Getting Started | Controller Install | Installing Track |
Wiring | Networking, Zoning, and Testing
INSTALL DATE AND TIME
Call the customer and set up a date for your install. Review details of the job as well as any special circumstance. Talking points may include:
- What day will the install be?
- What time will the installers arrive?
- Does the customer need to do anything to prepare?
- How long will the install take?
- Review the job, including where the lights will be installed?
- Will you need access inside the home? (Ex. attic, basement)
It is good business to show up at the date and time you set up with the customer. If the day and time needs to be changed, try to give them a few days notice.
JOB PREPARATION
Stage your job
Bid / Map a Job
- Where is the job?
- Do you know what you are installing?
- Where will the Controller be installed?
- Near an outlet.
- Convenient for Customer to access.
- Network accessibility.
- Do you have the right supplies for the job?
- Controllers / Secondary Power Supplies
- Track Color and Length
- Light Strands
- Transmitters and Receivers
- Do you have enough basic supplies?
- Cable/Wire
- Screws
- Touch Up Paint
- Make sure you have the tools you need in the Van / Trailer / Truck
- Make sure you have the tools you need in your belt
It is a good practice for the installers to have a map and photos of the job as a reference of what was sold and to be installed.
Part 1 – Getting Started
ARRIVE & INTERFACE WITH THE CUSTOMER
Inform the customer that you arrived.
Review with the customer the details of the installation. This may include:
- Confirm expected light placement (does Bid match Customer Expectation?).
- Confirm controller location and home runs.
- What you need access to:
- Attic, power, network, etc.
- What wires may be exposed on the house (as little as possible)
- Request account and network info.
- Customer EMAIL for UTILS account setup for JF Cloud App
- Wi-Fi Network Name and Password
- Discuss how they want the home Zoned
- Answer any additional questions the customer has about the install
ORGANIZE YOUR CREW
If you have more than one person installing, you can divide up the work.
- One person can start by installing the controller.
- A second person can start the jumps
- A third person can start installing lights
Part 2 – Controller and Starting Points
DETERMINE THE CONTROLLER LOCATION
It is a good practice to work with the homeowner on the location of these boxes. They are recommended to go in the garage. Some home owners will request the controller be placed in a closet, utility room, attic, basement, etc. It is good to remember the controller has a fan on it, much like a computer fan. For this reason, we usually recommend it be placed away from a room where someone will be trying to sleep while the lights are running. Most of the time, the garage also gives you easy access to the soffit.
CONTROLLER AND HOME RUN PLANNING
Determine your starting points. Run a 16/4 tray cable wire from the controller to each starting point.
It is a good practice to always start on a corner. Never start in the middle of the home and run two different directions.
Determine the length from the controller to the first light on each line and be sure to use a transmitted wiring at the Controller and a Receiver at the first light if the distance is over 50 feet.
Estimate the length of each line. The controller has 4 ports. The controller and secondary power supply each house a 48v power supply. Each power supply is capable of powering 250 to 300 feet of lights depending upon the configuration of the system.
INSTALL THE HOME RUN—Attic Work
The Home Run is the cable that runs from the Controller to the First Light of the section. The Home Run can be concealed in the wall or installed externally, and covered by blank track.
When working in an attic be sure to only step and stand on the trusses and replace any displaced insulation.
