Needless to say, LED strip lights are one of the most versatile lighting solutions used in both commercial and residential properties. Not only does it contribute to the illumination of the space, but it also elevates its visual appeal. LED strip lights are both functional and aesthetic, compelling people to gravitate towards them over other artificial lights!
Why LED Strip Lights are a Great Addition to Any Home?
While there are many choices, LED strip lights are considered one of the best additions to your home, whatever design scheme you prefer. They can provide an outstanding light output with several opportunities for customisation. It’s safe to say that LED strip lights are your best option for bringing your creative vision to life!
Besides that, LEDs are known for their energy-efficient and long-lasting features. Being powered by that technology, you can expect LED strip lights to sufficiently brighten your home for a long time without overcompensating in electrical consumption!
Types of LED Strip Lights
Many are familiar with the single-coloured LED strip. However, did you know that there are other types of strip lights that you can get? Here are some of the most common that you should not miss!
Single-Colour LED Strip Lights
You can find this strip light in a plain white light (cool, warm, or natural white), typically used for illumination or a one-colour strip utilised for branding, décor or other specific purposes. Aside from the single white colour, this type’s most common shades are yellow, blue, green and red.
Multi-Colour LED Strip Light
If you want a strip light that can project multiple colours simultaneously, this type is the one that you should get. A multi-colour LED strip is usually employed for decorative purposes like adding a unique lighting design in your bedroom and gaming room or making signages more attention-grabbing.
RGB LED Strip Light
Unlike a multi-colour LED strip which can simultaneously produce several colours, an RGB LED strip can only show one at a time. This strip light fuses three LED chips (red, blue, green) in one strip. Each channel is wired individually, enabling you to control them separately using a specialised remote. With this, you can mix the three primary colours to get whatever colour you want! Some remote controls even allow you to set a colour-changing mode to add vibrance to your lighting setup!
White LED Strip Light
Are you planning to use the strip light for a more practical and functional purpose? If so, then a white LED strip light is perfect! You can install it under your kitchen cabinets, wardrobe, or display cabinets to add task lighting for better visibility or ambient lighting for an extra cosy atmosphere!
Features to Consider When Choosing LED Strip Lights
Knowing the types of strip lights gives you only an overview. You must determine the features that you need to further tailor-fit the LED strips for your requirements. Below are the elements that you have to consider.
Brightness
How bright do you need the space to be? Depending on the room’s purpose, the brightness level you must incorporate will differ. Also, what will be the use of your strip lights? If it’s for task lighting, you need something bright. However, something less brilliant (but still enough to see) is ideal if it’s for accent or ambient lighting!
Note, when checking the brightness of the LED strip, don’t look at the wattage but find the lumens count. Lumens indicate the level of brilliance, while wattage is the power consumption.
Colour Temperature
These are the variations of whites an LED strip light can produce. It’s measured by Kkelvin, and the most common selections are cool white, warm white, and natural white. Again, your choice will rest on the purpose of the strip. For ambient lighting, warm white is suitable, and for task lighting, opt for cool white or natural white light!
Length
You can trim LED strip lights to the size you want as long as it’s within the range of the cutting lines. The distance between the cutting lines varies, with some quite near each other and others relatively further apart. So always check the cuttable length before purchasing.
Waterproofing
LED strip lights come in different IP ratings (ingress protection). The higher the IP rating, the more protection the strips have. For indoor applications (living room, bedroom, dining room, storage space, etc.), you can use a strip light that’s only IP20 rated. However, if you’re using the LED strip in the bathroom or outdoors, you’ll need to look for a strip with an IP65 rating and up.
Power Source
Most LED strips operate at 12v DC or 24v DC; therefore, they must be converted to a low-voltage DC signal. Ensure that the power supply you’ll get has enough capacity to power your strips. Otherwise, the power supply and the strip will get damaged.
Dimmer and Remote Control
Not all LED strip lights are dimmable or are compatible with remote control. Therefore, if you want these features, you must look for a strip light that can do them. Also, when purchasing the dimmer or remote control, guarantee that it’s suitable for your strip light. If it’s not, it won’t work, or your strips may not perform as you expect.
Smart Home Integration
Did you know you can integrate your strip lights into your smart system? You can do this by purchasing a smart LED strip light or pairing a regular one with a smart home LED driver!
Factors to Consider When Purchasing LED Strip Lights
After knowing the types and identifying the factors when choosing strip lights, here are the consideration that you need to think about before buying.
- Indoor or Outdoor Use – Will you use the strip light indoors or outdoors? You may not think about this before you purchase, but depending on the location, the specifications of the strip light that you need will vary. As mentioned earlier, indoor applications (except the bathroom) need an IP20-rated strip, while outdoor use (including the bathroom) requires an IP65-rated strip light.
- Installation Method – Generally, strip lights are easy to install. You can attach it directly to the surface using its adhesive backing or secure it with an LED aluminium profile. The only thing you need to consider here is that if you have an abstract arrangement, you may need to connect two strips. You must ensure that you also prepare connectors or be ready to solder.
- Budget – Don’t purchase a strip light that is out of your budget and too good to be true. If it’s over your price range, try looking for a more affordable model but of excellent quality. Also, don’t purchase those that are too cheap. Chances are, those strip lights are made from low-quality materials and may not last long. Furthermore, you must consider that your expenses will not end with the strips and accessories. You must consider your monthly electrical bill, so choose an LED version!
Installation Process of LED Strip Light
It’s easy to install an LED strip light. Just follow this simple guide, and you’ll be done in no time!
- Preparing the Surface – Clean the surface with a cloth, soapy water and a kitchen towel and let it dry.
- Measuring and Cutting the Strip – Review the measurements you need and cut the strips accordingly. Ensure that you only trim on the cutting line.
- Connecting the Strip to the Power Source – Peel off the adhesive backing and stick the strips onto the surface you cleaned. Feed the wires where your LED driver is and connect the LED driver directly to the mains circuit or add a plug at the end and plug it in a free outlet.
Maintenance Tips for LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights are known to last for years. To ensure that they stay in tip-top shape, you can follow these maintenance tips!
- Cleaning – Limit your contact with the strip lights because it’s made with delicate elements. If you cannot stand dust and dirt, consider enclosing the strip light in an aluminium profile to protect the circuit board. Then, you can proceed with cleaning the profile!
- Checking the Connection – You can inspect the setup of your strip lights once in a while to guarantee that everything is in place and that there are no loose connections.
- Replacing Strip Lights – When replacing your strip lights, just peel them off the surface. Just be careful of the wiring and switch it off before removal.
Conclusion
If you’re considering buying LED strip lights, that’s why you’re researching them; this is your sign to go for it! They’re easy to install, energy-efficient, flexible, and have various customisation options. Now, if you want to know where to get them, visit our website, Simple Lighting! We have different LED strips together with all the necessary accessories to make them work and look stunning.
