How to Connect Strip Lights to a Four-Channel Receiver

Controlling LED strip lights with a four-channel receiver ensures smooth operation and control, whether using for general home applications, vehicle interiors, or other projects. This guide walks through the entire process—from connecting the power supply to pairing the remote—for a fully functional system.

What’s Needed for the Installation?

Before starting, gather the following components:

• Strip Lights: Strip Lights are available in both 12VDC and 24VDC options, as well as single color, color changing, or tunable white.
• Non-Dimmable Power Supplies: Since all the dimming is done through the remote, these power supplies are required to provide power to the strip lights and receiver. It’s critical that the power supply voltage matches your strip lights and the controller. To help decrease the risk of voltage drop, we recommend using 24VDC when possible.
• Four-Channel Receiver: Acts as the control unit between the power supply and strip lights.
• Remote Control: Pairs with the receiver to allow wireless control of the strip lights. For Color Changing Strip Lights: Wireless RGBW Multi-Zone LED Handheld Remote Controller. For Single Color Strip Lights: Wireless RF Dimming Single Color Multi-Zone LED Handheld Remote Controller. For Tunable White Strip Lights: Wireless Dynamic White Color Tuning Multi-Zone LED Handheld Remote Controller.
• Screwdriver – The only tool needed to secure wiring connections.

These lights are designed for surface mounting, meaning no recessed hole is required—they simply attach to the surface.

Installing the LED Strip Lights

The first step is to mount the strip lights to the desired surface. If using non-waterproof or water-resistant strip lights, remove the adhesive backing and press them firmly onto the surface. However, if the strip lights are waterproof, they will not have adhesive backing. In that case, use mounting straps or other installation accessories. For complete installation instructions, please see our LED Strip Light Installation Guide.

Wiring the Power Supply to the Receiver

Once the strip lights are secured, the next step is to connect the power supply to the receiver.

1. Ensure the power supply is unplugged before starting.

2. Locate the two output wires on the power supply:

• The red wire connects to the V+ (positive) terminal on the receiver.
• The black wire connects to the V- (negative) terminal on the receiver.

3. Use a screwdriver to secure each wire firmly in its respective terminal.

4. Some power supplies come with two output leads to expand the LED system. If the second lead is not needed, cap it off and set it aside.

Connecting the Strip Lights to the Receiver

1. Identify the wires on the strip lights:

• For RGBW strip lights, the wires will be black (V+), red, green, blue, and white.
• For single-color strip lights, there will only be two wires: red (V+) and black (V-).
• For Tunable White Strip Lights, there will be three wires: brown/black (V+), yellow (Warm White), white (cool white).

2. Match each wire to its corresponding terminal on the receiver and secure them with a screwdriver.

3. Double-check all connections to ensure they are properly tightened.

Pairing the Remote to the Receiver

Once the wiring is complete, the remote must be paired to the receiver for control over the lights.

1. Press the power button on the remote to turn on the red-light indicator.

2. Press the learn button on the receiver.

3. Select the desired zone button on the remote.

4. Touch the color wheel on the remote to finalize the pairing process.

5. Once paired, the RGBW buttons can be used to toggle between different lighting modes, including turning the white LED chip on and off separately.

Final Thoughts

After completing these steps, the LED strip lights will be fully functional and able to change colors and dim via the remote. Whether installed under cabinets, inside vehicles, or in other spaces, this setup provides versatile lighting solutions.