable between 2 or more products of the same specification.

Forward phase dimming or leading-edge dimming describes a traditional incandescent dimming technology. It is compatible with Magnetic Low Voltage or MLV power supplies. Reverse phase, or trailing-edge dimming, is compatible with Electronic Low Voltage or ELV power supplies, and was made popular by its smooth dimming range and low-end control (flicker reduction).

Class 1 and Class 2 describe safety standards for lowering the possibility of a hazardous situation.  Class 2 electronic products have electric outputs within overcurrent protection limits and power delivery limits. Class 1 electronic products fall outside of the safety standards of Class 2. The standards are fully outlined in UL1310 (NEC Class 2 Power Units).

Flickering happens when the human eye perceives a light source switching abruptly on and off. Light sources powered with alternating current (AC) have electrons moving in cycles which turn the light on and off. However, the cycles are so rapid that this flicker is not perceptable to human eyes. Sometimes a poor connection, improper loading, or improper dimming can cause visible flickering of the light source. For LLIA’s LED light sources and power supplies, special attention is given to current cycles and performance, to ensure that flicker is undetectable and the lighting is thus “flicker-free”.

Chicago Plenum refers to safety standards for electrical equipment installed inside a plenum, which is an empty space above a ceiling or under a raised floor. Building codes in Chicago require all electrical equipment inside a plenum to be completely enclosed and all cables to be run within conduit. 

1. Energy Efficiency: We aim to create products that not only meet but exceed efficiency standards such as JA8 and Title 24. All of our LED products prioritize energy-efficient solutions that reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity consumption, and minimize our overall impact on the environment. Our LEDs are designed to maximize illumination while minimizing energy use, helping our end-users reduce their carbon footprint and lower operating costs.

2. Longevity and Durability: We are committed to producing high-quality lighting products that stand the test of time. Longer product lifespans reduce waste and the need for replacements, further contributing to sustainability. Our lighting solutions are engineered to be durable, reliable, and easy to maintain while in-use.

3. End-of-Life Responsibility: We take responsibility for our products throughout their lifecycle. We offer an end-of-life recycling program—simply request a prepaid shipping label and mail back our products to us when no longer needed. We will recycle returned products sustainably, further reducing impact on the planet.

DMX Stick controllers include a “Standard” program at no extra charge. For RGB tapelight or Neon, this program is a basic color-changing sequence of Red, Green, Blue, Violet, and Teal. If the tapelight or Neon product is RGBW, White will be included in the color-changing sequence. Additional programming can be added to the DMX controller by request, and is typically billed separately based on complexity.