Reef Brite Splitter 1-2 Way
SKU: RB-12WAY
Centralized Dual-Fixture Power: Consolidates electrical wiring by splitting a single DC power transformer or controller output into two dedicated lines.
Synchronous Multi-Light Control: Enables two Reef Brite XHO, LumiLite, or Tech LED strip lights to be powered and dimmed in unison from a single power source or automation interface.
Direct OEM Fit & Plug-and-Play: Factory-molded 5.5mm DC barrel connectors provide a firm mechanical connection that prevents loose contacts and voltage arcing.
Reduces Cabinet Cable Clutter: Eliminates the need for multiple bulky AC wall transformers, freeing up valuable power bar outlets beneath the aquarium stand.
High-Purity Flexible Copper Wiring: Built with heavy-gauge, marine-grade insulated multi-strand copper to minimize DC line resistance and voltage drop across both branches.
Reef Brite
LED and T5 lighting built for reefs; energy-efficient, visually stunning, and engineered to make corals truly glow.
Reef Brite 1-to-2 Way DC Power Splitter Cable
Installing dual supplemental LED strip lights across an aquarium—such as flanking an existing T5 fixture, mounting front-and-rear actinic bars to eliminate coral shadows, or running twin strips over a frag tank—often results in unnecessary cable congestion and crowded power strips. The Reef Brite Splitter 1-2 Way (SKU: RB-12WAY) is the official OEM dual-light DC power distribution cable engineered specifically for Reef Brite XHO, LumiLite, and Tech LED Fixtures.
The RB-12WAY features a single female DC barrel input jack that branches into two male DC barrel output connectors with molded strain reliefs. This setup enables aquarists to run two identical Reef Brite LED light fixtures from a single, high-capacity DC power transformer. When placed downstream of an inline rotary dimmer, Bluetooth LE Controller (RB-BT-CTRL), or Apex 0–10V Interface (RB-APEX-INT), the splitter feeds both connected light bars in parallel. This delivers identical voltage and synchronized dimming curves, ensuring smooth dawn/dusk transitions and matching actinic fluorescence across both sides of the aquarium without the expense of a second controller.
Ideal Application & Expansion Scenarios
If you are adding front and rear XHO bars to a tank canopy, retrofitting dual actinic strips onto an existing metal halide or T5 fixture, or seeking to replace two individual low-wattage power bricks with a single high-output power supply, installing an authentic RB-12WAY provides a dependable, factory-engineered wiring solution.
(Note: When utilizing the RB-12WAY, verify that the combined wattage and amperage of both connected LED fixtures does not exceed the maximum rated output of your DC power supply).
What’s Included:
(1) Reef Brite 1-to-2 Way DC Power Splitter Cable (RB-12WAY)
(Note: LED light bars, power transformer, and dimming controllers sold separately)
Technical Specs:
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: RB-12WAY
Connector Configuration: (1) Female DC Barrel Input to (2) Male DC Barrel Outputs
Connector Dimensions: Standard 5.5mm OD / 2.1mm–2.5mm Center Positive DC Barrel
Conductor Material: Multi-Strand High-Conductivity Tinned Copper Wire
Insulation Material: Flexible Marine-Grade Molded PVC with Integrated Strain Reliefs
Overall Cable Length: Approximately 14.0 Inches (~35.5 cm) total span
Maximum Voltage Rating: Up to 36V DC
Primary Compatibility:
Reef Brite XHO High Output LED Strip Lights
Reef Brite Tech LED Strip Lights
Reef Brite LumiLite & LumiLite Pro Series
Reef Brite Inline Rotary Dimmers, RB-APEX-INT, and RB-BT-CTRL Modules
Installation & Sizing Guidelines:
Determine the total combined wattage of the two LED fixtures you are connecting (e.g., two 36-inch XHO strips at ~40W each = ~80W total).
Ensure your DC power supply’s rated output wattage and amperage exceed this total wattage by at least 10% to 15% to avoid overheating the transformer.
Unplug the DC power supply from the AC wall outlet before making any wire connections.
If using an inline dimmer, Reef Brite Bluetooth module (RB-BT-CTRL), or Apex interface (RB-APEX-INT), connect the controller output into the single female input jack of the RB-12WAY. If running full-power without dimming, connect the power supply lead directly into the female jack.
Plug each of the two male barrel outputs from the RB-12WAY securely into the DC power lead of each respective Reef Brite light fixture.
Push all barrel connectors firmly together until the rubber collars mate completely to ensure an airtight, watertight friction fit.
Route all cables neatly away from heat sources, securing them with zip-ties and incorporating drip loops below the level of the connections.
Plug the DC power supply into an AC wall outlet and verify that both strip lights illuminate evenly.
Pro Tips:
- Always Verify Total Power Supply Wattage Before Splitting. The RB-12WAY distributes DC electrical current, but it does not amplify or regulate wattage. Standard single-light Reef Brite power supplies are sized specifically for one fixture. For example, if you connect two 48-inch XHO strips (~54W each = ~108W total) to a power supply originally supplied with a single 48-inch light, the power supply will overheat, trip its internal thermal protection, or fail. Always verify that your power transformer is rated to handle the combined load of both light bars.
- Protect Barrel Connections Inside Humid Canopies. When installing the RB-12WAY inside an enclosed canopy or directly above open sump water, humidity and airborne salt mist can cause minor electrolytic oxidation inside DC barrel connections over time. Wrap each joined barrel connection with self-fusing silicone tape or heat-shrink tubing to create a moisture-proof seal that prevents corrosion and maintains optimal electrical conductivity.