RJ45
The T568-B standard is recommended for all category cable terminations (and 8-conductor connections when used for outdoor lighting). No data is carried by the category cable, rather, each pair of wires creates a DC circuit for the specific channel it’s connected to.
If using the T568-B standard, refer to the following chart for pinout.
RJ45 Pin | CCT | RGBW |
(1) Orange / White | Warm 1 (+) | Red (+) |
(2) Orange | Warm 1 (-) | Red (-) |
(3) Green / White | Cool 1 (+) | Green (+) |
(4) Blue | Cool 1 (-) | Green (-) |
(5) Blue/ White | Warm 2 (+) | Blue (+) |
(6) Green | Warm 2 (-) | Blue (-) |
(7) Brown / White | Cool 2 (+) | White (+) |
(8) Brown | Cool 2 (-) | White (-) |
Distance Limits
Inspired by PoE (Power Over Ethernet), we bring low voltage to our fixtures using CAT6 22 AWG cable.
Just like AC system, cable gauge and length have a vital impact on the stability and efficiency of Low Voltage systems. We use the shortest twisted pair of conductors within CAT6 wires which reduces the loss of power transmission and color rendering (RGB).
To minimize the impact of cable length, refer to the pinout chart and adhere to maximum recommended cable run length per category wire.
You may also use CAT 5 or regular CAT6 cables, but this will limit your the distance you can have between the lights and the drivers.
CAT 5 24 AWG conductor Maximum length: 200 feet or 60m
CAT 6 23 AWG conductor Maximum length: 250 feet or 75m
CAT 6 22 AWG is the recommended option: 400 feet or 120m
If you expect runs greater than 400 feet or 120m, consider a second electrical room.
RJ45 Loop Terminator
A bridge is necessary to enable the DC loop. The last fixture on each line requires a terminator. This terminator is very different than a DMX terminator as it has no resistor, simply a bridge to create the required loop in VDC.
Each Colorbeam Lighting fixture comes with a RJ45 terminator.