LED strip lights are relatively easy to install and come with various accessories that can make installation even more straightforward. In this section, we will explore some of the common installation techniques and accessories.
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A. Power Supplies
The power supply is a crucial aspect of selecting an LED strip for your specific needs. This can be divided into two fundamental factors:
Types of power supplies
The two primary power supplies for LED strip lights are voltage and current. A constant voltage power supply offers a fixed voltage output, while a constant current power supply delivers continuous work.
Calculating required power
It is essential to calculate the required power to ensure that the power supply can meet the demand for your LED strip lights. This can be done by determining the wattage per meter of the LED strip and the total length of the strip. Once these values are known, the absolute power required can be calculated by multiplying the wattage per meter by the entire length of the ribbon.
For example, if you have a 5-meter LED strip with a wattage of 7W/m, you would need a power supply with a minimum output of 35W (5 meters x 7W/m = 35W). Adding a 20% buffer to the total power required is recommended to ensure the power supply can handle any fluctuations or surges in power demand.
B. LED Controllers and Dimmers&#;
When it comes to LED strip lighting, controllers and dimmers play a significant role in the functionality and customization of your setup. In addition, various types of controllers available in the market cater to different needs.
One type of controller is a wired controller, which connects directly to the LED strip and offers basic control options such as on/off and dimming. Another type is wireless controllers, which use radiofrequency or infrared signals to control the LED strip remotely. Wireless controllers offer more flexibility in terms of placement and ease of use.
Intelligent controllers are another popular option, as they can be programmed and controlled using a smartphone app or voice commands via a virtual assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Intelligent controllers allow for advanced customization and synchronization with other home smart devices.
Dimming is another crucial aspect of LED strip lighting, as it allows you to adjust the brightness level of the strip according to your preference. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and 0-10V dimming are standard methods. PWM dimming adjusts the brightness level by altering the pulse width of the electrical signal sent to the LED strip. On the other hand, 0-10V dimming adjusts the brightness level by varying the voltage supplied to the LED strip.
Choosing the suitable controller and dimmer for your LED strip setup depends on various factors, such as the type of LED strip, the intended use, and personal preferences. Therefore, it is crucial to consider compatibility and functionality when choosing a controller and dimmer to ensure optimal performance and ease.
C. LED Strip Connectors and Wiring
Solderless Connectors
Solderless connectors are easy to connect LED strip lights without special tools or soldering. There are two standard solderless connectors: snap connectors and clip connectors. Snap connectors are simple to use and require no additional tools. They snap onto the end of the LED strip and lock into place, making a secure electrical connection. On the other hand, clip connectors require a pair of pliers to crimp the metal clips onto the LED strip.
Soldering Techniques
Soldering is melting and joining two metal parts using a soldering iron and solder. Soldering can create a secure and permanent connection between LED strips and other electrical components. You will need a few tools and materials to sell LED strips, including a soldering iron, solder, flux, and wire cutters. The soldering process involves heating the metal parts with a soldering iron and melting the solder onto the elements to create a bond.
Wiring Best Practices
Proper wiring practices ensure that LED strip lights operate correctly and safely. One crucial factor to consider is the wire gauge, which refers to the thickness of the wire. The wire gauge should be appropriate for the current load of the LED strip lights. Using wires that are too thin can cause voltage drop and overheating. Wire organization and management are also crucial for safety and aesthetics. Wires should be neatly arranged and secured to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged. Using cable ties or wire channels can help keep wires organized and tidy.
D. Mounting and Installation Methods
LED strip lights can be mounted and installed in various ways depending on the application and environment. Some standard mounting and installation methods are as follows:
1. Aluminum Channels: They are a popular option for mounting LED strip lights as they provide protection and a professional appearance. These channels also offer a heat sink to dissipate heat away from the LEDs. Different types of aluminum channels are available, including corner channels, surface-mount channels, and recessed channels.
2. Adhesive Backing: Many LED strip lights have pre-applied adhesive backing that allows easy installation on a clean surface, but additional options like double-sided tape or silicone may be necessary for rough or uneven surfaces.
3. Clips and Fasteners: Clips and fasteners are commonly used to secure LED strip lights to surfaces without damaging the light or the mounting surface. Plastic and metal mounting clips are available for different characters and applications.
It is essential to consider the environment and application when choosing a mounting and installation method for LED strip lights. For example, in wet environments, waterproof mounting methods are necessary to ensure the longevity and safety of the installation.
E. Cutting and Customizing LED Strips
When working with LED strips, it is often necessary to customize the length to fit specific installation requirements. Here are some considerations for cutting and customizing LED strips:
1. Cutting Points: LED strips are designed to be cut at specific intervals, usually marked on the strip. Identifying these cutting points before making any cuts is essential to avoid damaging the circuit.
2. Proper Cutting Techniques: Once you have identified the cutting points, use sharp scissors or a craft knife to cut through the strip along the marked line. Make sure to cut through all of the copper contacts to ensure a clean break.
3. Reconnecting Cut Strips: If you need to reconnect cut strips, there are two main options: solderless connectors and soldering connections. Solderless connectors, such as snap or clip connectors, are a quick and easy solution that does not require special tools. On the other hand, soldering connections require a soldering iron and some basic soldering skills.
4. Customizing Strip Length: If you need to combine multiple strips or adjust the length of a ribbon, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure the strips&#; combined length does not exceed your power supply&#;s maximum load capacity. Second, consider using a larger gauge wire to connect longer strips to ensure adequate power delivery. Finally, properly secure connections and wiring to prevent damage or safety hazards.
Customizing Strip Length
Combining multiple LED strips is a great way to create a custom length to fit specific installation requirements. However, you must consider power requirements and maintain consistent brightness and color to do this.
One way to combine LED strips is by using solderless connectors for easy installation or soldering connections for a more permanent solution. It&#;s essential to ensure that the connectors or soldering connections are secure and properly aligned to maintain the desired length and proper power distribution.
When adjusting for specific installation requirements, accurate measurements of the installation area and a layout plan are essential. This helps to determine the length of LED strips needed and where they should be placed. Cutting at designated cutting points is the most effective way to customize the strip length, and reconnecting strips using connectors or soldering is also an option.
During installation, navigating corners and angles can be a challenge. Aluminum channels can help with this, as they can be cut to fit specific angles and create a seamless appearance. Accommodating obstacles and uneven surfaces can also be addressed using clips, fasteners, or adhesive backing.
LED strip lights are a series of LED (light emitting diodes) attached to a flexible rubber or plastic strip and connected through printed copper traces. Strip lights use low-power LEDs spread over a long distance to emulate the brightness of a larger high-power LED.
A 5-meter-long LED strip will have the same power consumption as a small floodlight, around 24 watts. The only difference is that the floodlight has a directional light beam that originates from one point. In contrast, the LED strip light has a non-directional beam coming from multiple points on the strip.
This spread-out LED design limits the conventional applications of LED strip lights. However, this design also opens new opportunities because of its unique flexible strip backing.
LED strip lights have shot up in popularity over the last few years. More and more people are opting to use LED strip lights as mood lighting. The popularity of strip lights can be directly linked to their unmatched design flexibility. The following are a few crucial factors contributing to the importance of LED strip lights.
A LED strip light is one of the few light fixtures used for indoor and outdoor lighting. It can be deployed in almost any environment due to its unique construction. Here are some typical applications of LED strip lights.
LED strip lights are incredibly safe to handle and install. The biggest reason for this is their relatively low power supply requirements. Most LED strips run on 12v DC, but you can get 5v LED strip lights. Additionally, the power supply will only need to supply current according to the length of the LED strip light.
Most reputable lighting suppliers provide a wattage per foot (or meter) specification with their LED strip lights. A standard power rating for a LED strip light is 4.8W/m or 1.46W/ft. The lower power consumption decreases the barrier to entry, meaning you don&#;t need the supervision of an electrical contractor to install LED strips in your house.
Its tiny footprint is the most prominent element of a LED strip light. It is a slim, flexible light fixture that can easily be rolled up for convenient storage. Although from a volume perspective, an LED strip light will occupy the same space as most LED lights. LED strip lights compromise on length to reduce their height and width.
Additionally, LED lights have their power supply incorporated into the fixture design, leading to a bulkier shape. In comparison, LED strip lights have an external power supply.
Installing LED strip lights is one of the more accessible lighting projects. A standard installation involves mounting LED strip lights to a surface using mounting clips, adhesive backing, or aluminum channels.
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The power supply for most LED strip lights comes in the form of a 12v adapter that plugs directly into the wall. More complex lighting designs may require cutting and soldering LED strips together. But even that is a generally easy-to-manage ordeal.
You can customize almost every aspect of an LED strip light. The length is the easiest to modify as it is as simple as cutting between two LEDs and along the conductive contacts. Other elements like brightness, color temperature, voltage, and design can all be individually changed to accommodate your lighting needs.
LED strip lights come in several varieties, each designed to cater to a specific market. The difference between these LED strips can range from small to massive. The following is a breakdown of the different types of LED strip lights and their applications.
Standard LED strip lights run on a 12v DC power supply. This is the most common type of LED strip light available commercially and is compatible with most lighting designs. Standard density LED strips to have roughly 10 LEDs per foot and have a maximum length of 16 ft.
The length limitations are due to the electronic restriction. You will see a voltage drop when using DC LED flex strips, as the thin wires cannot meet the power demands.
High-density LED strips run on 24v as they have twice the number of LEDs per foot. 24v strips are rarely used as the brightness benefits do not justify the power consumption. 24-volt power supply units are also more expensive than the more common 12v variants.
The more significant number of LEDs per foot leads to higher brightness and consumes twice the power. An alternative to 24v high-density strips is 24v standard-density strips. They take the added voltage and use it to increase the overall length of the flexible strip up to 32ft.
COB stands for (Circuit on Board), and it uses a different manufacturing technique to directly bond the LEDs to the flexible strip instead of installing individual units on the strip at set distances. Standard LED strips are called SMD LED strip lights.
COB LED lights have a uniformly thin profile that leads to more diffused and even lighting. Other than a few visual and luminance variations, COBs and SMDs operate similarly and are even interchangeable.
AC LED strips are more convenient and versatile than their DC counterparts. Unlike DC LED strips, you can directly power your AC from the wall using 120 or 240v. This further reduces the barrier to entry as the LED strip lights now have one less element to consider.
AC-powered LED strips are an excellent option for large-scale lighting projects, as they can support much larger lengths. A standard AC LED strip light can support a ridiculous length of up to 150ft.
A LED Rope Light is just a regular standard LED strip light encased in flexible tubing that evenly disperses the light. The tube casing is typically made of a plastic or epoxy base and is meant to provide environmental protection to the LED strips.
Rope lights can have AC and DC variants since the power supply depends on the base LED strip. LED rope lights are an excellent option for outdoor lighting as the protective casing is waterproof.
There are a few more types of LED strip lights, but ones that are less commonly used.
The field of LED strip lighting is quite diverse, and there are several vital factors you need to consider before buying LED strip lights. Each of these factors will help you narrow down the specifications of your required LED strip lights.
Color temperature is a metric used to measure a light source&#;s slight difference in hues. It is measured in Kelvin (K) and ranges from 1,000 to 10,000. Lower Kelvin values referred to a warmer red-yellow hue to the light. While at higher Kelvin values, light appears with a cooler blue-ish hue.
Color temperatures can have a significant effect on your mood lighting. Cooler temperature lights create a more focused and clear environment. In contrast, warmer temperature lights create a cozy, comfortable, and relaxing environment. A value of approximately 5,000K represents the color of natural sunlight.
Objects appear to have a slightly different colors under different lighting conditions. The color rendering index (CRI) is a means to measure the color accuracy of a light source. CRI rates light sources on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the most color-accurate and representing natural sunlight.
For a professional working environment, color accuracy is an essential element. Investment in high CRI LED strips will prove beneficial in the long run. As you can assume, high CRI LEDs are significantly more expensive and often more difficult to source.
White LED strip lights are more widely used in general accent lighting. But RGB LED strip lights have slowly become more dominant in the accent lighting space. RGB (red, green, blue) LED lights can dynamically change between the three color types for near-infinite combinations.
RGB strip lights operate similarly to regular strip LEDs, except they have four wires that control the light&#;s color. RGB LED strip lights are similar in cost to regular white LED strips, making them quite attractive.
Basic LED strip lights are meant for indoor use and don&#;t have high-performance requirements. These low-cost products often can&#;t justify the extra expense of weatherproofing.
However, specialized LED strip lights for outdoor use come with standard water protection. They will come at a slightly higher cost, but it is a relatively small price to pay for environmental protection. They are usually used for facade lighting and landscape lighting projects.
LED strip lights have a quality problem. As a low-cost product, several cheaper variations are available on the market. These cheaper alternatives come with low-quality electronics that cannot support higher wattages. So they lower the overall brightness of the LED strip lights to avoid damage.
LED strip lights run at low wattages, so the potential for burnout or damage over time is negligible. But running cheaper LEDs over the specified wattage to get a higher brightness will destroy your LED lights.
Even when LED strip lights are rated for higher brightness, they have a thermal limitation. Hot environments or poorly ventilated spaces will result in quick temperature increases.
LED strip lights are sold in roll switch standard lengths. Adapting a 5 or 10m long LED strip to your lighting design will require cutting and re-soldering the strips. Luckily manufacturers have thought of this problem, and all quality light strips come with cut marks.
Using scissors, LED strip lights can be terminated along these cut marks (Conductive contacts). Extending LED strips requires you to solder wires to these same cut marks.
Another significant element of LED strip lights is their smart control features. LED strip lights have a few smart lighting solutions. The easiest one involves attaching an IR receiver at the termination end of the LED strip. The IR receiver will take instructions from a remote controller and adjust the brightness and colors of the strip lights accordingly.
More advanced lighting controls involve using smart RGB controllers to add dynamic lighting effects to your LED strip lights. This type of lighting control is quite common in RGB LED lights commonly used for computer hardware.
Installation of LED strip lights is a relatively straightforward process with few steps. But adding a few extra steps for more professional lighting setups will result in a better aesthetic.
LED strip lights require you to carefully plan a route before proceeding further. The idea is to use a single continuous LED strip and fold and bend it according to the application. A good start for this step is to consider the placement of your power supply and route the LED strip.
Once you know the total length of the LED strip lights, you can estimate the power costs. Give your power supply a 10-20% headroom for unforeseen surges in power. Always use a high-quality power supply to avoid accidents.
If you under-spec your power supply, you will have less bright light due to a lack of current flowing through the led light strip.
There are two important reasons to clean your mounting surface. The first is to remove any unwanted bumps and dents. LED light strips will make surface imperfections more noticeable.
The second reason is to have a clean surface for better adhesive contact. Most LED light strips have an adhesive backing for quick and easy installation. These adhesive LED strips are convenient but often have sticking issues on unclean and uneven surfaces.
Attaching LED light strips is the most complex and challenging process. One can take several approaches to attach (or mount) an LED strip to a flat surface.
If you fall short in length, you can join two or more LED light strips together. If you have planned your lighting project correctly, you won&#;t need to deal with joining strips together.
Due to the small size of LED strips, soldering will be very challenging.
After installation, do a sanity check, turn on the power supply and run through all the lighting options. Ensure all LEDs are working correctly, especially if you add a joint to your LED strip lights.
Buying LED strip lights can be difficult, especially for someone unfamiliar with all the terms. But careful research can make the process significantly easier. Make sure you&#;re using a strip light best suited to your application. Carefully plan out your lighting setup to avoid problems during the installation phase.
RC Lighting is an industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of the high-quality facade and landscape lighting. We have low MOQ and even lower lead times. Our LED strip lights have an IP67 Waterproof rating in 12 and 24v variants.
Poor-quality LED strip lights tend to degrade after a few months of use. The only way to determine a good quality LED strip from a bad one is through the supplier&#;s reputation and product warranty. A failure in lighting reflects a failure in business.
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