LED Strip Lights are one of the most flexible and user-friendly lighting options for various residential and commercial applications. Also known as LED tape lights,
they’re adaptable, simple to install, and can enhance the features of a room to stand out. For example, you can use LED strip lights to brighten a room or give an accent to a stairwell or add a touch of color to your garden at night with their versatile nature.
Even though LED strip lights are a versatile option for lighting, there is a lot to know when purchasing them. The following are things to consider when buying LED strip lights:4
White or Colored lights?
You can select between warm white and cold white color temperatures if you just want white strip lights to run along with. Warm white lights are best for more relaxing sections of the house or workplace, such as living rooms and bedrooms, while cool white lights are better for workstations and more ‘dynamic’ portions.
RGB LED lights (red, green, and blue) allow you to change the color of the lights at the touch of a button, allowing for unlimited customization. These are commonly found in pubs and restaurants, but they’re also great for adding accent lighting.
Length of the strip?
LED strip lights are available in a variety of lengths. To determine how long the lights should be, carefully measure the space they will be installed. One of the most appealing features of LED strip lights is that they can be cut to fit the area you want to use them in; therefore, it’s better to buy too many than not enough. In addition, flexible strips enable you to run the lights around curves and guarantee that everything is in place.
Compatible Voltage?
Some LED strip lights are low voltage, which means you’ll need to use a compatible LED driver to get them to function correctly. In addition, connecting low-voltage lights to a mains-voltage circuit may reduce their lifespan and alter their performance.
Many LED strip lights come with the necessary transformer/driver, making installation a breeze. Always double-check the product listing to see whether you need to purchase a separate driver or not.
LEDs per Strip Density?
Some bands have more LEDs, while others have fewer LEDs. Choosing a strip with 18 LEDs per foot will provide higher-quality and more robust colors. And try choosing a strip with 9 LEDs per foot if you prefer a less bright strip.
Remember that your strip is “cuttable,” which means you can cut it at various intervals to fit it correctly in the appropriate location, such as beneath the coffee table or under the outside stair rails. If you wish to install the LED strip outside, choose one with more LEDs per foot to illuminate a larger area effectively.
Are they IP rated?
LED strips may not require an IP65 rating. But if you want to get an LED strip light for outdoors (like a yard), it’s best to get one with an IP65 or higher rating. As a result, rain, snow, and other weather conditions will not affect your LED strip, and your investment will be preserved.
Consider Purchasing Extra Accessories
You can acquire a variety of accessories for your LED strip lights, such as more adhesive tape, possibly an LED amplifier, dimmer, and so on. Mounting clips, on the other hand, are also among the necessary accessories. These are great for outdoor use since they keep your LED strip lights in place regardless of the weather or other factors.
A Final Word
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s not so difficult – just pick the proper type and length of strip for you, make sure to choose the correct brightness, and acquire a power supply that can handle the complete strip length you require.