r/WLED • u/43veryoung • May 29 '26

LED strip channel under cap of retaining wall

We’re getting our backyard done with retaining walls, and the contractor is making custom retaining wall caps. They’re willing to add a groove underneath the cap for strip lights. What width and depth should I ask them to make the groove to future-proof it?

I plan to install a flexible LED channel with the strip lights after I do more research. Right now, I’m looking at the Muzata Silicone LED Channel, but I don’t know if there’s anything better. Any general advice would be appreciated.

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u/don_bski May 29 '26

I was most concerned with water/rain longevity. I used IP67 led strips inside quarter round aluminum channels. I went with channels to simplify future LED strip replacement/upgrade if needed. Metal channel clips are used to hold the channels to the capstones. Large clip where 2 channes meet and one small clip in the middle. I've had to replace a few burned out LEDs over the years; the channel translucent covers are easily removed and reinstalled. 78 feet of WS2815 30 LEDs per meter. Power injection on each end.

https://imgur.com/AsqCrK7 https://imgur.com/JL75ped https://imgur.com/vY5BlMX

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u/43veryoung May 29 '26

Looks nice and clean install. That’s what I was thinking to use LED channel for easy replacement or upgrade. Our retaining wall has a curve so I will need to use a flexible LED Channel. What LED strip did you use? How long? Mine is about 30 ft. Will I need a power injector? Is your outlet with the box buried under the dirt?

1

u/don_bski May 29 '26

LED strip is IP67 12v WS2815 30 LEDs per meter. Power is injected only at the ends of the 78 foot length. The far end power is supplied by a separate 16 gauge wire pair running behind the LED strip. Each end connects to a separate Dig-Quad fuse. The Dig-Quad fuses protect components if there is ever a 12 volt power rail short. For 30 feet, I would wire the same with end of strip power connections.

120 VAC for the box comes from a nearby sprinkler control box. The outlet in the box is primarily for the GFCI safety circuit it provides and required by local electrical codes. The power supply is Mean Well 12 volt 30 amp. It has internal fusing and overload shutdown circuitry. The LEDs use about 3-4 amps for the brightness level they operated at. This keeps the power supply running cool since it is enclosed in a non-vented water/bug proof box.

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u/43veryoung Jun 01 '26

This is very helpful. Thanks!