Fulham Electrician – LED Strip Lights Explained
LED strips come in various types depending on the application, colour, and features. Here are some common types:
1.“Single-Color LED Strips”: These emit a single colour of light, like warm white, cool white, red, green, or blue.
2. “Multi-Colour/RGB LED Strips”: These have red, green, and blue LEDs that can be mixed to produce different colours. Some can produce millions of colours.
3. “RGBW/RGBCW LED Strips”: In addition to RGB colours, they include a dedicated white LED (warm or cool), enabling more precise white shades.
5. “High-Density LED Strips”: These have more LEDs per meter, providing a brighter and more continuous light output.
6. ‘Waterproof LED Strips”: Protected with a silicone or epoxy coating for outdoor or damp environments.
7. “COB (Chip on Board) LED Strips”: Provide a continuous strip of light without visible points, creating a smoother, more even light.
8. ‘High CRI LED Strips”: Offer accurate colour rendering, ideal for environments where colour differentiation is crucial, like art galleries.
10. “Smart LED Strips”: Compatible with smart home systems for remote control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
These types offer flexibility and adaptability for various lighting needs, from ambient home lighting to commercial and industrial applications.
When selecting LED strips, it is important to take various crucial factors into account.
Brightness and Colour Temperature: Luminance, which is measured in lumens per meter, and the colour temperature, which is measured in Kelvin, are the main aspects of brightness. Very Warm White 2700K & Warm White 3000K make the room to be a cozy place, while Cool White 4000K and above may create a daylight effect. More information about colour temperatures further down the article.
Colour Options: RGB strips bring out a wide range of colours, on the other hand, RGBW strips have a dedicated white LED as well. There are some top models that can generate millions of colours and effects.
Voltage: LED strips usually have 12V or 24V
Waterproofing: If you are going to install the strip in outdoor or bathroom, then select one with an IP65 or more waterproof rating.
Cut and Length: The LED strips are usually available in standard lengths but can be easily cut into different intervals to fit the desired size. Think of the situation when the strip can be easily cut or extended.
Power Supply: Check if your power supply has the needed wattage for your project. The total wattage that is needed is equal to the strip length multiplied by the wattage per meter.
Control Method: Certain tracks are controlled by remote controls, wall switches, or through the smartphone apps and are integrated with the smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Installation Method: Some of the stickies have adhesive backing, while others may need different mounting hardware. First of all, think about the surface and the installation requirements. We stock a range of Aluminium Profiles for LED Strip installation, and should you need customising we can help as well.
Price and Warranty: The higher-quality LED strips are costlier, yet they give more lifespan and light. Test the product for a warranty to get a feeling of safety.
Manufacturer’s Reputation: Examine the brands that are established and verified and read reviews for the quality and the overall performance. At Electrical4Less, we only stock LED strips of reputable manufactures such as Aurora, ALL LED, Saxby
What is Colour Temperature 2700K, 3000K,4000K? Why is it so confusing??
The light colour temperatures—2700K, 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K—basically tell you how warm or cool the light is. It’s measured in Kelvins (K). The colour temperature affects the vibe of a room, so it’s important to pick the right one. Here’s a breakdown:
2700K (Warm White):
– Gives off a cozy, yellowish light, like old-school incandescent bulbs.
– Great for creating a snug, inviting atmosphere, perfect for places like bedrooms and living rooms.
3000K (Warm White):
– Slightly less yellow than 2700K, but still warm.
– Offers a neutral warm tone, keeping that cozy feel.
– Good for areas like kitchens, dining rooms, and stores.
4000K (Neutral White):
– Provides a more neutral, white light.
– Helps with visibility and contrast without feeling too cold.
– Works well in offices, workshops, and places that need focused lighting.
6000K (Cool White/Daylight White):
– Emits a bright, bluish-white light.
– Mimics natural daylight and gives great visibility.
– Ideal for commercial spaces, garages, and places needing intense lighting.
When choosing a colour temperature, think about the mood and purpose of the space.
12V or 24V LED Strips? What’s the difference?
When you’re deciding between 12V and 24V LED strips, there are a few key differences that can impact your choice based on your project’s specific needs.
Voltage Drop: Voltage drop is the decrease in voltage along the length of the strip. A 12V LED strip experiences more significant voltage drops than a 24V strip, especially over longer distances. This means 24V strips maintain consistent brightness over greater lengths.
Brightness Consistency: Due to reduced voltage drop, 24V LED strips generally keep their brightness more consistent over long runs, whereas a 12V strip may become dimmer towards the end.
Efficiency and Heat: Both voltages are energy-efficient, but 24V LED strips can power more LEDs using less current, leading to better energy efficiency and less heat generation.
Cutting Intervals: 12V LED strips can usually be cut into shorter segments than 24V strips. If precise length customization is important for your project, this could be a deciding factor.
Power Supply Options: Choosing between 12V and 24V strips impacts the type of power supply needed. If you already have 12V or 24V power supplies, it makes sense to match the strips to the existing supply.
Applications: 12V strips are great for smaller-scale projects like accent lighting, while 24V strips are better suited for larger installations such as architectural or commercial applications.
In summary, go for 24V strips for longer runs and consistent brightness. If you need precise customization for smaller installations, 12V might be more suitable.
Dimmable or Non-Dimmable LED Strips?
When it comes to dimming LED lighting, both the LED strip itself and the driver (or power supply) play a role. Let’s break it down:
LED Strip: First off, the LED strip needs to be able to dim. Most modern LED strips are good to go in this department, but it’s always smart to double-check before you buy. Some LED strips are specifically designed for dimmable setups.
Driver/Power Supply: Next up, the driver needs to support dimming to effectively control brightness. The most common types of dimmable LED drivers are:
– PWM Dimming: This type of driver uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to adjust the current, which lets the LEDs shine at different levels of brightness.
– Analog Dimming: With this setup, the current to the LEDs is adjusted directly, changing the brightness.
– Triac Dimming: This works with standard wall dimmers and lets the LED driver recognize and adapt to the AC dimming signal.
Dimmer Type: The type of dimmer used also affects dimmability. It’s important to make sure the dimmer switch and the driver are compatible. Not all dimmers work with all drivers, so matching up their specs is key.
In a nutshell, to have a dimmable LED strip, you need both a compatible LED strip and a fitting driver. Before you buy or set anything up, make sure to check the specs to ensure they’re a good match.
Do I need Aluminium Profiles for LED Strips?
Aluminum profiles, also known as channels, aren’t always a must-have for LED strips, but they do offer some important benefits that make them worth considering:
Heat Dissipation: LED strips produce heat when they’re on. Aluminum profiles help to spread out this heat, which can help the LEDs last longer and perform better.
Protection: The profile acts as a shield, keeping the LED strip safe from dust, moisture, and accidental knocks.
Aesthetics: Using profiles can give LED setups a polished, finished look. They often come with diffusers that soften the light and reduce glare, creating a more even spread of light.
Mounting: Aluminum profiles make it easier to mount LED strips on different surfaces, especially when you need precise alignment or want a more permanent setup.
Customizability: Profiles come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, so you can pick a style that suits both the look and function of your project.
In short, while not absolutely necessary, using aluminum profiles can boost both the functionality and appearance of your LED strip installation.
Where Can I buy quality LED Strip?
If you’re looking to get your hands on some top-quality LED light strips, you can check out ELECTRICAL4LESS LTD online. And if you happen to be in London, you can also swing by their branch at 9 Seagrave Road, SW6 1RP.”
Should you need assistance with buying and installation of LED Strips please contact Fulham based MGB Electrical.
