Permanent lights should make the house easier to enjoy all year. The planning happens before the ladder comes out: which areas are you lighting, how do you want to control them, and what equipment will connect everything?
We sell RGB Trim roofline and landscape lighting, and those products do different jobs. Here is how we would organize your shopping list so the lights, controller, cables, and power arrangement belong in the same system.
Start with the part of the house you want to light
For eaves and architectural lines, look at RGB Trim 2.0. The product page lists 12V DC RGBW pucks, mini xConnect connectors, and UCS2904B or TM1814 chipset options. Write down the chipset you select; it affects the controller choice.
For a yard or walkway, our RGB Trim Landscape Spotlights and RGB Trim Pathway Lights are listed as 24V products. Keep their power plan separate from a 12V roofline circuit. Sharing the RGB Trim name does not make the voltage interchangeable.
Tell us what you want the lights to do
Everyday accent lighting, colors for a birthday, and a musical Christmas show are different starting points. Decide which matters to you before choosing the controller.
The controller supplies the app, remote, show-software connection, or other control features. Those features do not come automatically with every light. If xLights or Light-O-Rama is part of your plan, check the exact controller, firmware, lighting chipset, and output arrangement together.
Already own a controller? Write down the model and firmware version. “It runs RGBW” is not enough information to confirm a particular pixel protocol. An adapter can change the connector; it does not automatically change the voltage or translate the data.
Measure the route your cables will actually take
Make a simple drawing of the front eave, garage, side roofline, and any landscape zones. Give each section a name. You will use those same names on your shopping list and cable labels.
- Measure the illuminated length of each section.
- Measure the cable route between sections and back to the controller.
- Mark the first light and the direction the data travels.
- Mark the power connection points and an accessible controller location.
- Count lights, track, extensions, and power accessories separately.
Include corners, level changes, doorways, and service access. A straight-line measurement from the outlet can leave you short once the cable has to follow the house. Allow sensible service slack without leaving loose cable across a walkway or in standing water.
Match your accessories to your RGB Trim version
Our RGB Trim extensions and accessories distinguish original RGB Trim, RGB Trim 2.0, and landscape options. Select the correct version and accessory type.
Adding to an older installation? Send us a photo of the light, its label, and both connector ends, plus the order number if you have it. That is much more useful than guessing from a connector that looks close. We can help you identify what belongs in the expansion before you order.
Test one section before mounting the whole job
Use the specifications for your selected lights to plan the load, supply capacity, output protection, cable, and connectors. There is no single roofline length that works for every combination of wire size, brightness, supply location, and product version.
Connect a representative section using the controller and power arrangement you intend to install. Check red, green, blue, and the dedicated white channel where fitted. Run a chase so you can confirm the first light and direction. Then test the longer planned run before closing the track or putting it out of reach.
If the far end dims, changes color, or becomes unstable, work through that problem at ground level. A successful short test is a starting point; the full cable route still needs its own check.
Make the finished installation serviceable
Follow the mounting and weather-protection instructions for the lights, controller, and power supply. Keep connections accessible. Use a qualified installer for roof access or mains electrical work where needed.
For in-ground fixtures, confirm the installation and load rating before putting them in a walkway or driveway. A name containing “buried” is not a vehicle-load rating.
Ready for a parts check? Email Support@Mattosdesigns.com your drawing, measurements, controller details, desired control method, and connector photos. We can work from those details to help you match the parts to the job.
Keep learning
- Pixel Power Planning: Voltage Drop, Injection and Brightness
- xConnect vs M-Connect: Match Pixel Cables and Adapters
- Light Show Preflight Checklist: Test, Label and Back Up
Browse all Mattos education and support guides.
Reviewed October 29, 2026.
