LED Strip Lights UK | Shop for Quality Strip Lighting Solutions

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Imagine walking into a room that is vibrant with ambient lighting, highlighting every chosen element beautifully. This is the magic of LED strip lights. These energy-efficient, flexible lights can transform any space, be it your living room, kitchen, or even your garden.

Short Summary

• Choose LED strip lights for your needs based on factors such as voltage, length, waterproofing and colour temperature.

• Enhance any space with LED tape lights that are suitable for home, commercial or outdoor applications.

• Troubleshoot common issues such as flickering or uneven lighting by inspecting connections and using higher quality components when installing the strips.

Choosing the Right LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights, also known as LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights, are a fantastic way to illuminate your space and create a unique atmosphere. They are long, thin circuit boards with small LED chips attached, typically backed with a self-adhesive material which is just like sellotape for ease of installation. To install LED strip lights, you’ll find they offer a host of advantages including being more energy efficient and having a longer lifespan than standard fluorescent or halogen light bulbs. Light strips have become a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses due to their versatility.

But, how do you choose the right LED strip lights to suit your needs? Consider the following factors:

• Voltage - 12V or 24V are your main options. We recommend 24V as you can run longer lengths without worrying about voltage drop issues.

• Length - if you use 24V, you can easily go up to 10 metres. For longer runs its better to contact us to discuss the best options/accessories for your individual application.

• Waterproofing - IP20 is suitable for most applications (even kitchens), while IP65 is better for bathrooms and IP68 for outdoor use.

• Colour - if you've got warm white 3000K lights in the same room, then try to make all of the lights match to avoid contrast.

The right LED strip lights for you will depend on where you plan to install them and the effect you want to achieve. The beauty of this product is that its versatile and you can create almost any lighting effect you can imagine.

Colour Temperature

Colour temperature is an important consideration when choosing LED strip lights. It refers to the visual appearance of light emitted by the LED chips, expressed in Kelvin. When you select the colour temperature, you’re essentially deciding on the atmosphere you want to create in your space.

For example, if you want to create a cosy atmosphere in your living room, you might choose extra warm white lights (2700K). If you want to highlight a display in your retail store, you might choose a brighter and whiter cool white light (4000K).

If you want to create an effect that isn't a cosy as extra warm white (2700K) and not as white as cool white (4000K), then warm white (3000K) could be the perfect choice. Warm white (3000K) is the most popular selling colour in all of our lighting products from light bulbs, LED downlights and LED strip lights.

For a bright, modern look, you might opt for a cool white (4000K) light or something even higher like daylight (6000K) which is ultra white - very modern looking but quite harsh. For those wanting to make a bold statement, LED strip lights are also available in a variety of colour changing options known as RGB (Red, Green & Blue). Or if you want the best of both worlds, there's RGB+W which is colour changing with a true cool white or RGB+WW which is with a true warm white. The key advantage of RGB+W and RGB+WW is that you can have colour changing modes when it suits you, for mood lighting or switch to the singular colour temperature for task lighting. You can also mix RGB with cool or warm white to create some truly remarkable shades of orange, pinks and more.

Brightness

The brightness level of your LED strip lights is another essential factor to consider. The right brightness depends on various factors such as room size and the intended application of the lights. If the lights are too bright, they can be harsh and uncomfortable to look at. On the other hand, if they’re too dim, they won’t effectively illuminate your space. Adjusting the brightness can be achieved by incorporating a dimmer switch, dimmable power supply, or employing a controller which would be an essential requirement for colour changing LED strips.

Length

The length of the LED strip lights you choose is determined by the size of the area you wish to illuminate and the effect you want to create. LED strip lights can range in length from a few millimetres to hundreds of metres. They're often sold per metre or in packs. You need to consider the cutting points of the LED tape, which is usually 50mm or 100mm but can be longer depending on which version you're using.

No matter what length you require, you can add additional components to create longer lengths.

To ensure a smooth and efficient installation process, it’s crucial to measure the area you’re illuminating accurately. Then, choose the appropriate length of the LED strip lights for your project. If you're going around corners or bends, you might need some additional accessories or specialist soldering. For permiter lighting in living rooms you can also strategically position each power supply next to each length and make the LED strip lights appear like they've all joined together.

Seamless Lighting Effect

Ideally you want to be aiming for a dot-free lighting effect that produces a seamless array. Older LED strip tape had the LED chips positioned quite far apart from each other which creates a dotting effect. Newer COB (Chip on Board) LED tape produces a totally seamless lighting effect - similar to a fluorescent strip light but with energy efficient LEDs. Higher output COB tape has an impressive 480 LED chips per metre and is positioned behind a special coating. You can also install the LED strip inside an aluminium profile rail which further diffuses the light and provides a neater, more professional finish.

Installation Tips for LED Strip Lighting

Now that we’ve covered how to choose the right LED strip lights, let’s move on to their installation. While the process is straightforward, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. These include preparing the surface, cutting and connecting the LED strips, and powering your lights.

Preparing the surface is the first step. This involves cleaning the area and ensuring that it is clear from any dust particles.

Preparing the Surface

Before installing your LED strip lights, it’s important to prepare the surface. This means ensuring it’s:

• Clean

• Dry

• Smooth

• Stable

Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust, then dry the surface with a clean cloth. Once the surface is clean and dry, you’re ready to install your LED strip lights. You can then peel off the self-adhesive backing and stick it to the surface.

Cutting and Connecting LED Strips

When it comes to cutting led strip lights, precision is key. Always cut along the designated cutting line between the copper dots to ensure all LEDs function correctly. The strips usually have small images of scissors to help you identify the cutting points.

Connecting your LED strip lights is the next step. While soldering is the most reliable method, solder-free connectors can also be effective, depending on your skill level and the type of installation your working on. If you've purchased a pack of LED strip tape it usually comes with one input cable. Once you've cut a section off it, you'll either need to solder a new input cable or use a connector.

Powering Your LED Strip Lights

Choosing the correct power supply (also known as an LED driver) for your LED strip lights is crucial to their performance and lifespan. Powering your LED strip lights requires the right size of power supply (measured in watts) and output voltage (usually 12V or 24V DC). If you've got a 1 metre length of 15 watts per metre strip tape, you'll need a power supply that's capable of powering it which could be 15 watts or something bigger like 20 watts. The worst and most dangerous thing to do with LED lights, is to power a 12V light from a 24V power supply as it can overheat and start a fire.

Our LED driver selection table helps you choose the appropiate power supply for your application, with options for dimmable and non dimmable.

15W COB LED Driver Selection Table

Enhancing Your Space with LED Tape Lights

 

With your LED strip lights now chosen and installed, it’s time to explore the endless possibilities they offer. Whether you’re lighting up your home, a commercial space, or even an outdoor setting, LED strip lights can truly transform and enhance any space.

From creating a warm and inviting atmosphere to adding a touch of modernity and sophistication, LED strip lighting creates a bright and vibrant atmosphere.

Home Applications

With the added convenience of a remote control or mobile phone App, LED strip lights incredibly versatile for home applications. They can be used as a primary light source, to accentuate decorative features, for task lighting, and for accent lighting on walls.

For instance, you could use LED strip lights in the following applications:

• Under cabinets.

• To highlight artwork.

• To light up staircases.

• To create a unique atmosphere in different rooms, such as a cosy living room or a contemporary kitchen.

• Shelf lighting.

• Home office lighting.

Commercial Applications

LED strip lights aren’t just limited to home use. They’re also a fantastic lighting solution for commercial spaces such as retail stores, restaurants, and offices.

In a retail store, for example, they can be used to highlight products and create a welcoming atmosphere. In an office setting, they can provide task lighting and contribute to a contemporary aesthetic.

Outdoor Applications

Don’t forget about the great outdoors. LED strip lights are perfect for illuminating outdoor spaces too. They can be used for landscape lighting, pool lighting, and patio lighting.

Whether you’re lighting up a garden path, accentuating architectural features, or creating a cosy patio setting, LED strip lights are a great solution. They’re also waterproof, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Troubleshooting Common LED Strip Light Issues

Despite their many advantages, LED strip lights can sometimes present challenges. Common issues include flickering or uneven lighting, adhesion problems, and power supply or circuit board issues.

Let’s delve into these issues and explore some solutions.

Flickering or Uneven Lighting

Flickering or uneven lighting can be a common issue with cheap LED strip lights. This is often due to inadequate or faulty connections, or an overloaded LED driver.

To resolve this, check the connections between the LED strip and the power supply, and between the LED strip and the controller. Also, visually inspect the LED strip for any signs of damage, it may have been bent during transit or installation.

Adhesion Issues

Adhesion issues can also occur with self adhesive LED strip lights. This could be due to high heat, excessive humidity, or defective adhesive.

To tackle this, ensure the surface is clean and dry before installation. Also, apply even pressure along the entire length of the LED strip lights during installation to ensure they adhere properly. If the adhesive does fail, you can use some super glue to secure it back in place.

Power Supply and Circuit Board Problems

Problems with the power supply and circuit board can also affect the performance of your LED strip lights. These problems can include a malfunctioning power supply, a damaged circuit board, or an improper connection between the power supply and the circuit board.

To resolve these issues, consider the following:

• Using a higher-quality power supply such as Mean Well.

• Avoiding excessive bending and twisting of the strip as it can damage the circuit.

• Ensure the lighting strips are adequately ventilated, the use of an aluminium profile rail helps to dissipate the heat.

Summary

In conclusion, LED strip lights offer a versatile, energy-efficient, and cost-effective lighting solution for any space. Choosing the right LED strip lights involves considering factors like colour temperature, brightness, and length. Proper installation is crucial to their performance and lifespan, and troubleshooting common issues can help ensure they continue to illuminate your spaces beautifully. So why not transform your space with the magic of LED strip lights?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of LED light strips?

LED strip lighting has several disadvantages, such as it can be difficult to select and order the correct components, project costs can add up when you consider all of the components involved. Soldering your own connections can be difficult, although we do provide a cutting and soldering service.

Additionally, installation of LED strips can be difficult and time-consuming for new users.

How do you connect LED strips to mains?

Connecting LED strips to mains power is easy: simply wire the live, neutral and earth cables of your 240V mains supply to the input terminals of your LED power supply, then connect the positive (red) and negative (black) wires from your LED strip to the power supply's output terminals. For RGB strips you'll have 4 wires and RGB+W or RGB+WW there'll be 5. These are wired into a controller or receiver, which is connected to the power supply.

Ensure the polarity of the wires matches the polarity of the driver for a successful connection.

Can I connect LED strip lights to lighting circuit?

Yes, you can safely connect LED strip lights to the lighting circuit as long as the full load current of the power supply isn't higher than the lighting circuit. If you've got a 100 watt, 24V power supply has a rated current of up to 4.2 amps, so you could wire this to a traditional 6 amp light switch but a 100 watt, 12V power supply is rated at 8.5 amps which would require a 10 amp rated switch. Any mains wiring should be completed by a qualified electrician.

This ensures that the circuit is able to handle the load of the LED strip lights without overloading the circuit.

Can you cut LED lights strips?

LED Strip Lights are designed to make cutting easy, and can be cut between the pair of copper dots that show up at cutting intervals on the LED tape. They are very versatile, allowing you to customise their length and shape for any area of your project.

LED strip lights are a great way to add a modern touch to any room. They are fairly easy to install and can be used to create a variety of lighting effects. Whether you want to add a subtle glow to your living room or create a unique space.