LED strip lights are now at the peak of their popularity. People all over the world use strip lights to increase ambiance and add style to any place. Besides, these lights can create a cozy atmosphere and can be used in outdoor and indoor applications. As they come with several color varieties and brightness levels, you can control them with a remote or controllers. 

Confused about how to choose the best strip lights and their application capacity? No worries, I have years of experience with these lights and will help you in detail with the LED strips here-

What Is An LED Strip Light? 

An LED strip light is also called an LED tape light, which is a flexible circuit board embedded with surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Typically, this step is backed with adhesive and is easy to install on several surfaces. You can also use the strip lights for various applications such as accent, task, decorative, commercial, and residential. 

Besides, LED strip light is long-lasting, energy-efficient, and available in different colors, brightness levels, and more. As this lighting can be customized based on your requirements, you can use this for a unique design. Not to mention that you can control the light via LED controllers, remotes, apps, and more. 

Benefits Of LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights come with many benefits for users, from energy efficiency to versatility–

Energy Efficiency

LED strip lights are known for their excellent energy efficiency compared to conventional strip lights. Basically, they consume less energy, around 80%, and save money. Hence, they only use 10 to 30% of the energy and offer the same or even greater brightness than others. This energy efficiency contributes to reducing carbon emissions. 

Flexible

Another essential benefit of LED strip lights is their flexibility. As these lights are built on a thin, bendable circuit board, they can be shaped, curved, and cut to fit a variety of spaces. At the same time, they are customizable to meet specific consumer requirements. Therefore, you can place them in corners or on irregular surfaces, even in outdoor applications.

Durable And Long Lifespan

LED strip lights are designed for durability and longevity. And they run approximately 50,000 hours, unlike traditional lights. If you take proper care, the lifespan can reach up to 10,000 hours. However, they do not burn out suddenly but gradually dim over time.

Versatility

From bedrooms to the kitchen, you can install LED strip lights in a wide range of places. Their versatile nature makes them more popular among consumers worldwide. No matter the place, if you need any extra illumination for an area, put the strips in. They will enhance the brightness and make the place elegant.

Safety

LED strip lights operate at very low voltage, around 12v or 24v, and reduce the risk of electric shock compared to conventional lights. Also, they produce minimal heat during operation and have no chance of burns or fire hazards. As they do not contain any hazardous chemicals like mercury, they are safer for the user and the environment at the same time.

Brightness

The brightness that the LED strip lights produce is extreme and surpasses other traditional lighting. However, you can choose the brightness level from low to high based on your requirements, like room size. With the right brightness, you can create the perfect atmosphere. 

Understanding LED Strip Light Types

There are many types of LED strip lights available, so you can choose one based on your needs-

SMD LED Strip 

Surface Mount Device (SMD) strip lights use surface-mounted diodes soldered directly onto a flexible circuit board. And these lighting comes in specific sizes, and their common sizes are 2835, 3528, and 5050. Also, SMD strips are recognized for their versatility and can be customized in length. 

COB LED Strips 

COB (Chip on Board) LED strips are directly attached to the substrate and create a continuous, dot-free light line. With these types, you can get uniform brightness with high color accuracy and minimal heat. Hence, COB strips are suitable for modern interiors like under-cabinet lighting, and display cases, and offer enhanced visual comfort. 

Tunable White CCT LED Strip

With Tunable White CCT LED strips, you can adjust color temperature from warm white 2700K to cool white 6500K. These lights are mainly ideal for mood lighting, and they can offer natural daylight variations. These strips often feature dual white LEDs and a controller. So, they are perfect to use in the home, office, and commercial environments. 

Addressable LED Strips

Addressable LED strips are also known as digital or pixel LED strips. These lights allow the users to control each LED or group of LEDs along the strip. Unlike standard strips, where all LEDs display the same color at once, addressable strips can create complex lighting effects, animations, and more. You can use the digital controller for this.  These strips use integrated microchips and are widely used for creative projects.

Single Color LED Strip Lights

As the name suggests, single-color LED strip lights come with one consistent hue along the entire strip, like warm white, cool white, or red, blue. You can use them for accents, under cabinets, and backlighting. They are available in different brightness levels and can be used where color-changing effects are not necessary.

RGB LED Strip Lights

RGB strips combine red, green, and blue LEDs to produce a range of colors. These strips are highly popular for creating a lighting effect in entertainment areas and at any party. You can control and change the colors with a remote or controller. 

LED Strip Light Installation

The installation process of the LED strip is relatively easy. You can do that by following a few steps–

Prepare All The Necessary Components 

First, gather all the necessary materials for your strip light installation. For instance, collect LED strip lights, power supply, connectors, tape measure, scissors, microfiber cloth, etc.

Measurement And Planning 

Before starting the installation strips, you have to measure the length of the installation area. And then cut the strips based on these measurements perfectly. After that, sketch a layout or mark the installation area to visualize the placement and ensure the strip can reach a power source. This way, you can avoid mistakes and hassle during the installation process. 

Clean Surfaces 

Now, make sure to clean the surface area before installing. You can use a lint-free cloth to remove dust, oils, and debris. You should know that a clean and dry surface allows the adhesive backing to stick securely. This reduces the risk of the strip peeling off over time. Remember to special attention to the edges, as these areas are prone to accumulating grime.

Peel And Stick

In this step, carefully peel off a small section of the adhesive backing from the LED strip, exposing about 6 to 18 inches at a time. Begin at your starting point and press the strip firmly onto the cleaned surface. Gradually peel and stick the rest of the strip, smoothing it as you go to prevent air bubbles or wrinkles. For extra security, consider using mounting clips or additional adhesive tape, especially on textured or vertical surfaces.

Use Scissors To Cut Off The Excess Strip

If your LED strip is longer than needed, trim it to the correct length using scissors. Only cut along the designated cut lines, which are typically marked with a scissors icon or copper pads. Otherwise, cutting outside these lines can damage the circuit and render parts of the strip inoperable.

Connect The LED Strip And Driver

After cutting, connect the LED strip to the power supply (driver) using the appropriate connectors or by soldering wires to the copper pads. Also, use splitters or amplifiers if needed for longer installations or multiple strips, and verify that the total wattage does not exceed the driver’s capacity. After that, secure all connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing for safety and durability.

Power Up And Test 

Once everything is connected, plug in the power supply and turn on the LED strip lights. Next, check for consistent illumination along the entire length and inspect all connections for secure attachment. If any sections fail to light up, double-check the polarity, connectors, and cut points. Testing before finalizing the installation helps identify and resolve issues early.

Creative Applications Of LED Strip Lighting

From exterior to interior, LED strip lighting can be used in several places, for instance–

1. Under Cabinet Lighting

You can use LED strip lights for under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, workshops, and offices. This actually works as a task lighting and creates a warm atmosphere. This way, you can make a shadow-free illumination directly onto countertops or workspaces. 

2. Accent Lighting

LED strips are widely used for accent lighting to highlight architectural features, artwork, or furniture. Their flexibility allows them to fit in tight spaces and around curves. With color color-changing option, you can make the place more attractive and unique. 

3. Backlighting

Backlighting with LED strips is most popular to create dramatic visual effects behind TVs, mirrors, monitors, and wall art. This diffused glow reduces eye strain and adds a sense of depth to the display. This technique is especially popular in home theatres and living rooms. Also, you can customize backlighting with various colors and brightness levels.

4. Outdoor Lighting

LED strip lights are also used outdoors, like gardens, decks, pathways, or patios. They have weather-resistant designs. Therefore, they can enhance illumination to make a cozy exterior ambiance. With strip lights, you can increase outdoor safety. 

5. Retail Displays

LED strip lights are widely used for retail displays to increase the visibility of the environment and attract consumer attention. Therefore, you can use them for highlighting products, signage, and shelves. Also, adjustable color temperature and brightness levels help retailers adapt lighting to different products or promotional themes.

6. Stair Lighting

Stair lighting with LED strips improves both safety and aesthetics. So, you can install strips along the underside of stair treads or handrails to offer clear visibility in low-light conditions and reduce the risk. Mainly, this is particularly useful in homes with children, the elderly, or any commercial places. Apart from safety, stair lighting brings style and a modern look to the spaces. If you want to know the installation process of the strip lights on stairs, read this – Steps for Installing LED Strip Lights on Stairs.

Selecting The Perfect LED Strip Lights For Your Needs

You can choose the right LED strip lights by considering a few factors–

1. Brightness 

To select the LED strip lights, you have to consider the brightness of the strips for perfect illumination, which is measured in lumens. And lumens show how much light the strip offers and how well the area will be illuminated. Unlike watts, which measure power, lumens measure brightness.

Low Lumens (150-300 lumens per meter): Low-lumen strip lights are ideal for subtle accent lighting, such as under-cabinet illumination, behind TVs, and more. Essentially, this range is suitable for areas where functional lighting is not the primary goal, but rather focuses on aesthetics. 

Medium Lumens (450-700 lumens per meter): This strip’s brightness is used for general ambient lighting. You can also choose them for hallways, living rooms, and kitchens, where moderate brightness is required. Besides, this medium lumens is enough for visibility and comfort, yet soft enough to avoid glare. 

High Lumens (800+ lumens per meter): High-lumen LED strip lights can deliver strong brightness suitable for task lighting. Hence, you can use them in workspaces, commercial kitchens, and other places. These strips ensure excellent visibility and highlight details effectively.

2. Color Temperature (Kelvins)

Color temperature is another thing you should consider while choosing the strip lights. This is measured in Kelvin (K), and the temperature will decide how the space atmosphere will feel. However, you can choose the right color temperature based on your purpose and place.

Warm White (2700K—3000K): This offers a soft, yellowish hue. And it creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and more. Basically, you can install these strips in places where relaxation and comfort are priorities.

Cool White (5000K – 6500K): The cool white strip lights feature crisp, bluish-white lights. And their temperature matches the daylight. It is also suitable for focus areas like kitchens, offices, and bathrooms. Also, cool white strip lights are often chosen for modern environments. 

Neutral White (3500K—4500K): This color temperature offers balanced, clean white lights that sit between warm and cool tones. It is versatile and works well in areas where both comfort and clarity are desired, like closets, hallways, or multipurpose rooms.

3. Dimmability And Controls

If you want more flexibility, it is a good idea to choose LED strips with dimmable features. This way, you can adjust the brightness of the lights according to your mood and the situation.

Dimmers: LED strip lights are compatible with standard dimmers and allow you to adjust the brightness level to suit different moods or tasks. The dimming option enhances ambiance and saves energy, and lifespan at the same time.

Smart Controls: Often, LED strips have smart automation systems. Therefore, you can control the lights via smartphone apps, remote, or voice assistance. This feature lets you change color, settings, programmable routines, and more.

4. IP Rating for Water Resistance

You can install LED strip lights in areas with moisture or dust, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoors. For this, they come with a waterproof feature and an IP rating (Ingress Protection).

IP20: This rating indicates basic protection against solid objects but no water resistance. Hence, you can use these strip lights in indoor and dry environments. 

IP65: IP65 strips are safe from dust and low-pressure water jets, and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or sheltered outdoor areas. They strike a balance between durability and flexibility for spaces that experience occasional moisture exposure.

IP67: This offers strong protection against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for a limited time. These strip lights are suitable for outdoor use, bathrooms, or other water-exposed areas. If you want to know more about this, visit this article- Waterproof LED Strip Lights: Everything You Need to Know.

5. Heat Dissipation And Lifespan

Good LED strip lights are designed to last a long time, but they require effective heat management to maintain their longevity. LED lights generate heat when in use, and if this heat isn’t properly managed, it can cause the lights to wear out more quickly.

Aluminum Channels: Aluminum channels act as heat sinks, dissipating heat away from LED strips and improving their longevity and performance. They also offer a professional finish, protect the strips from dust and damage, and can diffuse light for a smoother appearance.

Heat-Safe Designs: Choose LED strips with a heat-safe design. This includes advanced circuit boards and thermal management features to prevent overheating. Proper heat dissipation ensures consistent brightness, reduces the risk of failure, and extends the operational lifespan of the LEDs.

Troubleshooting And Maintenance Of LED Strip Lights

Often, an LED strip can create issues, and you have to solve the problems. Some of the common troubleshooting ideas are given below–

1. LED Strip Lights Won’t Turn On

If the LED strip lights don’t turn on, the reasons can be power supply failure, loose connection, or faulty LED strips. 

Solution: To solve this issue, first check the power supply to ensure it’s delivering the correct voltage. After that, inspect all connections. If you find any loose connections, fix them immediately. If these steps are perfect, then test the strip directly. 

2. Uneven Lighting 

Uneven lighting, like a dim or dark section along the strip, often results from a voltage drop. Also, low-quality strip lighting can be a cause for this. 

Solution: To fix the voltage drop, ensure the power supply is proper. Also, check for poor connections or damaged segments as they can interrupt the current flow. Also, when purchasing, always opt for high-quality products. 

3. LED Strip Lights Flicker

Flickering LED strip lights are commonly caused by several factors. For instance, it can be due to an incompatible or failing power supply, loose connections, or faulty drivers. 

Solution: For this, verify that the power supply voltage matches the strip’s requirements and that all connections are secure. If the issue persists, inspect the LED driver for proper output using a multimeter. Also, you have to replace any failing components and avoid overloading the power supply to prevent future flickering.

4. LED Strip Lights Are Dim

Dim LED strip lights can result from insufficient power supply voltage or capacity, excessive strip length, or degraded LED chips. 

Solution: To fix this issue, confirm that your power adapter matches the strip’s voltage and can handle the total wattage. After that, check for voltage drop along the strip, especially with longer runs. Also, inspect the strip for aging or damaged LEDs, and replace any defective sections to restore full brightness.

Conclusion

Selecting and using LED strip lights involves understanding their types, specifications, and innovative applications. This guide empowers you to illuminate your space effectively. Therefore, you have to choose the right type of LED strip for your needs. And plan the installation carefully and conceal the wiring.

However, if you want high-quality LED strips with a customization option, contact Mylikeled. We offer a wide range of LED collections, featuring LEDs with various colors, lengths, brightness levels, and more.