Velux Sun Tunnel Light Kit Installation

In this step by step guide, we’ll cover Velux Sun Tunnel Light Kit installation and best practices. Velux ZTL sun tunnel light kits are hard wired accessories designed for Velux Sun Tunnels, which are tubular skylights used to bring natural light into homes. Primarily, they provide artificial lighting for times when natural sunlight is insufficient, such as during the night or on cloudy days. This feature enhances the functionality of the sun tunnel, allowing it to be used as a light source around the clock.

The light kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with the sun tunnel’s structure, maintaining the aesthetic and practical aspects of the skylight system. They usually come with energy-efficient LED bulbs or are compatible with such bulbs, ensuring energy savings and longevity. This integration of natural and artificial lighting solutions makes Velux ZTL light kits a versatile choice for homeowners seeking to optimize the lighting in their spaces.

Let’s review the process for Velux Sun Tunnel light kit installation for both Velux Flexible Sun Tunnels and Velux Rigid solar tubes.

Velux ZTL 114 and 122 Light Kits Fit The Following Models of Velux Sun Tunnels:

• Light Kit ZTL 114 is for 10″ and 14″ Diameter Sun Tunnels
• Light Kit ZTL 122 is for 22″ Diameter Sun Tunnels
• Can be installed in Flexible Sun Tunnel Model TGF & Model TMF
• Can be installed in Rigid Sun Tunnel Model TGR & Model TMR

Tools Needed For Velux ZTL Light Kit Installation

• Power Drill
• 1/8″ Drill Bit (3mm)
• 7/8″ Drill Bit (20mm) – for Rigid Tunnels Only
• Phillips Head Drill Bit or Screwdriver
• Adjustable Wrench
• Tape Measure
• Marker
• Wire Strippers
• Wire Caps

Ensuring Safe Installation of ZTL Light Kits in Sun Tunnels

Safety Precautions:

• Before any repairs, turn off and secure the power supply to prevent accidental reconnection.
• Only use bulbs that match the light fixture’s specifications, without exceeding the recommended electrical power.
• In case of cable damage, immediately cut off the power supply and consult a professional electrician.
• Avoid using incandescent bulbs to prevent heat build-up.

Installation Guidelines:

• The installation should be performed by a qualified electrician, adhering to the National Electrical Code.
• The light kit is intended solely for indoor application.
• Ensure the junction or outlet box remains accessible post-installation when wiring the cable.
• Fit an appropriate bulb (not included) into the fixture, following the recommendations on the product label and in the maintenance section of the manual.

Product Information:

• This light kit is specifically designed for authentic VELUX sun tunnels. Using it with other products may lead to damage or operational issues.
• The kit includes UL listed components and holds UL recognition, subject to certain conditions of acceptability.

Label Instructions:

• Install the provided labels, detailing recommended bulbs for the ZTL light kit, on the ceiling ring. These labels should be clearly visible for future bulb replacements.

Step 1: Remove The Ceiling Ring Cover and Diffuser

Remove the ceiling ring and diffuser that covers the screws attaching your sun tunnel to your ceiling. Loosen the ring by gently twisting it left and right while pulling the ring downwards and off of the sun tunnel.

Step 2: Making A Port For the Electrical Wires

The next step in installing Velux ZTL light kits is making a 7/8″ port in the side of the sun tube to feed the electrical wires to the junction box. The method of making this port depends on the type of tunnel. Regardless of tunnel type or diameter, the port is made 15″ above the ceiling ring.

For Flexible Sun Tunnels:

You can easily make a 7/8″ port in a flexible tunnel using a screwdriver to carefully poke a hole. Flexible sun tunnels are light, making it an easy material to work with.

• Measure 15″ up from the ceiling ring
• Make a 7/8″ hole for the electrical wiring
• Place the included copper colored tape over the port

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For Rigid Sun Tunnels:

To create a 7/8″ port in a rigid sun tunnel, you’ll need a 7/8″ drill bit for metal materials.

• Measure 15″ up from the ceiling ring
• Drill a 7/8″ hole for the electrical wiring

Step 3: Feeding The Electrical Wires Through The Port

For both Rigid Sun Tunnels and Flexible Sun Tunnels, the next step is feeding the electrical wires to the outside of the solar tube. First, you’ll need to install the locking washers on the wiring. Simply slide the washer over the cables. Be sure to install flat washers, for added stability. Once the washer is installed, from the inside of the sun tunnel, feed the cables through the port to the outside of the tube.

Velux Flexible Sun Tunnels

Velux Rigid Sun Tunnels

Step 4: Fasten the Support Arm to The Ceiling Ring

Next, you’ll want to fasten the light’s support arm to the ceiling ring. Position the arm where you want to fasten it, and mark the two spots for the screws on the ceiling ring. Once you have located the position of your screws, drill two 1/8″ pilot holes to accommodate the screws. After you have drilled the pilot holes, fasten the arm to the ring by using the two included 3/4″ screws. Make sure the arm is flush with the ring, but do not over tighten the screws.

Step 5: Fasten the Wiring to the Sun Tunnel Tube

Next, you’ll need to stabilize the wiring. Slide another flat washer over the wiring on the outside of the tunnel. After putting on the flat washer slide the included nut over the wiring. Using an adjustable wrench, tighten the nut until the wires fit snugly in place. For flexible sun tunnels, be careful not to tear the tube while tightening.

Step 6: Wiring Your Light Kit

Electrical Connection Requirements for the Light Kit:

• A separate junction box or outlet box, not included, is essential for connecting the provided 3 ft. (0.9 m) flexible metal cable.
• Ensure the circuit is safeguarded with a 15-ampere circuit breaker or a time-delay fuse.
• Post-installation, the junction or outlet box where the light fixture’s power cable ends should remain accessible for inspections.
• Utilize a certified junction or outlet box along with approved wire nuts for the connection to the main circuit.

Guidelines for Wiring:

• Attach the black wire to the phase, the white wire to the neutral, and the green wire to the ground.

Step 7: Attach Safety Labels

Now you are approching the end of your Velux Sun Tunnel Light Kit installation. Included with your ZTL light kit you will find two labels with safety inormation. For safety reasons, it is mandatory to attach the labels. The safety labels will let future owners of your home or building know which type of lightbulbs can be installed safely.

Step 8: Install Light Bulb

Using the right type of light bulb in your Velux Light Kit is imperative. Velux specifies the use of 9-26 Watt GU24 compact flourescent light bulb or 8-15 Watt LED light bulb. These types of light bulbs will help minimize heat build up in the sun tunnel.

Step 9: Attach the Ceiling Ring Cover and Diffuser

The final step in installing your Velux Sun Tunnel light kit is to reattach the light cover. Using the same left to right twising motion, push your cover back onto the ceiling ring.

Velux Sun Tunnel Light Kit ZTL Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Always cut off the main power supply before starting any maintenance, repair, or service tasks. Additionally, make sure the power cannot be accidentally turned back on during this work.

Bulb Recommendations and Heat Considerations:

• For optimal performance, use either a 9-26 Watt GU24 compact fluorescent light bulb or an 8-15 Watt LED light bulb.
• In cases where the bulb flickers, turns off, and then re-illuminates after some time, this indicates excessive heat production by the bulb. If this occurs, opt for a bulb with a lower wattage.

Velux Light Kit Solar Options

The Velux ZTL light kits are hardwired, but Velux Solar Light Kits can be installed without complicated wiring. If you are looking for a more envirnment friendly solution, try Velux Solar Night Light Kits. Not only are they green, they qualify for the Federal Solar Tax Credit.