If you're feeling overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of LED flex strips, fear not! This 7-step guide is here to rescue you from indecision and confusion. With a clear roadmap in hand, you'll be able to navigate the world of LED strip lighting with ease and confidence. From exploring different strip options to planning out your project, this guide has got you covered every step of the way. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to a successful DIY LED strip lighting project!
1.LED Strip Density = Brightness
The density of an LED light strip means how many LEDs are in a set area. For LED flex strips, density is measured in 'LEDs per Meter'. The Standard Density strip has 30 LEDs/M whereas the High-Density has 60 LEDs/M. A higher density strip equates to a higher quality, brighter light. The table below shows the differences between the standard and high density strips. Take note of the Lumen outputs as well as the differences in cut lengths and the max run length for each.
2.Color: RGB Multicolor, UV, Colors, White CCT Range
LED strip lighting is a popular and versatile lighting option for homes and businesses alike. When it comes to choosing colors, it mostly depends on personal preference. However, for those who like variety and color effects, RGB (red, green, and blue) LED strips are a great option. These color-changing strips allow you to mix colors and create a wide range of hues, making them perfect for accent lighting throughout your space.
If you do choose RGB strips, remember to use a 3-channel controller from the dimming section of your lighting guide. Additionally, there is an ultraviolet (UV) version of the strips available if you want to create your own black light or use UV lighting for other applications.
However, if you prefer single colors, LED strips are available in red, green, blue, yellow, and white (ranging from warm to cool). The color temperature of an LED strip is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and is known as the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). Warm White, with a temperature of 3000K, emits a yellowish or orangish light. As the temperature increases, the color changes to off white, natural white, and, finally, bluish-white (known as Cool White).
Ultimately, no matter what color temperature or style of LED strip lighting you choose, it can provide a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to add ambiance and functionality to any space.
3.Length of Strip
When planning a LED strip lighting project, it is important to outline the entire project so that you know how much strip lighting you will need in total. This will give you an idea of what to purchase and how much it will cost. LED strip lights are available in 3ft increments all the way up to a full reel of 16.4ft, so it is important to decide if you want to purchase an entire reel and cut it down to size or if you want pre-cut lengths.
To start, draw out your project and plan where the strip lights will be needed and how they will be connected. It is also important to consider if you will be using a single power supply for all of the lights or separate power supplies. This step is important as it will help you to progress through the next few steps smoothly.
Once you have a plan in place, it is time to gather all the necessary materials. This includes the LED strip lights, a power supply or power supplies, connectors, and any other necessary equipment. It is important to choose high-quality materials to ensure that your LED strip lighting project lasts a long time and functions properly.
Next, install the LED strip lights according to your plan. This step may require some tools and technical knowledge, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the installation process before beginning. Make sure to test each section of the lights as you install them to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Finally, sit back and enjoy your newly installed LED strip lighting. With a little bit of planning and some quality materials, you can transform any space with beautiful and functional LED lighting.
4.LED Strip Wattage and Powering
LED Power Supply Options:
Plug-in Adapter – Plug straight into your wall to power your LED strip lights.
Hardwire Power Supplies – Directly wire in between your line voltage wiring and your LED Strips.
Dimmable Power Supply – Want to dim from a common residential dimmer like a Lutron or Leviton? This is the power option for you!
Batteries – Find a 12V battery pack or use an 8 cell battery holder.
5.Wiring and Connecting LED Strips
This is where the sketch from before will come in handy to start considering where you will be running all the strips. Was the plan to run all the strips together in a long run? If your total length needed is over the maximum run length of the strip (32.8 ft. for SD and 16.4 ft. for HD) then you will need to run parallel wires from your power source to the separate strips.
As our sketch shows, sometimes you will want to power strips coming from different directions into one common power supply. In this instance you will already be running parallel wires.
Wiring LED strips when you are dealing with multiple reels of strips can be tough but we have a powering and wiring guide that you can follow to map out your LED strip light setup.
6.Dimming LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights are commonly controlled using pulse width modulation dimmers that are installed in-line on the 12 volt side of the system, connecting between the strips as demonstrated.
The beauty of PWM dimmers lies in their versatility - they can be used with any transformer or battery source without requiring a specific dimmable power supply. With PWM dimming, you can smoothly adjust the brightness of your LED strip lights from the faintest glow to dazzling brilliance. Not only are they cost-effective, but they are also simple to install, making them the preferred choice for dimming LED strip lights.
7.Mounting LED Strips
While the adhesive on the LED strip lights is convenient for mounting, it may not always meet expectations. Like many adhesives, it struggles to adhere to certain surfaces and may require reinforcement over time. In such cases, consider using one of the following alternatives:
1. Extra Adhesive Tape – Utilize 3M tape on the surface before applying the strip to enhance bonding strength.
2. LED Strip Mounting Clips – Opt for mounting brackets designed specifically for LED strips.
For those seeking a more polished look, mounting tracks are an excellent choice. These aluminum extrusions provide a professional finish by housing your light strips and offering all necessary mounting components. The LED strips attach to the bottom of the track, while a UV protected lens slides over the top to diffuse the light effectively.
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