FAQ's
Welcome to our FAQ page, where we aim to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Your Guide to Clearing Doubts and Finding Answers
We understand that navigating through product information can sometimes be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with quick and comprehensive answers about our products. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Primus Lighting support team.
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Decostring FAQ's
What does the Decostring system include?
Decostring System includes:
- Sockets
- Wire
- Aircraft Cable (Support Cable)
- Standard Lamps
Not Included:
- Termination Kits (Standard Termination Kit, Turnbuckle Termination Kit,
Lightweight Termination Kit) - Shades
- Premium Lamps
- Plugs
- Lamp Silicon Coating
- Suspension Kits
Are lamps included with Decostrings?
Yes, but only our standard lamps. Premium lamps will cost more. Refer to the Decostring cutsheet or consult factory for more information.
What is the CRI for Decostring Lamps? Can I get higher CRI?
85 CRI is standard with most of our lamps; however, there are few options up to 90 CRI that are more costly.
Are Decostring Lamps Dimmable?
Yes, and even better, most of our lamps are Dim to Off. Please note that we do not provided dimmers for our lamps. We are compatible with most trailing edge dimmer. Click here for a detailed list of dimmers.
What is the longest run length you can have with Decostring?
There are four factors that influence the total length of a run: length of power cord, electrical load, physical/mechanical practicality implications, and shipping.
The longest run length would be 490ft based on a 500 ft maximum length because our power cable comes in 500’ spools.
Each run is technically rated for a full 20A (1920w derated) 120v circuit however this is never exceeded now with LED lamps. Therefore, electrical load is not going to be an issue because if you were to hypothetically load a single circuit with a single run of our Decostring, it could be over a mile (5280 ft) in length to max out 1920 watts.
If the goal is to determine the maximum single run length with only two attachment points for installation, then it will be a question of physical and mechanical implications. Our Lightweight termination kit has a working load of about 30 lbs. Our Standard and Turnbuckle termination kits have a working load of about 175 lbs. If the Decostring system weighs 5oz/ft with 24” O/C, then the Lightweight termination kit can theoretically handle up to 96 ft. The Standard and Turnbuckle termination kits can handle up to 560 ft.
We can package well above 500 ft of Decostring in a single box. However, freight will likely increase because a larger box will be needed.
What are the coldest temperatures Decostring can withstand?
We have conducted extreme weather testing at -40 Celsius for 100 hours. Impact and Pull testing were conducted throughout the testing and the system was still fully operational by the end of the test.
How do the weather elements impact the Decostring system?
Our Decostring is ETL listed for permanent wet installations. Decostring has also been installed in various regions with harsher weather, such as wind, heavy rain, snow, and extreme heat. We are comfortable to say that our Decostring can handle weather elements well. For more information, contact a Primus technical specialist.
Can we cut Decostring in the field?
Decostring can be cut in the field to make some minor adjustments in length.
Significant changes in length are also possible but we do not recommend doing this because you risk damaging the product and risk the project by cutting a run length too short.
Do you supply Dimmers with Decostring Orders?
We do not supply dimmers with our Decostring system.
Are single runs or continuous runs better when there is a zig zag pattern?
We recommend doing single runs for zig zag patterns or any type of patterns where there are multiple attachment points because this allows for easier installation, adjustments, and removal if necessary. However, this decision is at the discretion of the customer.
Single Run
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easier Adjustments | Slightly More Costly |
Easier Installation | |
Easier Removal for Service/Repair |
Continuous Runs
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cheaper | Greater Difficulty for Adjustments |
Not friendly for Zig Zag Patterns | |
Will need to bring down entire system to service/repair |
For decostring do we round up or down to the nearest foot when providing lengths?
When caught between two whole numbers, such as 10’ and 11’ and unsure if you should round up or down,we have found this to be the best results:
- Round Down: 9”, 12”, 18” and 24” O/C spacing
- Round Up: 36” and 48” O/C spacing
Here are a few examples for clarification:
- 100’ 6” Run @ 9” O/C Spacing = Round Down
- 58’ 4” Run @ 36” O/C Spacing = Round Up
- 20’ 8” Run @ 18” O/C Spacing = Round Down
Does Decostring work with a 12V system? What is required?
Decostring can work with a 12V system, but we do not recommend because you must use transformers which can make the project costly. This also makes planning and manufacturing more difficult because you are drastically limited with run lengths when you use a 12V system.
Can you install shades on the field?
Yes, except for the Hat shade (DSH), Radial Wave shade (DSRW), and Reflector Guard shade (DSRG). These shades must be preinstalled in the factory.
Can we buy decostring with No lamps?
It is possible; however, we do not recommend purchasing Decostring without our lamps because we can no longer take responsibility of the ETL listing and warranty may likely be voided.
If you would still like to purchase the Decostring system without our lamps, please ensure that the lamp used is a wet-rated lamps and you will need to sign a letter releasing Primus Lighting, Inc. of any liability.
What is the weight for a decostring system? Weight/foot?
The most common bare lamp spacing is 24” o/c. Estimate the complete dead load weight at 5oz / ft or about 15LBS for a 50’ run. For a 7” cone shade at 48” o/c the estimate only changes to about 7oz / ft. Largershades and alternate spacing changes these values a bit. System maximum working load is 175LBS which includes lighting system and termination hardware kits.
Are larger aircraft cable size(s) available?
Our standard is 3/32” Stainless steel aircraft cable, but if needed, we can also use 3/16” or 1/8” cable. Consult a Primus technical specialist to determine if a largercable is needed.
Poor quality for brass shades?
Raw brass comes with imperfections as it is and will gradually turn green and improve appearance over time.
How can we get a “Droop” with Decostring?
We provide an additional 4’ of wire and cable to both ends of a Decostring run. This allows you to adjust the system as needed. Please note that for about every 3 inches you adjust on one side of a run, you get about 12” of droop.
What is the difference between Standard, Lightweight, and Turnbuckle Termination Kits?
Trmination Kits Comparison Chart
Lightweight | Standard | Turnbuckle | |
---|---|---|---|
Working Load (LBS) | 30 | 175 | 175 |
Droop vs Tensioned | Droop | Dropp | Tensioned |
Instalation Time | Fastest | Faster | Fast |
Run Length | Short | Long | Long |
Price | $ | $ | $$ |
Certifications and Compliances
What is the IP rating for your fixtures?
Wet Location Fixtures: IP65
Non-Wet Location Fixtures: IP54
What is the Buy American Act (BBA)?
Established by the federal government, the Buy American Act promotes the use of USA products for government jobs with the aim of supporting the local economy. Under the BAA, there is a two-part test to determine whether a product is domestic:
- it must be “manufactured” in the United States; and
- the cost of domestic components must exceed a certain percentage of the cost of all the components.
Is Primus Lighting BAA compliant?
Yes! All of our fixtures comply with the Buy American Act (BAA) standards.
Step & Aisle Lighting
Can you dim step and aisle lighting?
Yes. A MLV dimmer is typically used to dim our magnetic transformer. Please note that we do not provide MLV dimmers.
What is the warranty and approximate hours of life for step & aisle lighting?
Approximate hours of life for Step & Aisle Lighting is 50,000 hours.
Is Step & Aisle lighting field cuttable?
Yes. Although both are field cuttable, Aisle Lighting is much easier for field cutting. We recommend that exact lengths are provided when submitting order to reduce the risk of field error, such as cutting lighting and wiring too short.
Can the step lights be curved?
Yes. Our Aisle and Step Lighting are made of rubberized PVC which can easily take gentle curves.
We have found that Aisle lighting can bend at about 10°/ft and Step Lighting at about 5°/ft. These values are estimates and vary between profile shapes; this should not be taken as absolute data. Contact a Primus technical specialist for more information.
Step & Aisle Lighting is mounted using Loctite PL 3x Premium or similar adhesive and strapped/sandbagged in place while curing takes place.
Shipping & Packaging
How do you protect the product from any damage while in transit?
Ensuring your order gets to you on time and without any damages is one of our top priorities. We understand that some carriers may be indifferent about getting your order to you without any damages. We have found and tested that using double wall boxes, biodegradable foam, flow pack, and bubble pack is the best way to keeping your product safe, protected, and cost effective.
What is the longest box you can ship?
12 ft boxes are typically the longest we ship. We can do longer boxes; however, this will result with higher risk of damaging fixtures and costly freight.
What are the shipping terms?
FOB Origin. Routing will be at the discretion of Primus Lighting unless specified on purchase order.
How do I submit a shipment claim?
All claims must be submitted to Primus Lighting within 45 calendar days from the receipt of shipment.It is the customers responsibility to check for any visible and/or concealed damages that occurred to package(s) and fixture(s) because of carrier mishandling. Refer to our Terms & Conditions found on our website for more info.
Which freight carriers do we use?
Our most commonly used freight carriers are:
- Senderex
- All States World Cargo
- UPS
- FedEx
Is third party billing available?
We do accept third party billing. Please make note of this when submitting an order.
Warranty
Is the product tested before leaving the factory?
High quality is a fundamental pillar of success for Primus Lighting. To maintain this standard, all our products undergo a two-step inspection process to ensure that all products are free of material, mechanical, and workmanship defects prior to packaging.
How many warranty years for all fixtures for Primus?
LED Fixtures – 5 Years Limited Warranty
Decostring – 5 Years Limited Warranty
Decostring LED Lamps – 3 Years Limited Warranty
Step & Aisle Lighting – 1 Year Limited Warranty
Is extended warranty available?
We offer up to 10 Year Limited Warranty on most of our fixtures, but it will cost more.
What is the warranty for Step & Aisle Lighting?
3 Years Limited Warranty
Powder Coating
What are your standard powder coat finishes?
Satin and White
What are your premium powder coat finishes?
Black and any custom powder coat colors. Refer to the RAL chart when selecting a custom color.
Linear Luminaires
Can you do Custom programming?
Yes! Just let us know what watts/ft or lumens/ft is required for the job.
What is the standard CRI for LED Linear fixtures? Is there higher CRI available?
80 CRI, but we can do up to 90 CRI which will cost more.
Elements Fixtures
Are continuous runs available for Elements fixtures?
Yes, but a watertight joiner fitting will have to be used every 12 FT.
Is Emergency available with wet location “Element” fixtures.
Yes. Given the wet location application of this fixture, all emergency packs should be integral.
Dimming
Can the LED lighting fixtures dim?
Yes! 0-10V dimming is standard with all of our Linear LED fixtures.
What type of dimmers do I need for linear LED fixtures?
0-10V is standard with all Linear LED fixtures, Please note that alternatives like ELV or reverse dimming are available, but they come at a higher cost.
Can Decostring dim?
Yes, and even better, most of our lamps used for the Decostring system are Dim to Off. Please note that we do not provided dimmers for our lamps.
What type of dimmers do I need for Decostring?
We are compatible with most trailing edge dimmer. Click here for a detailed list of dimmers.
Is ELV or Reverse Phase dimming available?
Yes! but they come at a higher cost.
Do you have a Bluetooth compatible sensor?
Not yet! If there is a sensor you would like us to implement into one of our fixtures for a project need, feel free to contact us.
Terms and Conditions
What are the payment terms?
Net 30 for all returning + established customers. Pro Forma / Prepay for non-established or returning customers will poor payment history. Refer to our Terms of Payment policy for more info.
What is the minimum order amount?
All orders must have a minimum billing of $250.00. An exception is made for additional parts and replacements. Refer to our
Conditions of Sale policy for more information.
Can you cancel an order?
No. All our fixtures are manufactured to order with specific length and performance characteristics. Refer to our Changes to Order policy for more information.
Can you make changes to an order?
No. All our fixtures are manufactured to order with specific length and performance characteristics. Refer to our Changes to Order policy for more information.
Custom Orders
Does Primus have any custom capabilities?
Yes! Share your creative idea! We are always up for a challenge.
What is the process of submitting a custom design/order?
Submitting a custom order takes longer than usual because we need to experiment and confirm if we can successfully execute your idea! Start the process by submit a request or communicate your idea to our quotations department. Or you may simply fill out this
Custom Designs form to begin the process.
Lighting Representatives
How do I find my lighting representative?
Use our interactive map to find your local rep!
How do I determine which rep to contact?
You will want to work with your geographically closest lighting representative. If still unsure, contact us at info@primuslighting.com We would be more than happy to help!
Do I need to go through a rep agency to submit an order?
Yes – all orders should be placed through local electrical distributors working through our territory lighting representatives.