How to extend runs up to and beyond 30 ft, when to add a booster, and example layouts
Overview
A 48V permanent lighting system can run extension cables up to a cumulative 30 ft before the lights without a signal booster. When you need to go beyond 30 ft, add a signal booster in the line. Each booster lets you add up to another 30 ft of extension before the next set of lights.
Video Guide:
Key rules
Up to 30 ft total extension cable can be used before lights without a booster.
“30 ft” is cumulative across all branches and splits before reaching lights.
If you exceed 30 ft before lights, insert a signal booster.
After a booster, you get another up-to-30 ft extension budget before the next lights.
Boosters can be positioned where it’s cleanest and most practical in your layout.
Basic example: Single extension run
Need to reach another roofline that’s 30 ft away: no booster required.
Need 45–60 ft before the lights: insert one booster, then add up to another 30 ft.
Split example: One 5 ft branch and one longer branch
Scenario:
From the main line, you split in two directions.
One branch has 5 ft of extension cable before lights.
What this means:
That 5 ft “uses” part of your 30 ft budget on that split.
You can add up to 25 ft more on that same branch before you must add a booster.
If a branch were to total 35 ft:
35 ft exceeds the 30 ft limit.
Insert a booster somewhere before exceeding 30 ft.
After the booster, add the extra 5 ft.
You can also place the booster earlier or at another neat location if it helps the install look cleaner.
Split example: Two splits before reaching multiple light sections
Scenario:
First split: 5 ft to lights.
Second split: 5 ft to reach another junction, then 10 ft more to the next lights.
Cumulative extension before lights is 20 ft so far.
What this means:
You can add up to 10 ft more of extension before you hit the 30 ft maximum.
If you need 20 ft more (bringing the total to 40 ft), insert a booster somewhere in the line before you exceed 30 ft.
Practical placement: near the point where the extra run begins, or at another tidy, accessible spot.
After the booster, you again have up to 30 ft of extension budget on the booster’s output side.
Placement tips for boosters
Put the booster before you exceed 30 ft on any branch.
Choose locations that are protected, accessible, and visually clean.
It’s acceptable to place the booster earlier in the path if that simplifies the install.
Emergency workaround if you don’t have a booster
The lights themselves can behave like a booster in a pinch.
Insert a light section into the line where you need to “bridge” the distance.
For discreet installs, wrap the light section with black electrical tape to block light.
Note: A dedicated signal booster is still preferred for the cleanest, most professional result.
FAQs
What does “cumulative” mean?
Add up every foot of extension cable on a branch before you reach lights. If that sum exceeds 30 ft, add a booster.
Where exactly should I place the booster?
Anywhere before you exceed 30 ft on that branch. Many installers choose a tidy, protected location that keeps wiring clean and accessible.
What if I forgot to order a booster?
Temporarily insert a light section as a makeshift booster and black it out with tape. Replace with a proper booster when available for best aesthetics.