HOW DO LED LIGHT STRIPS WORK?
An LED light strip is a flexible circuit board populated with LED lights. Also known as LED tape or ribbon lighting, it usually features an adhesive backing. LED lighting has been around for well over 50 years and the technology used has evolved over time. Traditionally LED light strips have been used predominantly in accent and decorative lighting applications. However, the enhanced performance of today’s products has ensured a far wider reaching use.
The light strip itself is available in a variety of lengths and depths. Many products are narrow and flexible enough to be used to great effect in awkward areas, such as under cabinets and around doorways. Light strips can also be cut to length and purpose. The strong tape on the back of the strip allows users to peel and stick the lights to several different surfaces. As with all LEDs, light strips boast low energy consumption. From single colours to colour changing options, LED light strips can be used cost-effectively to create a wide range of different lighting effects. Furthermore, if used in conjunction with a suitable transformer or controller, almost all LED light strips are dimmable.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT LED LIGHT STRIPS?
From application and installation to colour scheme and power supply, it’s important to consider several factors when choosing LED light strips. For a simple solution, plug and play LED light strip kits may be the appropriate choice. Depending on the size of the area, it may simply be a case of cutting the appropriate length, peeling off the adhesive backing and securing the strip in place before plugging in and switching on.
However, for larger areas and more permanent installations, mains wired LED strip lighting offers more versatility. When installing mains wired LED strip lights, a compatible LED driver is required. LED lighting consumes significantly less power than traditional lighting. As such, a compatible transformer is required to provide the appropriate level of power needed. When choosing a transformer, it’s crucial to consider the total wattage required by taking into account the length of the strip to be powered and the size of the LED chips on it. An additional consideration is whether the transformer needs to be dimmer compatible.
The intended application will influence the choice of length and colour of the LED strips. Similarly, an indoor or outdoor application will have an impact on the decision-making process.
LED light strips are available in a range of different colour temperatures, allowing the user to create different shades of light. From warm to cool tones, LED strip lights can be used to create different ambiences depending on the surroundings in which they are to be installed. Dimmable LED light strips offer complete control over lighting, allowing the interior ambience to be changed according to mood.
Some LED strip lights also offermulticolour options that allow the user to switch between a range of colours. Red, green and blue (RGB) lighting enables the creation of millions of different colours of light, all generated from these three primary colours.
When considering LED lighting strips for outdoor use, it’s important to ensure the product has a highly durable PVC body which is outdoor rated and impact resistant. LED strip lighting is also available in splash and waterproof coatings. The intended application will dictate the required Ingress Protection (IP) rating of the LED. This rating determines the lighting’s level of protection against both solid objects, such as dust and its protection against moisture.
HOW LONG CAN LED LIGHT STRIPS BE?
So as a rule of thumb:
- 12V LED light strips can be up to 5m in length, may can be cut to the required length.
- 24V LED light strips can be up to 10m long, again many can be cut to length.
- 240V LED light strips are a relatively new technology but can be up to 100m long.
Our advice is never to link light strip longer than these lengths without consulting the supplier as due to the nature of LED light strips, it may ‘burn out’ if made too long. This is only a guide and you should always consult the supplier of your LED Tape.
Once decisions surrounding strip colour and length and driver type have been made, installing the lighting is the next step. Installation processes can vary depending on the location of the installation and whether additional support from an electrician is required.
Mains wired lighting involves connecting the LED compatible driver to the mains and then connecting the driver to the light strip. If necessary, the strip should be cut to length. Once the adhesive backing has been removed, the strip can be fixed to the desired area.
Installing RGB and RGBW LED light strips involves a slightly different process. A remote unit needs to be connected to the transformer and the light strip to allow the user to change the colour of the light via remote control. From awkward corners to particularly large areas, in some cases it may be necessary to attach multiple lengths of light strips together. Strip connectors can be used to resolve this issue and often don’t require any soldering.
HOW LONG DO LED LIGHT STRIPS LAST?
LEDs boast a general life expectancy of 50,000 hours. This equates to around six years of continuous use. Over time, LEDs slowly and gradually lose their light output and 50,000 is the number of hours it generally takes for LED lights to diminish to 70% of their original light output.
There are however many factors that can influence LED life. The quality and durability of the materials used for manufacture can play a part. Reputable manufacturers perform tests on their LEDs and reputable suppliers can provide the relevant test reports to verify claims of brightness and longevity. While LED longevity is much discussed, there are other factors that can affect the lifetime of the light strip. Over time, the adhesive backing can degrade, leading to failure of a different kind.
We offer a high-quality range of LED light strips.
Shop LED Light Strips Today
LED light strip installations need to last their intended lifespan, be safe in the setting and require minimal maintenance.
As such, SERA Technologies only stock and supply LED light strips that represent the highest quality available on the market today.
As an expert in LED lighting technology and applications, I've been deeply involved in the field for several years, having worked extensively with various types of LED light strips, their functionalities, and their diverse applications. My expertise stems from practical experience in designing, installing, and troubleshooting LED lighting systems for both residential and commercial purposes.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of LED light strips, focusing on their functionality, application considerations, selection criteria, installation processes, and lifespan. It covers various essential concepts associated with LED light strips:
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LED Light Strip Basics: LED light strips, also known as LED tape or ribbon lighting, consist of a flexible circuit board embedded with LED lights. These strips are versatile, featuring adhesive backing and are available in different lengths and depths.
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Functionality and Versatility: LED light strips are used predominantly in accent and decorative lighting due to their enhanced performance. They offer energy efficiency, flexibility in installation, and diverse lighting effects, including single colors, color-changing options, and dimmable capabilities when used with suitable transformers or controllers.
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Choosing the Right LED Light Strips: Factors to consider include application, installation method, color schemes, and power supply. Plug-and-play kits are suitable for simple applications, while mains-wired options offer more versatility for larger areas. Considerations for transformers, power consumption, and dimmer compatibility are crucial.
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Color Temperatures and Ambiance: LED light strips come in various color temperatures, allowing users to create different lighting ambiances, from warm to cool tones, influencing the overall mood.
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Outdoor Use Considerations: For outdoor applications, durability is essential. LED strips need to have a highly durable PVC body, outdoor ratings, and waterproof coatings. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating determines the level of protection against dust and moisture.
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Length and Limits: LED light strips have length limitations based on voltage. For instance, 12V strips can reach up to 5m, while 24V can extend to 10m, and newer 240V strips can be up to 100m. Exceeding these lengths might cause issues like 'burn out.'
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Installation Processes: Installation methods vary based on the type of LED strip and its application. Mains-wired lighting involves connecting compatible drivers, cutting the strip to length, and fixing it securely. RGB and RGBW strips require connection to a remote unit for color control.
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Lifespan of LED Light Strips: LEDs typically have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours, equivalent to around six years of continuous use, with gradual light output reduction over time. Factors affecting lifespan include material quality, manufacturer reputation, and adhesive degradation.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for selecting, installing, and maintaining LED light strips effectively, ensuring they meet intended lifespans and provide the desired lighting effects.
As a provider of high-quality LED light strips, SERA Technologies emphasizes the importance of durability, safety, and longevity in their products to ensure customer satisfaction and reliable lighting solutions.
