LED Tape
LED Strip Lights

At present, one of the most popular LED products available on the market is LED strip lights (also known as LED ribbons or tapes). Depending on the intended purpose of your lights, there are a number of factors which will influence your choice: the size or type of LED, the number of LEDs within a metre strip, the colour or colour temperature, flexibility of the strip, carrying capacity and voltage, amongst others.

Performance

The most important of the factors mentioned above will almost certainly be the size and type, as these determine brightness or performance. As a basic rule, the more recent the technology of the LED, and the bigger its size, the brighter it will be.

A second determining factor will be the number of LEDs in the strip per metre. The higher the concentration of lights, the brighter the strip will be. Those with an extremely high concentration will often feature special technology, such as double or triple width strips, where LEDs are placed not just one after another, but in two to three rows beside each other. Before buying a multi-row strip, be sure to check the arrangement of the LEDs, as those which are placed too close together will emit too much heat, dramatically shortening the lifespan of the strip.

Colour

LEDs are available in a rainbow of colours, as it is possible to manufacture any shade using the RGB technique. There tend to be two or three shades of white available. These are: bright or cold white, a very bright, bluish tone; warm white, which is yellowish and emits a glow close to the colour of the sun; and natural white, which is a combination of the two. The temperature of white spectrum LEDs is measured in Kelvins. The coldest whites have the highest colour temperature (from about 5,000K) and the lower temperatures belong to warmer shades.

Almost any colour can be produced in single colour LEDs, and a large variety of colours can also be manufactured using RGB LED strips. RGB strips require a controller to operate. This influences whether the colour of the strips is one constant colour of whether the colour changes via a run-down effect, as well as setting the pace of changes.

Flexibility

The flexibility of LED strips can be a determining factor in their application. If you’re looking to replace fluorescent tubes, rigid strips are usually the best choice, although flexible strips are better suited to most purposes. However, rigid strips can be easier to work with on flat surfaces, such as ceiling or walls, which is worth bearing in mind. Generally, though, flexibility tends to be a grace rather than a burden.

As a rule, strips are only flexible to one dimension, which means that it’s important to know the direction the LEDs will be laid in. Commonly, strips will face upwards, so if you’re trying to light up a wheel, for example, you’ll need to look for side-mounted or side-view strips so that you can shape them in the right direction.

Carrying Capacity

LED strips usually have a very low carrying capacity, and heavy-duty strips don’t tend to be sold for home use. To combat this problem, those looking for heavy-duty LEDs for home use should explore profiles as a solution.

IP Rating

Any electric goods will have an IP rating made up of two numbers. This indicates the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. If you are looking to install LED lighting in wet or humid places, outdoors or underwater, then you need to make sure you choose items which are waterproof. Items which are 100% waterproof will have an IP rating of 68, we have a great selection of fully water resistant LED tape available, which is specially sealed to IP68.

Voltage

Always check the voltage of LED strip lights before application. Many strips will use the mains supply, but lots of LEDs need a transformer because they run at a low voltage (usually 12 or 24V). Before buying a transformer, make sure that it’s suitable for LEDs as electric transformers will ruin your strip lights.

Before you press that button and invest in LED lighting, you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth your time to install strip lighting. It is! LEDs consume a very low amount of electricity compared to their lumen output (how much light they produce). This is good for the environment and good for your bank balance too. They are also brilliant to use in tricky areas, as they can easily bend around corners etc. They have a lifespan which is many times longer than traditional lighting alternatives, so maintenance costs are low. If you want lighting which you can use anywhere, low energy bills and environmental friendliness, then LED strip lighting is for you – just make sure that you follow our guide so that you choose the right lights for your home.

LED Light Strips
The Lowdown on LED Strip Lights