LED Strips
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The advantages of LED strips for your projects
Using LED strips offers several advantages, making them an attractive choice for both professional installations and DIY projects. This lighting solution focuses on efficiency, durability, and a wide range of design possibilities.
- Significant energy savings: LED strips consume considerably less energy than traditional lighting. This results in lower operational costs and contributes to more sustainable business practices.
- Long lifespan: Thanks to robust LED technology, strips have a long lifespan, often up to 50,000 burning hours. This minimises the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.
- Flexible installation: The flexibility of the strips makes installation in tight or irregular spaces easy. They can be cut to size and easily attached with a self-adhesive backing.
- Versatile lighting options: From warm white light for atmosphere to bright white for functional lighting, and even RGB colours for dynamic effects, LED strips offer a wide spectrum of light colours and intensities.
- Compact and discreet: The slim profile of LED strips allows for invisible installation, so only the light is visible, not the light source itself.
Different types of LED strips and their applications
LED strips are available in various versions, each with specific features for different projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right strip for the application.
LED strip types: an overview
| Type of LED Strip | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Monochrome (Single colour) | Emits a single fixed light colour (e.g., warm white, cool white). | Cabinet lighting, accent lighting, general lighting. |
| RGB | Offers the ability to create any desired colour by mixing red, green, and blue. | Atmospheric lighting, decorative lighting, backlighting. |
| RGBW / RGBWW | In addition to RGB colours, it also has a separate white LED for pure white light (warm or cool). | Applications where both coloured and high-quality white light are needed. |
| CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) | Allows for adjusting the white colour temperature, from warm white to cool white. | Workspaces, kitchens, rooms where the light's mood can be changed. |
| Digital / Addressable | Each LED or segment can be controlled individually for dynamic effects. | Advanced light shows, entertainment lighting, interactive installations. |
In addition, the chip size, such as SMD5050 or SMD2835, is important for the brightness and power consumption per LED. SMD5050 is typically more powerful and brighter than SMD2835.
Important specifications and considerations when purchasing
To make an informed choice, it is important to pay attention to the technical details. These determine the performance, durability, and suitability of the LED strip for your project.
- Voltage (Volt): The most common are 12V and 24V strips. 24V strips are more efficient over longer distances due to less voltage drop. This is especially important for longer lengths to prevent differences in brightness.
- Lumens per metre: This indicates the brightness of the strip. A higher lumen value means more light output. For accent lighting, a lower value is sufficient, while main lighting requires a higher lumen value.
- Number of LEDs per metre: A higher number of LEDs per metre provides a more uniform light line without visible 'dots' and a higher total light output. This is particularly important in applications where the light line is directly visible.
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IP rating (Ingress Protection): The IP rating indicates the protection against dust and water.
- IP20: Not protected against water, for indoor use in dry conditions only.
- IP44: Splash-proof, suitable for bathrooms (zone 3) or sheltered outdoor areas.
- IP65: Jet-proof, suitable for damp indoor spaces and most outdoor environments.
- IP67/IP68: Fully dust-proof and waterproof (submersible), for use under water or in very humid environments.
- Colour temperature (Kelvin): From warm white (around 2700K-3000K) for atmosphere, to neutral white (around 4000K) for workspaces, and cool white (above 5000K) for functional applications requiring brightness.
- Colour Rendering Index (CRI): A value above 80 is generally sufficient for a natural representation of colours. Higher CRI values are relevant for applications where colour accuracy is crucial, such as in shops or museums.
- Dimmability: Check if the LED strip is dimmable and which dimming method is compatible (e.g., PWM dimmer). This is important for creating the right atmosphere and flexibility in light intensity.
For complex installations or if you are unsure about the right specifications, professional advice can help you find the best lighting solution.
Installation and connection of LED strips
Installing LED strips is generally straightforward, but a correct approach is important for safety and functionality. An installer will pay attention to the following steps:
- Surface preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and grease-free for proper adhesion of the self-adhesive backing.
- Cutting to size: LED strips can be cut at specific markings, usually every 3 to 10 cm. Use sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut.
- Connecting the power supply: Connect the LED strip to a suitable power supply (transformer) with the correct voltage (12V or 24V) and sufficient power (wattage) for the length of the strip. The total wattage of the strip must not exceed the maximum power of the supply.
- Checking and finishing: Test the LED strip before final installation. Neatly conceal the wiring and consider using aluminium profiles for a sleek finish and improved heat dissipation.
Practical tips for a durable installation
- Consider an aluminium profile: This improves heat dissipation from the LEDs, which extends the lifespan of the strip. Moreover, it provides a sleek, professional finish and more even light distribution, especially in applications where the strip is visible.
- Use the right connectors: Various connectors are available for joining multiple strips or making corners. Ensure they are compatible with your strip and create a good, stable connection. [Image: Different LED strip connectors]
- Prevent overheating: Do not place LED strips in completely enclosed spaces without ventilation. Although LEDs are efficient, they still produce heat that needs to be dissipated.
- Test the installation: Always perform a test before finalising the installation. This allows you to identify any issues with the power supply, connectors, or dimmers before everything is permanently concealed.
- Consider the IP rating for outdoors: For outdoor or damp applications, a high IP rating is crucial. Also ensure that all connections and the power supply are waterproofed.
Frequently asked questions about LED strips
Below you will find answers to common questions about LED strips, based on the practical experiences of installers and users.
Can I place an LED strip just anywhere?
Not everywhere. The ambient temperature, humidity, and the need for waterproofing (IP rating) determine a strip's suitability. For outdoors or in damp areas, a strip with the correct IP rating (at least IP65) is necessary.
How long can an LED strip be without loss of brightness?
This depends on the voltage (12V or 24V) and the quality of the strip. With 12V strips, voltage drop occurs more quickly over longer lengths, leading to reduced brightness at the end of the strip. 24V strips can cover longer distances. For very long runs, 'power injection' (powering the strip from both ends) or the use of LED repeaters may be necessary.
Is it necessary to cool an LED strip?
Yes, LEDs produce heat. Although they are energy-efficient, good heat dissipation is important for their lifespan. An aluminium profile helps to dissipate heat efficiently and significantly extends the life of the LED strip, especially for strips with a high light output.
How do I connect an LED strip to a switch?
An LED strip always requires a suitable power supply (transformer) to convert the mains voltage to the correct voltage (e.g., 12V or 24V). The switch is usually placed between the mains power and the power supply. For dimmable strips, the dimmer is placed between the power supply and the LED strip, or you use a dimmable power supply.
Discover the versatility of LED strips for your lighting projects
LED strips offer a modern and flexible lighting solution for almost any conceivable application. By paying attention to the right specifications, such as IP rating, lumens per metre, and colour temperature, you ensure a durable and functional lighting installation that meets your needs. Whether for atmospheric accents in the living room, functional work lighting in the kitchen, or striking light lines in the garden, LED strips provide an aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient solution. It is advisable, especially for larger or more complex projects, to seek advice from a lighting specialist to determine the optimal configuration.
More detailed information on specific installation methods or advanced applications can be found in our installation guide for LED strips or our blog about LED profiles.