Static White LED Tapelight 3-Step MacAdams Ellipse

The SW-3S is built on a flexible LED circuit board with 3M adhesive backing for direct-surface mounting. It is offered in two constructions: an open-face IP20 format for protected interior channels and surfaces, and a silicone-jacketed, round-tube IP67 format with sealed end caps for wet-location and direct-exposure installations. Minimum channel width varies by power tier and IP rating — 8mm (0.315") for the 1–4.5W tiers and 10mm (0.394") for the 6–7.5W tiers in IP20, or 12mm (0.472") and 16mm (0.630") respectively in IP67 (the 7.5W tier is IP20 only) — and should be confirmed against the mounting channel or extrusion before ordering. Each reel runs up to 16 ft. 4 in. and is cut-to-length at pre-marked intervals specific to its power tier, ranging from 3.9" on the lowest-output tier down to 0.8" on the highest. The SW-3S is UL, cUL, CE, and RoHS approved, backed by a five-year warranty, and rated for operation from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).

The SW-3S operates on 24V DC constant voltage input, compatible with SAGE-recommended constant voltage LED drivers. Available across five power tiers, the tape draws between 1.5 and 7.5 watts per foot depending on model, delivering between 122 and 640 lumens per foot, all at a consistent efficacy of 88 lm/W. Color temperature is available in five static-white settings — 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, and 4000K — selected at the time of order rather than adjustable after installation. CRI is 90+, with chromaticity held to a 3-Step MacAdams Ellipse for color consistency across the run. 

Part of the Lynx Linear Lighting collection: The SW-3S is part of the Lynx Linear Lighting portfolio from SAGE Brands, a division focused on flexible tape, neon flex, and linear lighting solutions for cove, accent, and architectural applications. Its connector accessories and driver compatibility are shared across the broader Lynx linear product line, simplifying specification when multiple linear runs are used on the same project.

Understanding 3-Step MacAdams Ellipse: A MacAdams ellipse describes the range of color variation the human eye can detect around a target color point; a 3-step ellipse holds color consistency to a standard well beyond typical off-the-shelf LED tape, while allowing somewhat more manufacturing tolerance than a 1-step spec. This makes it a strong general-purpose choice for most commercial installations; projects with especially demanding color-matching requirements may want to look at Lynx's tighter 1-step tolerance tape instead.

Choosing between IP20 and IP67: The IP20 construction is designed for protected interior applications — cabinetry, coves, and channels where the tape is shielded from moisture and direct handling. The IP67 construction adds a sealed silicone jacket and end caps, making it suitable for wet locations, exterior architectural work, and any installation where washdown, humidity, or direct water exposure is a factor. Note that the highest-output 7.5W/ft tier is available in IP20 only; if that output level is needed in a wet-location or exterior IP67 installation, the 6.0W/ft tier is the highest available option.

Selecting a power tier: The five available tiers span low-output accenting through higher-output cove and signage applications, with efficacy holding steady at 88 lm/W across all of them — so the choice comes down to the light level needed rather than any efficiency trade-off. Keep in mind that the top tier, 7.5W/ft, is IP20 only.

Choosing a color temperature: The SW-3S is available in five static-white settings — 2200K and 2700K for a warm, residential-feeling glow, 3000K and 3500K for a transitional tone between warm and neutral, and 4000K for a neutral white suited to commercial and retail environments. Because color temperature is fixed at the time of order, confirm the desired CCT against the project's other fixtures before placing the order.

Driver and dimming compatibility: The SW-3S pairs with SAGE's recommended constant voltage drivers — the D-60W, D-96W, and D-300W, each offering 5-in-1 dimming compatibility, or the D-60W-ND for non-dimming applications. When sizing a driver, total the wattage per foot across the full run and select a driver with adequate headroom above that load; larger installations may require multiple drivers or runs.

Ordering logic: Use the format SW-3S-[Power]-[CCT]-[IP Rating]-[Length], for example SW-3S-1-22-IP20-ST, which specifies the 1.5W/ft tier in 2200K, IP20 construction, at standard 16 ft. 4 in. cut-in-field length. The 7.5W/ft power code is available in IP20 only — confirm IP rating availability against the selected power tier before finalizing an order. Connector accessories are ordered separately using the format CN-[Accessory Code], such as CN-BTCB8 for a board-to-board connector with cable, and should be specified based on the number of splices, corners, and power feed points required for the run.