MaxLite LS3 Series: Field-Selectable LED Strip Light

Most mixed-facility jobs default to a separate strip light SKU for every wattage and CCT call: split lead times, multiple submittals, and more line items than the job needs. The MaxLite LS3 Series cuts that down to one controls-ready platform across three sizes (2, 4, and 8 ft), with field-selectable wattage and CCT built into every unit. Here is what the line covers, how to pick within it, and what to confirm before you commit to a rough-in.

Field-Selectable Platform: What It Means for Procurement and Submittals

Each LS3 model ships with a physical wattage selector switch and a CCT selector switch on the fixture body. Both are set before the fixture goes up. The result is nine configuration combinations per SKU, three wattage tiers at three CCT options, without changing the part number at order time. That simplifies purchase orders, reduces return exposure if the spec shifts mid-project, and keeps submittals clean when the same fixture family covers multiple space types on the same job.

The shared spec across all four LS3 models: universal voltage at 120 to 277V, 0-10V dimming standard, DLC Premium listing, steel sheet metal housing with PMMA diffuser lens, damp location rating, and L70 lumen maintenance at 100,000 hours. Mounting is surface, pendant, or stem with accessories sold separately. The factory default on WCSCR models is the lowest wattage tier and 4000K CCT.

The LS3 Family: Four SKUs, Three Sizes

The family spans three physical sizes. The 8 ft length comes in two wattage packages, one covering mid-range industrial output and one covering high-output applications. Each model has three selectable wattage tiers.

One efficiency point worth noting for lighting power density calculations: the lower wattage tiers produce better lm/W than the top tier on most LS3 models. The LS3-4U23WCSCR at 23W runs approximately 155 lm/W; at 47W that drops to around 140 lm/W. Where the design target can be met at the lower tier, running there satisfies LPD limits at better efficiency.

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Configuration and Specification Logic

On designed projects, size, wattage, and CCT are established in the spec. The EC's job is to match or file a substitution request. On retrofit and MRO work, the facility manager or owner scopes the replacement, and a distributor quotes it. The selection logic applies either way.

Size Selection

The 2 ft is for storage closets, electrical rooms, and mechanical corridors where 4 ft spacing does not work cleanly. It also covers under-counter task applications in utility kitchens and workshop countertops. The 4 ft is the standard for commercial utility rooms, workshops, and single-bay spacing. The 8 ft suits industrial applications where long continuous rows are normal, from warehouse aisles to large maintenance bays.

If an existing installation uses 4 ft fluorescent strips on 8 ft centers and the replacement spec is open, swapping to the LS3-8U65WCSCR cuts the fixture count in half for the same row length. That reduces wire connections, lowers the number of driver points to maintain over time, and shortens install labor. For jobs where individual strip positions are being swapped rather than full row replacements, strip retrofit kits may fit the existing mounting conditions better.

Wattage Tier

Set the wattage selector during fixture staging on the ground. The switch is accessible after mounting, but adjusting it from a lift is not practical. Stage wattage at the same time you stage the fixture, before it goes up.

The wattage tier should match the foot-candle target established in the design documents. For spaces where the engineer or designer has specified higher foot-candle levels, warehouse picking aisles or production areas, for example, the 8ft fixtures at the top watt tier are the right call. The actual foot-candle result depends on mounting height, fixture spacing, and surface reflectances as laid out in the photometric design. Match the fixture to those parameters.

CCT

Where the spec is open or a substitution is being priced, set CCT at the same time as wattage during staging. The switch is on the fixture body. One commissioning point to document: in EM mode, the fixture outputs at 5000K regardless of the CCT switch position. In spaces specified at 3500K or 4000K with EM units installed, those fixtures will emit 5000K during an emergency event. That is a function of the EM driver, not a field-adjustable setting. Note it in the commissioning record so the owner knows what to expect during a fire alarm test.

Installation Considerations

A few points that directly affect rough-in decisions and commissioning on LS3 projects.

0-10V Wiring

The LS3 runs on 0-10V dimming. A TRIAC phase-cut dimmer will not produce stable output and will shorten driver life. On mixed commercial projects where the electrician is working from a general lighting note without a controls schedule, mismatched dimmers are a common field error. Clarify the control station type with the controls supplier before rough-in. If the project requires occupancy sensors under ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or a state energy code equivalent, confirm the sensor is a 0-10V compatible unit and not a standalone switching device.

c-Max Controls Module

The c-Max occupancy or daylight sensor module installs into the WCSCR receptacle post-commissioning without rewiring or dropping the fixture. If the controls package is deferred, the fixtures go in and operate as standard 0-10V dimmable units until the module is added. On projects where the energy code requires occupancy sensing but the owner has not finalized the controls schedule, the controls-ready submittal shows fixture-level compliance while the controls scope stays open. Document the deferred controls work in the RFI log closeout.

EM Battery Backup

EM units output a minimum of 1,000 lumens for 90 minutes at 5000K. The 90-minute duration satisfies the NFPA 101 emergency lighting time requirement. NFPA 101 Section 7.9.2 specifies compliance in foot-candles at floor level along the egress path, not lumen output from the fixture. Verify the photometric distribution at your mounting height against your AHJ's egress requirements before designating EM units as the sole emergency source in a space. EM variants also carry a narrower operating temperature range than standard models. Confirm the spec sheet before ordering for cold storage, loading dock adjacency, or high-heat environments. Commissioning testing and documentation are typically part of the electrical scope; confirm responsibility in the project specifications before closeout.

Real-World Applications

Three project types where the LS3's field-selectable platform carries practical value.

Warehouse Retrofit with Variable Aisle Requirements

A distribution center replacing T8 fluorescent strips across a floor with variable rack heights and aisle widths often needs different wattage calls by zone. One submittal covers the 8 ft models. One warranty contract for the full floor. The 8 ft format also cuts the fixture count versus 4 ft strip layouts, which reduces the number of homerun connections and simplifies the trim-out phase.

Multi-Space Commercial Build

On a commercial project with storage rooms, mechanical corridors, workshops, and back-of-house service areas, the spec often calls for one strip light family at different wattage and CCT configurations by space type. The LS3 series covers all three sizes under one submittal package. The 2 ft handles tight utility closets; the 4 ft covers corridor and workshop bays. If the GC defers the controls decision past fixture rough-in, the WCSCR receptacle means no fixture swap when the occupancy sensors are commissioned later.

Facility MRO Standardization

Facility managers running ongoing replacement programs benefit from stocking one model per size rather than sourcing against a mix of legacy SKUs every time a strip fixture fails. Universal voltage means the same LS3 model covers 120V and 277V panels in the same building without a separate part number. DLC Premium listing keeps the units eligible for prescriptive rebate programs regardless of which utility serves the facility.

Explore the MaxLite LS3 Series at RelightDepot

If you are sourcing LED strip lighting for a warehouse retrofit, multi-space commercial build, or facility MRO standardization program, RelightDepot carries the MaxLite LS3 Series across 2, 4, and 8 ft configurations with DLC Premium listing across the line. Our team works with electrical contractors, facility managers, and project teams to support takeoffs, control compatibility questions, and rebate documentation for DLC-listed fixtures. Email [email protected] or call 888-548-6387 to speak with a lighting specialist.