RGB Pixel Power, Wiring and Connectors | Beginner Guide
Make Your Pixels Work Together
Three things to match before powering on: voltage, connector pinout and controller output type.
Voltage
Most Mattos EVO, EVO+ and Kraken Flex products discussed here are 12V, but other products may differ. Always read your exact product's label. Never apply 12V to a pixel rated for 5V.
3-Wire vs. 4-Wire
A common three-wire pixel system carries positive voltage, data and ground. EVO+ uses a four-wire dual-data design. Four wires do not mean double the voltage.
Flat Three-Wire Reference
For the specific Mattos flat three-core cable with this marking: white-dotted wire = +12V; center wire = data; plain wire = ground. This is not a universal rule for every product. Confirm markings and pinouts on both ends.
xConnect and Mconnect
Connector shells can look similar while the wiring differs. EVO and EVO Dome use xConnect; Kraken Flex and EVO Lux Dome use Mconnect. Match the exact connector and pinout, or use the correct verified adapter.
How Much Power?
Current depends on pixel family, brightness, number of nodes and effects. For a first estimate, multiply per-pixel current at the specified operating condition by the number of pixels. Keep within supply, cable and controller ratings; use appropriately rated fuses and power distribution. Long runs may need power injection.
Safe First Test
Unplug the power supply before altering wiring. Verify positive, ground and data, check the voltage with a meter, make sure connections are dry and protected, and test a short string before a full installation. For household mains wiring use qualified help.
