FAQ - TLS

What is TLS?

TLS stands for “Tension LED System”. Developed and patented by Media Graph Inc., the system provides the solution surface lighting and illuminated architectural integration for any size surface for countless applications and industries by using only 4 main components.

Where is the TLS manufactured?

TLS was designed, developed and is manufactured mainly in Canada –some parts are manufactured overseas in a very strict quality control environment under the supervision of our qualified team.

As one of our patent points, there is no other system that provides tensioning and conducts electrical power on the same system for surface lighting and as such, is the only one of its kind. The other systems on the market that also use electrical wires cannot be tensioned and, unlike TLS, they require additional elements in order to mount the system.

Can the luminosity of the LEDs be controlled?

Yes. The TLS can have a different lumen output depending on the pitch of the LED boards. We normally keep in stock a Premium configuration (LED boards spaced 60mm apart) and Standard configuration (LED boards spaced 120mm apart). Custom pitches can be produced depending on your requirements. Furthermore, TLS offers a dimming solution that works with 3 main control methods: PWM, resistance, and 0-10 V. All three methods generate a PWM signal to the TLS system.

What is the size limitation of the TLS?

The TLS is custom manufactured to be integrated into your lighting designs creating any sized illuminated areas. This is possible since our LED boards can be trimmed to as small as 2 LED segments and placed in sequence vertically and/or horizontally in a lattice format. Moreover, the system can be perfectly tensioned to fit any surface with no hotspots thanks to the tensioners by keeping a uniform distance from the diffuser.

How can I calculate the components required for my project?

There are two ways to calculate the components required for your project. To get a rough estimate, calculate the square foot of the surface. Approximately 2.5 LED boards/SF and 5 PCB Holders/SF are needed. The number of anchors and tensioners depend on the size and shape of the TLS needed. Please contact us for more information at info@tls-led.com to calculate the components for your project.

How does the TLS work?

TLS works in a very simple way using only 4 main components:

LED Boards: Single or double-sided LED boards.
PCB Holders: Connectors mounted on special stainless-steel cables that provide both the ability to tension the LED boards as well as transmits the electrical current.
Tensioners: Conduct the electricity as well as tension the PCBH cables.
Anchors: Connects the electricity and the mechanical anchor to the ceiling or frame

All the parts create a collapsible system that requires low power, minimal wiring and can be single or double-sided with just one system and without compromising depth. With this, any size surface lighting needed can be achieved with no hotspots.

What is the power consumption of the TLS?

The estimated consumption for the TLS in our Premium configuration is 7W/SQF and 14W/ SQF for single and double-sided respectively. For the TLS in our Standard configuration, the consumption is 3.5W/SQF and 7W/SQF for single and double-sided respectively. Furthermore, TLS can custom-manufacture the desired energy consumption and luminosity of your choice to best suit your illuminated design needs.

What LED driver do I need to power the TLS?

Most of the TLS systems work with 24V DC power supplies. The wattage of the power supply depends on the load of the specific size of the project and if it is single or double-sided. TLS offers, as a standard, HLG type power supplies, considered high standard in the industry.

How efficients is the TLS system?

Today, our system offers about 100 Im/W. The efficiency of the TLS system is continually improving.

Does the TLS overheat?

By using low power LEDs and driving the LEDs in the mid-range of the current needed, the amount of heat that the TLS generates is very low. Furthermore, the power supply used for the system drives at max 80% of its capacity. All of the above contributes to a long lasting, reliable system.

What added hardware does TLS offer?

In addition to the TLS components, TLS offers: various aluminum extruded profiles, connectors, wire jumpers, LED drivers, and other accessories to facilitate on site assembly.

Can I reduce the consumption per sqf?

TLS designs all of its LED boards to be at optimal output efficiency (lm/W). In the case that a project requires lower consumption, we have the ability to design the LED boards to any desired requirement.

What is the force that the TLS can be stretched?

The TLS is designed with special stainless 1/16th-inch cables that have both a high resistance for tension and the ability to conduct high electrical current. The TLS has a minimum break strength of 500lbs. One of the advantages of this system is that it can be stretched/tensioned straight to allow a uniform distance from a surface in both vertical and horizontal applications with minimal wiring.

Are there any health benefits with the Sola?

By simulating the changes that occur with natural light throughout a day, the Sola can be set to a CCT value between 2700K and 6500K, increasing productivity and concentration in an office environment. It can improve the well being and accelerate the healing process ofpatients in a healthcare facility.

How is the Sola controlled?

The color temperature (CCT) can be set to any value between 2700K and 6500K.

How is the Sola controlled?

It can be controlled by Dali protocol, 0~10V control, including a variety of Bluetooth smartphone apps. Or, with our TMDC-320controller which manages constant voltage to the system. The TMDC-320 can be controlled by most 0-10v controllers on the market.

Is the Sola dimmable?

The system can be dimmed between 100% and 0% with no CCT shifting.

Does TLS offer installation services?

The TLS is designed to be “maintenance-free”. Nevertheless, it is very simple to replace either an LED board or the LED driver –the only two components of the system that is capable of failing.

Does the system require professional installation?

In regard to Media Foil stretch ceilings, we recommend our professional team complete the installation. In other cases, we provide all necessary technical information and drawings that can assist anyone to complete the installation.

How do I install the TLS?

Email your request to info@tls-led.com.

What kind of Material/Diffuser can I use in front of the TLS?

Any type of material that has diffusing properties can be used in front of the TLS. The most common materials used for backlit applications are the following: printed fabric, diffuser fabric, Media Foil stretch PVC membrane with or without print, acrylic, 3Form, onyx, marble, polycarbonate or laminated glass. In some cases, when the illuminated design requires the look of hotspots, a more transparent material can be used.

What is the minimum distance required from the TLS to the diffuser?

The distance to the diffuser from the LED boards depend on the diffused material being used. The rule of thumb for the distance recommended to a diffused material to avoid hotspots is approximately the distance between the LED pixels. In areas of limited depth, we recommend using the Astra OPTO with spread optic lenses to decrease the distance of the LED boards to the diffuser.

Does TLS offer Media Foil/PVC Membrane stretch ceilings?

Yes. For applications such as stretch ceilings,we recommend using our Media Foil, a PVC stretch fabric, allowing for even, wrinkle-free illumination.

Is the TLS a good solution for retrofitting?

The Tension LED System is an excellent solution for retrofitting whether needed for a single or double-sided application. The facts that the TLS does not require any backing substrate and the use of tensioners makes the retrofit process incredibly straightforward and simpl

Do I need a specific frame to use the TLS system?

No. Any existing frame can work with the Tension LED System by using our U-Channels at the top and bottom of the system. In the case of Media Graph printed fabric or Media Foil, we recommend using the TLS profiles that are designed to incorporate all the TLS components.

How can I access the ceiling equipment after installing the TLS system?

TLS is a collapsible system that can be dismounted very easily with no tools to access any equipment that needs to be installed/ adjusted behind the system.

Can the TLS be used even though there are obstacles?

Yes. For applications such as stretch ceilings,we recommend using our Media Foil, a PVC stretch fabric, allowing for even, wrinkle-free illumination.

How does the TLS work on round columns?

The flexible tension cables are flexible and make the TLS the solution when it comes to round columns. Wrapping the Tension LED System around a column like a tension belt can create surface lighting and be installed without even using one screw to anchor the system in most cases.

What are the available TLS color temperatures?

In regular stock, we keep the following color temperature (CCT) LED boards:

Any other request can be custom-made depending on the order quantity.

When using the TLS on a ceiling application, does it sag?

With the use of tensioners that can hold up to 500lbs, the TLS is tensioned straight and aligned at the optimal distance from the diffuser. With vertical application (i.e. wall mounted), gravity helps to tension and prevents sagging. However, with horizontal applications (i.e. stretch ceilings), there is a slight sagging potential. In this case, small anchors are used to supporting the PCB holders and cables to prevent sagging thus, keeping the tension straight and maintaining a uniform distance from the diffuser throughout.

Does TLS offer printed surfaces?

Yes. TLS is part of Media Graph Inc. We boast advanced capabilities, all in-house, including high-quality printing up to 3.2M wide with no limit in length.

What is the warranty on the TLS?

Please visit our Terms & Conditions to find out more about the warranty.

Where can I order the TLS?

If there is an agency or reseller in your area, you will need to order from them. Find them through our “Rep Finder”. In other cases, please contact TLS directly.

How fast can I get my order?

TLS holds a vast inventory of all our components. In the case of a preassembled order, the lead-time will depend on the scope of the project. For a more accurate lead-time, please advise your project details.

Is the TLS certified?

TLS is UL, CE, LM 80, and LM 79 certified.

Where is the TLS patented?

The TLS is patented in most of the world including China making our intellectual property well protected. We have also based our future development on some of these same patented features.

Frequently Asked Questions