How Is It Possible To Hardwire LED Strip Lights?

Are you wondering whether or not the hardwiring of the LED strip lights is possible? Well, it is possible, and you can do that by following a few installation steps.

First of all, you have to collect the required tools to start the process. After that, set the LED strips in your desired location. And then plug the adapter into a power source. You always have to remember to check the lights after installing them to avoid mistakes.

Here, I have included the process of the hardwire light strips. Also, I mention the places where you can hardwire the strips and some mistakes you can avoid while installing– 

Why Use Hardwired LED Strips?  

There are many benefits to using hardwire LED strips. For instance–

• Provides a stable current

Proper hardwriring offers a stable current to the LED strip lights. Also, this reduces the chance of a loose connection. With hardwiring, you can eliminate the need for plugs and unplugs. Plus, this lowers the power consumption and heat generation. 

• Enhanced control of your lighting environment

You can connect LED strips to a dimmable controller. And this will allow you to control the brightness of the lights. This way, you can customize the illumination based on your needs. For instance, if you want to do activities like reading or work, use bright light. While soft lighting will create a cozy environment. 

• Improve the aesthetics of more spaces

With hardwire, you can hide the wires of the LED strip. This way, the place will become neater and hassle-free. And it will increase the aesthetic look of your space. 

How To Hardwire LED Strip Lights?

Let’s explore the steps you have to follow while hardwiring LED strip lights–

Step 1: Prepare The Materials

First things first, you have to collect all the necessary items to hardwire the LED strip lights. For instance–

• Switch 
• Dimmer 
• Bluetooth controller
• A/C power cable
• Correct power adapter
• Male barrel plugs

Step 2: Place The LED Strip

Next, you have to place the strips in your desired locations. For this, you have to stick he adhesive sites in spaces like under beds, walls, and under cabinets. However, before putting the strips on any surface, you must clean it with water and dry it to remove any debris. 

Besides, when you have to cut the strips, cut over the mark of the cutting with sharp scissors. After that, you have to use direct soldering or strip connectors to attach the segmented strips. 

Step 3: Plug The Adapter Into An AC Power Source

Now, you have to clip the wire connector at the end. Often, an alternative power adapter is needed for this. And you have to learn about the colors indicated. For instance, green wire means the ground (GND), and brown wire is the fire wire. And for the AC power source, you have to connect the three colored wires. 

Begin by connecting the brown wire, which goes into the live port of the adapter. Next, connect the blue wire to the neutral port. Finally, plug the standard AC cable into the grounded port. Make sure your power supply provides either 12V or 24V, depending on what’s required.

Step 4: Plug The Adapter Into A DC Power Source

This step is easy; it’s just like plugging AC power into an LED adapter. For this, take the red wire from the LED strip and connect it to one of the V+ ports on the adapter. Then, connect the black wire to the V-port. That’s it.

Step 5: Light Up Test

Finally, check that the lights work perfectly. If you find any issues, fix them. Then, enjoy your newly installed hardwire LED strip lights. 

9 Places To Hardwire LED Strip Lights?

I have discussed here the nine most common locations where you can hardwire LED strips–

01. Kitchen

With hardwired LED strip lights, you can illuminate your kitchen easily. It makes the place aesthetic and offers a great cabinet’s view. 

Therefore, you can install strip lights at the cabinet’s bottom. This will offer extra lighting at the kitchen counter for cleaning and cooking while avoiding shadows from the central ceiling light source.

On the other hand, you can also set the strips over the cabinets to create soft brightness on top of the kitchen area. Meanwhile, strip lights can be installed on the bottom of the kitchen island to suspend the environment. However, to select he strip for the kitchen, read this- how to choose the right LED strip lights for kitchen cabinets.

02. Bedroom

In the bedroom, you can easily hardwire the LED strip lights. When you install the strip lights on one ceiling, your whole bedroom will look different. This will make the room more elegant, unique, and attractive. You can also use different colors and temperatures for more preferred colors. 

Moreover, you can install strips behind the wall of the bed. This will create a softer and cozier environment for sleeping. Similarly, high strip lights in the trim board can offer indirect lighting. With sensor types, the light setting in the closet provides easy access. If you need more ideas to install the strips, check this- Creative LED Strip Ideas for the Bedroom.

03. Guest Room

Hardwired LED strip lights in guest rooms provide welcoming, adjustable lighting that can be tailored to visitors’ preferences. And you can install the strip lights around mirrors, closets, or bedside areas for convenience and style. This lighting solution adds a modern touch while ensuring guests have adequate illumination.

04. Bathroom

The popularity of bathroom lighting is increasing daily. Now, people take selfies in the bathroom and share them on social media. So people are now more concerned about the bathroom lighting. With hardware LED strips, you can make your bathroom more illuminated and have a more elegant look. 

05. Malls And Retail Stores

You can use different ways of the LED strip lights in the business. For instance, it can be installed in background lighting in stores, theaters, shopping centers, and more. Often, owners use the hardwire strips for the store signs to attract consumers. You should know that lighting can affect the consumer’s feelings. 

Therefore, you can install the strips in the base of the display to increase the store’s attractiveness. Setting light strips in the ceiling can offer a soft glow to the retail display.

06. Restaurant

Another common place to use hardwire light strips is a restaurant. There are different locations in the restaurant where you can install strips, like over the dining table. This will make the whole pace ambience soft. Behind the booths, the bar site is another space to set the strips. This divides the pace from one another and increases the visual effect. 

07. Office

Researchers have shown that the color and temperature of lighting affect people’s moods. For instance, 4000K lighting helps employees remain alert and focused during work by providing an energizing environment. On the other hand, 5000K white lighting can enhance concentration. This is the reason why offices now increase to use of the hardwire strips. To know more about them, read this- Comparing 4000K vs 5000K LED Color Temperatures: Key Differences.

So you can either install strip lights under the desk or in the ceiling area of the office. This will offer an even lighting effect and make the place more comfortable to work.

08. Concerts And Light Shows

Whether concerts and light displays are held outdoors, hard-wired light strips can be used. As the strips can withstand harsh weather, the use of the strips for concerts is increasing. Mostly, RGB strips are used for this kind of event.

09. Other Locations

Besides the places mentioned above, there are plenty of other locations where you can hardwire LED strip lights. But before you do, always check the power supply in that area and make sure it’s safe. Also, be sure to follow the safety rules set by UL and CSA carefully.

What Are the Common Mistakes To Avoid When Hardwiring LED Strips?  

You can make some mistakes while hardwiring LED strips. So I mention below a few of them to avoid–

Overlooking Voltage Compatibility

The most common mistake when hardwiring strips is ignoring the voltage compatibility of the power supply and strips. Typically, LED strips run at 12V and 24V, so you have to use a power source that matches this voltage. If you use the lower or higher voltage power supply, it can cause damage, overheating, and reduce the lifespan. 

Skipping Heat Management

As LED strips generate heat during operation, if you neglect heat dissipation, it can cause overheating. This also reduces LED lifespan and causes premature failure. For this, you can use aluminum channels, heat sinks, or thermal adhesive to dissipate heat effectively.

Neglecting Safety Precautions

To work with electricity, you have to follow strict safety precautions. For instance, before starting the process, turn the power off. And you can wear gloves and rubber grips for extra safety.

Insecure Connections

Insecure or loose connections can lead to flickering or complete failure of the LED strips. Therefore, it is essential to use proper wire connectors designed for LED installations or solder wires. Also, double-check polarity and ensure all connections are tight and insulated to prevent shorts and maintain consistent lighting performance.

Ignoring Installation Instructions

Often, LED manufacturers provide certain types of installation instructions for different strips. Therefore, you have to follow this guideline carefully to avoid any accidents. So, read the given instructions before beginning the installation of the hardwire strips.

Using Inappropriate Tools

Last but not least, check the required tools carefully and don’t use the wrong equipment. Necessary tools include strippers, wire cutters, connectors, and more.

Can You Use A Hardwiring Kit For Easier Installation?   

You can use a hardwing kit for easier installation–

What Is A Hardwiring Kit For LED Strip Lights?

A hardwiring kit for LED strip lights is a set of components designed to convert plug-in LED strips into a permanently installed lighting solution. This kit typically includes connectors, wire nuts, adapters, and often a compatible power supply. Therefore, it ensures all necessary parts are available in one package.

Benefits Of Using A Hardwiring Kit

Using a hardwiring kit offers several advantages. First, it streamlines installation by providing all required materials and clear instructions. This way, you can make the process faster and more organized for both beginners and experienced users.

Besides, hardwiring enhances control over your lighting, such as allowing integration with dimmers for adjustable brightness. Additionally, it ensures a stable power supply, reducing the risk of flickering or loose connections.

Considerations When Using A Hardwiring Kit

Before using a hardwiring kit, confirm that it is compatible with your specific LED strip model and voltage requirements. This will avoid damage or malfunction. Do not forget to always follow the safety instructions included in the kit. For instance, turning off the power supply before installation and using appropriate safety gear. If you are unsure about any step, consulting a qualified electrician is best to ensure a safe and reliable setup.

Conclusion

As you can see that hardwiring LED light strips is not that complicated. If you follow the steps, you can do that in no time. Besides, while hardwiring, try to avoid the above-mentioned mistakes. From the kitchen to the restaurant, there are many places you can set this lighting. 

However, want to get the best LED strips? Then, contact Mylikeled, we manufacture high-quality products and supply them around the world. We have many quality certificates, and our after-sales service is popular among consumers. 

FAQs

What should you know before you hardwire LED strip lights?

Before hardwiring LED strip lights, you must understand that LED strips operate on low-voltage DC power, typically 12V or 24V. You need a suitable power supply to convert mains AC voltage to the correct DC voltage. Also, proper polarity must be set when connecting wires, and the power supply capacity should match the LED strip’s power requirements.

Can LED lights be wired directly?

LED lights cannot be wired directly to mains power because they require low-voltage DC power. Connecting them directly to the AC mains without a proper power supply will damage the LEDs. Instead, an LED driver or transformer converts the mains AC voltage to the required DC voltage before wiring the LED lights.

Can you wire LED strip lights directly to the battery?

Yes, LED strip lights can be wired directly to a battery if the battery voltage matches the LED strip’s rated voltage. When wiring to a battery, ensure correct polarity and that the battery can supply sufficient current for the LED strips. This setup is common in automotive or portable applications. However, using a fuse or current limiting device is best to protect the LED strips and battery from damage.