Installation Guide
Indoor-Outdoor Mini Recessed Accent LED Light
Model RD12H-1W
This bright, highly efficient, 1 watt low voltage recessed LED light is available with interchangeable trim shapes,
colors and finishes to seamlessly complement any architecture or décor inside or outside your home, boat or RV.
Round trim options include 1
1
/2" diameter with a detachable light shield, or for a larger fixture presence, choose the
2
3
/4" diameter. Square 1
1
/2" trims are also available. Choose from various colors and finishes including white, black
and silver polycarbonate thermoplastic to brushed steel and bronze metal trims as well as professional powder coat
finishes. For outdoor use, aluminum metal trims with powder coat or electroplated finishes will hold up longer to the
elements. Visit your retailer or armacostlighting.com/mini-light to view current selections and light trim availability.
Each light comes with 2 diffusers to promote
a more muted, uniform light output if desired,
such as when used as a step or up light. Six
color filters are also included that allow you to
change the white light to color. Choose from: a
warming filter, a rich red, green, yellow or two
shades of blue.
Features 0-100% full range smooth dimming. Dim
only by using either an Armacost Lighting 12V DC
LED dimmer or an Armacost Lighting AC to DC
dimmable LED power supply with a compatible
Lutron
®
or similar style in-wall AC dimmer. To learn
more, visit armacostlighting.com/dimming.
When recessed mounted in a wall and using
optional watertight backing ring nut and a
silicone sealant (sold separately), this LED fixture
is appropriate for use in light pressure underwater
applications up to 20 inches (
1
/2 meter) in depth
such as boat bait wells, showers and tubs. Do not
use this light fixture below a boat’s water line.
INSTALLATION
Installing low voltage LED lighting is an easy DIY
project, however, basic wiring skills such as stripping,
splicing, extending, and connecting wires are required.
This product operates on low voltage 12V DC power and
requires a 12V DC power supply, sold separately. Do not
connect lights directly to 120V AC household power.
Do not stare directly into the LED lights when
illuminated.
Always observe polarity for 12V connections,
positive (+) to positive and negative (–) to negative.
Use only insulated staples and plastic ties to
secure cords and wires.
Route and secure wires so they will not be
pinched or damaged.
For any wire runs inside of walls, use properly
certified CL2 or better cabling.
Do not install Class 2 low voltage wiring in the
same runs as AC main power. If AC and low voltage
wires cross, keep them at 90-degree angles.
All wiring must be in accordance with national
and local electrical codes, low voltage Class 2
circuit. If you are unclear as to how to install and
wire this product, contact a qualified professional.
Hole cutout size
© 2014 Armacost Lighting. All rights reserved.
140 Baltic Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225
140801
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage 12V DC, Consumes 1 Watt at
100% Brightness, 35,000+ Hours LED Life
Requires Class 2 12V DC Constant Voltage
Power Supply, Sold Separately
Fully Dimmable With Armacost LED
Dimmers and Dimmable Power Supplies
Materials: Sealed Thermoplastic Light
Housing, Stainless Steel Clip and Screws
Light Output ~80 Lumens, Color Accuracy
(CRI) 80+, Beam Angle: 45°
Color Temperature (CCT) Warm White
~ 2950K or Natural White ~ 4100K
Indoor/Outdoor Wet Location IP66 Rated
Ambient Operating Temperature Range:
-4°F – 122°F (-20°C – 50°C)
No UV radiation, RoHs compliant, Lead Free
IC Rated, intended for installations where
insulating materials may or may
not be present
ETL Listed, Certified to
CSA C222.2 No. 250.0-08,
Conforms to UL 2108
Limited 2-year warranty. Improper installation, improper powering, abuse, or failure
to use this light for its intended purpose will void warranty. Proof of purchase is
required for all returns. Questions? Email support@armacostlighting.com.
1
1
/2" round trim with eyelid light shield insert
All 1
1
/2" round trims come with a eyelid light shield that, when
used, will direct illumination downward. Useful for path lighting,
walls or focusing the light output on an object. The light shield
will also fit larger 2
3
/4" round trims, but not square trims.
Included diffusers and color filters
Combine diffusers and color filters together to get a distinct
custom-blended light to suit your setting. To use, insert into
trim and screw on to LED light housing. Diffuser and filters
fit all size trims, including squares.
1" round LED light housing body
Light body comes pre-assembled with manganese stainless
steel recessed retaining clip and stainless steel screws for
hardware-free mounting, indoors or outdoors.
Watertight backing ring nut (Optional use)
For thin wall applications and to keep water from seeping
through the hole cutout, use Armacost Lighting’s watertight
backing ring nut (Item 950000), sold separately. The backing
nut can only be used where the installed wall thickness is
between
1
/16" to
5
/16" thick (1mm-15mm).
All Mini Recessed lights
require a screw-on trim for
mounting. Sold separately,
choose 1
1
/2" diameter
round or square trims, or
2
3
/4" larger round trims.
Various colors and finishes
available. To learn more,
visit armacostlighting.com/
mini-light.
Typical connection
Simply connect LED lights to the low voltage output of
your 12V DC power supply as shown. Always maintain
polarity, red (+) to red, black (–) to black. Splice and
extend power lead cables to meet installation needs.
For RV and boat applications, power the lighting directly
by 12V battery. Each Mini Recessed LED light uses 1
watt. Do not exceed the capacity of your power supply.
On very large, multi-LED light installations, be aware of
possible voltage drop, which only becomes undesirable
if you notice the brightness in one area of your lighting
is objectionably different than in another area. Do not
coil wire; shorter lengths and thicker wire will mean less
voltage drop and higher brightness. For an online voltage
drop calculator, visit armacostlighting.com/voltagedrop.
MINI LIGHT MINI LIGHT MINI LIGHT
12V DC
POWER
SUPPLY
RIBBONFLEX PRO
®
WHITE LED TAPE LIGHT
3 WATT LED
DOWN LIGHTS
12V DC
12V DC
POWER SUPPLY
120V AC
1 WATT
MINI LED LIGHT
Works with other Armacost component-based lighting
Lights can be linked together or combined in the same 12V low voltage circuit with other Armacost lighting products,
including white RibbonFlex Pro
®
LED tape lighting and 3 watt down lights.
Planning for a dimmer
Use only Armacost Lighting LED dimmers or an Armacost AC to DC dimmable LED power supply with a compatible
Lutron
®
or similar style in-wall AC dimmer. Be sure to visit armacostlighting.com/dimming to learn about the types
of dimmers that will work with Armacost LED lighting and power supplies.
Wall surface should be a
minimum of
3
/8" thick when
light is mounted with spring
clip. For thinner walls, use
Armacost Lighting’s screw-
on backing nut, (Item #
950000), sold separately.
Hole should have a depth
or clearance of at least
1
1
/2" (38mm) in order to
accommodate the LED light
housing and wiring.
With trim screwed securely in place, simply press light fixture into
hole. Spring clips will hold light securely in place. Adding a small
amount of silicone sealant under the trim ring and on the light housing
can also be used in wet location applications.
1
3
/8" (35mm) when using rigid material (wood, plastic,
fiberglass, metal)
1
1
/4" (32mm) when used in drywall