How to install permanent roofline lights yourself

Before you start

Permanent outdoor lights are a low-voltage system: an aluminum track along your eaves or fascia, pixel lights clipped into the track, a power supply, and a controller you run from the Maple Glow LED app. Most handy homeowners can do a house over a weekend with a ladder, a drill and a helper. Always follow ladder safety, and use a licensed electrician for any new outdoor outlet.

1. Measure your roofline

Walk the house and measure every run of eaves, fascia or soffit you want lit, in feet. Add the runs together and round up. That total is the kit size to pick, or use the kit calculator. Note where an outdoor outlet is, since that is where the power supply and controller will sit.

2. Plan your power

Decide where the power supply and controller go, usually near an outlet in the garage or in an IP67 outdoor enclosure. Long runs may need power fed in at more than one point to keep colours even, which is easier with 24V lights. See 12V vs 24V.

3. Mount the track

Screw the aluminum track under the eaves or onto the fascia, keeping it straight and level. Pick a track colour that matches your trim so it disappears in daylight. Cut pieces to length at corners and ends.

4. Fit the pixel lights

Start at the controller end and press each RGBWW pixel light into the pre-drilled holes, connecting each string to the next with its waterproof connectors. Keep the data direction the same along the whole run.

5. Connect power and the controller

Connect the first string to the controller, and the controller to a Mean Well power supply of the same voltage as your lights. Keep all connections off the ground and out of standing water.

6. Set up the app

Power on, connect the controller in the Maple Glow LED app, and set your light count. Then try colours, holiday patterns and sunset schedules. Questions at any step? Email info@mapleglowled.com.

Maple Glow LED sells materials only and does not offer installation.