Frequently Asked Questions

Decostring System includes:

• Sockets
• Wire
• Aircraft Cable (Support Cable)
• Standard Lamps

Not Included:

• Termination Kits (Standard Termination Kit, Turnbuckle Termination Kit,
  Lightweight Termination Kit)
• Shades
• Premium Lamps
• Plugs
• Lamp Silicon Coating
• Suspension Kits

Wet Location Fixtures: IP65

Non-Wet Location Fixtures: IP54

Yes. A MLV dimmer is typically used to dim our magnetic transformer. Please note that we do not provide MLV dimmers.

Yes. Although both are field cuttable, Aisle Lighting is much easier for field cutting. We recommend that exact lengths are provided when submitting order to reduce the risk of field error, such as cutting lighting and wiring too short.

Yes. Our Aisle and Step Lighting are made of rubberized PVC which can easily take gentle curves. 

We have found that Aisle lighting can bend at about 10°/ft and Step Lighting at about 5°/ft. These values are estimates and vary between profile shapes; this should not be taken as absolute data. Contact a Primus technical specialist for more information.

Step & Aisle Lighting is mounted using Loctite PL 3x Premium or similar adhesive and strapped/sandbagged in place while curing takes place.

Ensuring your order gets to you on time and without any damages is one of our top priorities. We understand that some carriers may be indifferent about getting your order to you without any damages. We have found and tested that using double wall boxes, biodegradable foam, flow pack, and bubble pack is the best way to keeping your product safe, protected, and cost effective.

12 ft boxes are typically the longest we ship. We can do longer boxes; however, this will result with higher risk of damaging fixtures and costly freight.

We have conducted extreme weather testing at -40 Celsius for 100 hours. Impact and Pull testing were conducted throughout the testing and the system was still fully operational by the end of the test.

It is possible; however, we do not recommend purchasing Decostring without our lamps because we can no longer take responsibility of the ETL listing and warranty may likely be voided.

If you would still like to purchase the Decostring system without our lamps, please ensure that the lamp used is a wet-rated lamps and you will need to sign a letter releasing Primus Lighting, Inc. of any liability.

Our most commonly used freight carriers are:

• Senderex
• All States World Cargo
• UPS
• FedEx

We are compatible with most trailing edge dimmer. Click here for a detailed list of dimmers.

Yes! but they come at a higher cost.

Not yet! If there is a sensor you would like us to implement into one of our fixtures for a project need, feel free to contact us.

Net 30 for all returning + established customers. Pro Forma / Prepay for non-established or returning customers will poor payment history. Refer to our Terms of Payment policy for more info.

All orders must have a minimum billing of $250.00. An exception is made for additional parts and replacements. Refer to our
Conditions of Sale policy for more information.

No. All our fixtures are manufactured to order with specific length and performance characteristics. Refer to our Changes to Order policy for more information.

No. All our fixtures are manufactured to order with specific length and performance characteristics. Refer to our Changes to Order policy for more information.

Yes! Share your creative idea! We are always up for a challenge.

Custom orders take a bit more time because we need to explore, experiment, and ensure we can successfully bring your idea to life! To get started, you can submit a request or share your concept directly with our quotations department.

Need help or have questions? Give us a call at (661) 495-5700 or email us anytime!

Use our interactive map to find your local rep!

You will want to work with your geographically closest lighting representative. If still unsure, contact us at info@preview.xeedesigns.com We would be more than happy to help!

Yes – all orders should be placed through local electrical distributors working through our territory lighting representatives.

You can add certain shades after purchasing your system, but only the following options:

• Cone (DSC)
• Perforated Tube (DSPT)
• Perforated Tube with Tops Disc (DSPTD)
• Cage Tube (DSCT)
• Round Cage (DSRC)
• Square Cage (DSSC)
• Open Wire Guard (DSOWG)

These can be ordered separately if needed. However, placing one order for everything at once is recommended to avoid double freight charges.

Please note that some shades MUST be ordered with the Decostring system, as they can only be installed at the factory:

• Hat (DSH)
• Radial Wave (DSRW)
• Round Shade with Guard (DSRG)
• Enclosed Wire Guard (DSEWG)

Title 24 is California’s building energy efficiency standard, which sets performance requirements for lighting fixtures in nonresidential buildings to reduce energy consumption. To comply, most LED fixtures must achieve a minimum efficacy of approximately 80 to 100 lumens per watt, depending on the fixture type and application. Additional requirements include the use of high-efficiency drivers, low standby power consumption, and compatibility with lighting controls such as dimmers and occupancy sensors.

LM79 is a standardized testing protocol developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) for LED luminaires. It provides verified data on a fixture’s electrical and photometric performance, including wattage, total lumen output, and luminous efficacy (lumens per watt). LM79 test results are critical for demonstrating compliance with Title 24 and other energy efficiency standards.

Yes, our fixtures are designed to comply with Title 24 requirements for nonresidential applications. They achieve the required 80-100 lumens per watt efficiency, integrate with necessary lighting controls, and have been tested under LM79 standards to verify compliance. Certification documents and test reports are available upon request.

TM-21 is a testing methodology developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to predict the long-term lumen maintenance of LED light sources. It helps estimate how long an LED will retain a certain percentage of its initial brightness over time, using data from LM-80 testing.

TM-21 uses LED performance data collected through LM-80 testing, which measures lumen output over at least 6,000 hours. This data is then extrapolated using a standardized formula to estimate how long an LED will take to degrade to:

• L70 (70% of initial brightness)
• L80 (80% of initial brightness)
• L90 (90% of initial brightness)

These ratings indicate the expected useful lifespan of an LED before noticeable light loss occurs.

TM-21 projections provide a standardized and reliable way to predict LED longevity, which is crucial for:

• Verifying energy efficiency claims
• Meeting energy codes like Title 24
• Ensuring long-term performance for commercial lighting applications

Without TM-21 data, it would be difficult to determine how well an LED fixture will maintain its brightness over time.

Approximate hours of life for Step & Aisle Lighting is 50,000 hours.

Yes, but only our standard lamps. Premium lamps will cost more. Refer to the Decostring cutsheet or consult factory for more information.

83 CRI is standard with most of our lamps; however, there are few options up to 90 CRI that are more costly.

Established by the federal government, the Buy America Act promotes the use of USA products for government jobs with the aim of supporting the local economy. Under the BAA, there is a two-part test to determine whether a product is domestic:

1. it must be “manufactured” in the United States; and
2. the cost of domestic components must exceed a certain percentage of the cost of all the components.

Some products may meet BAA compliance depending on the project and sourcing requirements. Please contact us with project specifics to confirm compliance.  We are proud to to say we are made in America however BAA requires additional specific percentage compliance.  Contact factory for specific BAA compliance.

Yes, and even better, most of our lamps are Dim to Off. Please note that we do not provide dimmers for our lamps. We are compatible with most trailing edge dimmer. Click here for  more info.

Our Decostring is ETL listed for permanent wet installations. Decostring has also been installed in various regions with harsher weather, such as wind, heavy rain, snow, and extreme heat. We are comfortable to say that our Decostring can handle weather elements well. For more information, contact a Primus technical specialist.

Decostring can be cut in the field for minor adjustments in overall length, typically at the beginning or end of a run. Each Decostring includes an additional 4 feet of power lead to provide some on-site flexibility and trimming.

However, significant modifications—such as splitting a 100’ run into two 50’ runs—should not be done in the field. The best solution is to specify the required run lengths in advance so they can be properly terminated at the factory. If adjustments must be made on-site, the only way to maintain product integrity and preserve the warranty is by using a wet-rated junction box, with all connections made inside the enclosure by a licensed professional.

Field-cutting and connecting without proper enclosure and termination can compromise the product’s performance and will void the warranty.

We do not supply dimmers with our Decostring system.

We recommend single runs for zig-zag or multi-attachment point patterns. They allow for easier installation, adjustment, and removal for service or repair. However, the choice is ultimately up to the customer.

Single Runs
Pros:

• Easier installation

• Easier adjustments

• Easier removal for service/repair
  Cons:

• Slightly more costly

Continuous Runs
Pros:

• More cost-effective
  Cons:

• Difficult to adjust

• Not ideal for zig-zag patterns

• Entire system must be removed for service or repair

Click here for more information

It depends on the on-center (O/C) spacing:

• Round Down for 9″, 12″, 18″, and 24″ O/C spacing

• Round Up for 36″ and 48″ O/C spacing

Examples:

• 100’ 6” run @ 9” O/C spacing → Round Down

• 58’ 4” run @ 36” O/C spacing → Round Up

• 20’ 8” run @ 18” O/C spacing → Round Down

Decostring can work with a 12V system, but we do not recommend because you must use transformers which can make the project costly. This also makes planning and manufacturing more difficult because you are drastically limited with run lengths when you use a 12V system.

Yes, except for the Hat shade (DSH), Radial Wave shade (DSRW), and Reflector Guard shade (DSRG). These shades must be preinstalled in the factory.
Click here to see our installation guide.

Weight per foot includes socket, power wire, support cable, tie wraps and lamp.

12” O/C	18” O/C	24” O/C	36” O/C	48” O/C	60” O/C
0.24 lbs / ft	0.21 lbs / ft	0.20 lbs / ft	0.19 lbs / ft	0.17 lbs / ft	0.15 lbs / ft

 

Cone Shade

DSC7	7” W x 3” H	0.38 lbs
DSC10	10” W x 3” H	0.57 lbs
DSC12	12” W x 4” H	1.13 lbs

 

Hat Shade

DSH4	4” W x 1 7⁄8” H	0.13 lbs
DSH6	6” W x 2 1/4” H	0.25 lbs
DSH8	8” W x 2 3/4” H	0.38 lbs

 

Radial Wave Shade

DSRW4	4” W x 1 7/8” H	0.13 lbs
DSRW6	6” W x 2 1/4” H	0.25 lbs
DSRW8	8” W x 2 3/4” H	0.38 lbs

 

Perforated Tube Shade

DSPT4/6	4” W x 6” H	0.70 lbs
DSPT6/8	6” W x 8” H	1.38 lbs

 

Perforated Tube with Top Disk

DSPTD

4” W x 8” H With 10” Ø Top Disk

1.13 lbs

 

Round Shade W/Guard

DSRG

6” W x 5 1/8” H

0.57 lbs

 

Cage Tube Shade

DSCT4/6	4” W x 6” H	0.57 lbs
DSCT6/8	6” W x 8” H	0.94 lbs

 

Round Cage

DSRC

8” W x 9” H

0.95 lbs

 

Square Cage

DSSC5/6	5 ½” W x 6 ½” H	0.29 lbs
DSSC9/10	9 ½” W x 10 ½” H	0.35 lbs

 

Open Wire Guard

DSOWG

5 ½” W x 7 ½” H

0.39 lbs

 

Enclosed Wire Guard

DSEWG

3 ¾” W x 5 ½” H

0.16 lbs

 

Sphere Shade

DSS8	8” Diameter	0.57 lbs
DSS10	10” Diameter	1.00 lbs
DSS12	12” Diameter	1.34 lbs

 

Cube Shade

DSQ8	8” x 8” x 8”	0.57 lbs
DSQ10	10” x 10” x 10”	1.25 lbs
DSQ12	12” x 12” x 12”	1.65 lbs

 

Tube Shade

DSAT3/6	3” W x 6” H	0.55 lbs
DSAT6/8	6” W x 8” H	0.88 lbs

 

Yes. Our standard is 3/32” stainless steel aircraft cable, but we can also use 1/8” or 3/16” cables if needed. Please consult a Primus technical specialist to determine if a larger cable is required for your application.

Not at all. Raw brass naturally has imperfections and will develop a patina—often turning green over time—which enhances its appearance and character.

We include an extra 4 feet of aircraft cable on both ends of each Decostring run to allow for on site adjustments. Power cable includes an additional 4 feet on one end only. As a general guideline, adjusting one end by approximately 3 inches will create about 12 inches of droop.

All shipments are FOB Origin and will be arranged and billed by Primus Lighting, unless the purchaser requests to use a third-party carrier or account. Freight charges are not included in product pricing and will appear as a separate line item on the customer invoice once the order ships. Routing will be at the discretion of Primus Lighting unless otherwise specified on the purchase order.

All claims must be submitted to Primus Lighting within 45 calendar days of receiving the shipment. Customers are responsible for inspecting packages and fixtures for any visible or concealed damage caused by carrier mishandling. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions on our website for full details.

Yes, we accept third-party billing. Please be sure to note this clearly when submitting your order.

Yes. All Primus Lighting products go through a rigorous two-step inspection process to ensure they are free of material, mechanical, and workmanship defects before packaging. High quality is a core value we uphold in every shipment.

• LED Fixtures: 5-Year Limited Warranty

• Decostring: 5-Year Limited Warranty

• Decobar: 5-Year Limited Warranty

• Decodrops: 5-Year Limited Warranty

• LED Lamps (Decostring, Decodrops, Decobar): 3-Year Limited Warranty

• Step & Aisle Lighting: 3-Year Limited Warranty

Click here for more info

Yes. We offer an extended warranty of up to 10 years on most fixtures for an additional cost. Please contact us for details and eligibility.

Step & Aisle Lighting comes with a 3-Year Limited Warranty.

Our standard finishes are Satin Clear Anodized and White Powder Coat.

Premium finishes include Black, Anti Microbial White, and custom powder coat colors. For custom options, please refer to the RAL color chart when selecting your color.

Yes! We can provide custom programming—just let us know the required watts per foot or lumens per foot for your project.

Our standard CRI is 80, but we also offer up to 90 CRI for an additional cost.

Yes, continuous runs are available, but a watertight joiner fitting is required every 12 feet.

The maximum length is 12 feet in a single, continuous piece without requiring a joiner.

Yes, emergency options are available. Due to the wet location rating, all emergency packs must be integral to the fixture.

Yes, 0-10V dimming is standard with all of our linear LED fixtures.

0-10V dimming is standard for all linear LED fixtures. Alternative options, such as ELV or reverse dimming, are available but come at a higher cost.

Yes, and even better, most of our lamps used for the Decostring system are Dim to Off. Please note that we do not provide dimmers for our lamps.

Only if it’s LED-compatible. Standard dimmers for old bulbs don’t always work well with LEDs—they can cause flickering or shorten the life of the fixture.

Yes, Element Fixtures can be suspended using our cable kits. We offer the following options:

• SK36 – 36″ Cable Kit

• SK48 – 48″ Cable Kit

• SK72 – 72″ Cable Kit

No Shades

12″ o/c = approximately 50′

18″ o/c = approximately 50′

24″ o/c =approximately 75′

36″ o/c =approximately 75′

48″ o/c =approximately 75′

60″ o/c = approximately 75′

 

With Shades

12″ o/c =approximately 35′

18″ o/c =approximately 35′

24″ o/c =approximately 50′

36″ o/c =approximately 50′

48″ o/c =approximately 50′

60″ o/c =approximately 50′

 

No. Because installation conditions can vary (e.g., ambient temperature, ventilation, or enclosure type), the transformers supplied do not come derated.

Yes, we can add a Bi-level motion sensor that is pre-installed in the factory but needs to be programmed in the field, programming instructions are included. Sensor is mounted under the lens; it adds 3″ to the length of the fixture. Specify or consult factory for other type of sensors requirements.

Primus Lighting will handle shipments using our preferred carrier and customs broker. This allows us to provide a freight estimate and an approximate duty estimate. Please note, the duty estimate is only an approximation; actual duties may vary based on classification, inspection, or other CBSA factors at the time of entry.

Yes, they may use their own broker. However, in this case, they must also use their own carrier. We cannot coordinate between our carrier and a third-party broker due to past issues.

The ideal fixture depends on the cove size, layout, and overall design intent. Factors such as sectional dimensions, whether the cove requires straight or flexible fixtures, and the desired lighting effect all influence the selection.

Please share the RCPs and any available details, and our factory team will work with you to recommend the best solution for your project.

That usually means the dimmer and the light aren’t fully compatible. Try switching to a trailing edge or LED-specific dimmer for better performance.

ELV = Electronic Low Voltage (needs trailing edge dimmer)

MLV = Magnetic Low Voltage (usually works with leading edge dimmer)

These just describe the type of transformer used in your fixture.

Yes! Trailing edge dimming is smoother, quieter, and less likely to flicker with LEDs.

Not all lights are dimmable. Look for ones clearly labeled “dimmable,” and make sure they’re compatible with your dimmer type.

A trailing edge or ELV dimmer is usually best for most modern LED fixtures

Some lights and dimmers don’t dim to zero. If you need full off, look for a dimmer with a low-end trim setting or use a dimmer made for LEDs.

Yes

Yes

Adjustable end brackets are an option.

Yes. Each station can be wired separately or grouped.

Yes, a shade or sphere can be mounted to the Decobar, similar to how it’s done in a marquee-style setup. Custom options are available to fit your design needs.

Head spacing is fully customizable to suit your design intent. Standard options such as 12″, 18″, 24″, or 36″ on center are available, or we can accommodate your preferred spacing upon request.

Yes, Decobar is fully wet-location listed and rated for direct exposure. It is ETL-certified for use in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Yes, dim to off with TE dimmer

Yes! The options are endless—feel free to submit your custom shade ideas and we’ll work with you to bring them to life.

Yes, separate control is possible—it requires two drivers.

It’s an inset FRL (Flat Rounded Lens) designed to provide maximum cutoff, reducing glare and improving visual comfort.

Yes! Just submit your size requirements, and we’ll provide a custom quotation.

Up to 12 feet in a single stick. Longer runs are possible using joiner fittings to connect and access fixture sections.

No, Elements fixtures are designed only for basic wet location use—not for hose-down environments.

Frosted incandescent or warm LED for soft, flattering light.

No, clear lamps are not recommended. Frosted or coated lamps are preferred, as they help reduce glare and provide a more comfortable visual experience.

Yes, and it includes a wet location-rated test switch.

To eliminate veiling reflections and improve visual clarity.

A nominal 2′ is standard, but even shorter lengths are possible with special drivers and boards upon request.

Yes, 277V is available and can include a compatible 277V switch if needed.

Yes, they can be installed to point upwards.

The medium base is more robust and durable compared to the candelabra base.