Help with setup for 6 outdoor concrete 15' long steps (WS2814)

Questions
1

So I’m about to start backyard project and wanting to DIY my step Hardscape/Landscape lighting (see pic) for the steps that will be built. I did some research and wanted to get some confirmation on my setup or guidance/advice.

Steps: Will be built with paver blocks and caps and are 15’ wide and have 6 treads that I plan to mount the lighting underneath.

My Planned equipment…..

LED Strips: 6x FCOB 24V RGBWW WS2814 IP66 (784 LED/m)

  • Power per step=~96W, Total 6 Steps=~575W

  • Channel: Micro-Plus Aluminum Channel 11mm with Frosted Lens

  • PSU: 2x Mean Well LRS-350-24

  • Controller: QuinLED-Dig-Octa

  • Resistor: 300 ohm (on data line at controller)

  • Fuse: 5 A fuse each step

  • Conduit: Schedule 40 1/2" to each step all home run to NEMA

  • Wire: 16 AWG ?

Some questions I have:

  1. Most concerned about Conduit - I’m planning to run the conduit, I’m just wondering best way to do it. I plan to have it embedded in the steps when they’re building them all homeruned. 1/2" coming out at the end of the step under the tread, going into the landing, down, then do I have it come out the paver blocks on the side? Do I have it go into the ground then “U” back up to the NEMA block. Trying to figure this part out

  2. I researched (I think) fairly well and think 24V FCOB WS2814 is best, thoughts? I want to be able to do “chasing” and have a very nice transition of color.

  3. Are my calculations and equipment good?

  4. Wiring, The runs from the NEMA to each LED strip would be at most 8-10’

    1. Is 16AWG all round good or do I need to use lower gauge from PSU > Controller?

    2. The strip has connectors, should I splice the 16awg add connector and fish it through to the step?

    3. Have to think about waterproofing the connection at the LED, do I need to splice off the connector it comes with and add IP65 3pin LED connector?

  5. Where’s the best place to buy the LED Strips from? Balance of Quality and Price? Aliexpress? BTF?

  6. I should be good not using power injector, correct?

  7. Everything going into the NEMA, correct, thoughts on best size?

Appreciate your expertise…

drawing
drawing794×1123 170 KB

2

Are you sure the channel will fit the strip? I thought 784 fcob was usually 12mm not 10mm, just double check that.

16awg seems small but calculate actual loss. Measure distance and plug into an online calculator. Generally good idea to keep power loss at <3% of total power.

I’m in general confused by your diagram. Draw a proper one in paint or draw.io. Just indicate physical dimensions of cables and how things are connected.

At 5m and 24v and 4A you are probably on edge of needing to feed from both sides. I’d probably feed from both sides but you might be able to get away from one side.