At Aussie 3D Fabrications, we supply LED letters without wire tails for most applications. This approach provides significant advantages for professional installers and creates more reliable installations.
The Daisy Chain Method
A daisy chain installation uses a continuous run of twin core cable that passes from letter to letter, with each letter tapped into this main cable using Scotchlock connectors. This creates a solid electrical bus that carries current with minimal voltage drop and minimal connection points.
The main cable run acts as a low-resistance bus bar, maintaining voltage consistency across the entire installation. Rather than having multiple wire joins creating cumulative resistance, the daisy chain approach minimizes connection points and their associated resistance.
Advantages of No-Tail Supply
Installation flexibility is greatly enhanced. Installers can position the main cable run optimally for the specific installation, accommodating building structures, access requirements, and aesthetic considerations. Letters connect to this bus wherever convenient, rather than being constrained by fixed wire tail positions and lengths.
Connection quality is improved through standardized technique. Each letter connects to the bus using the same proven method with Scotchlock connectors that provide reliable, weatherproof connections. This consistency reduces installation errors and ensures uniform connection quality across the entire installation.
The approach is cleaner, more reliable, and whilst it might not be faster to install than traditional methods using individual wire tails from each letter, it is more cost effective in the long run. Installers report fewer callbacks and wiring issues.
For detailed information on proper connection techniques and why Scotchlocks provide superior reliability, see our comprehensive guide: LED Connector Selection: Why Scotchlocks Beat Wago Connectors.
Practical Installation Guidelines
Cable sizing should be calculated based on total load and maximum run length. For 24V systems, 1.5mm² twin core cable is suitable for most installations up to 15 meters with typical letter loads. Longer runs or higher loads may require 2.5mm² cable to maintain voltage within acceptable limits.
Polarity must be maintained throughout the installation. Mark positive and negative conductors clearly, and maintain consistent polarity at every connection point. Reversed polarity on even one letter can cause system issues.
Weather protection is essential for outdoor installations. While Scotchlock connectors provide excellent environmental protection through their gel-filled design, ensure all connection points are positioned to avoid water pooling. Mount letters and connections to allow water drainage rather than accumulation. Ensure all connections are made with the wires coming down in a loop to ensure if any moisure builds up and forms into a drip, that it travels down on to the loop and not into the connector.
Download Installation Guide
For a comprehensive step-by-step guide with diagrams and technical specifications, download our LED Letter Wiring Installation Guide:
LED Letter Wiring Installation Guide
Complete technical guide including wiring diagrams, cable sizing charts, and troubleshooting tips.
Download PDF GuideFor information on why we recommend 24V LED systems for letter installations, see our article: Why 24V LED Systems Outperform 12V.