LED strips – everything you should know about them!
LED strips appeared on the market relatively recently, but they have already managed to conquer the lighting market. Energy efficiency, easy installation and low purchase costs are just some of the advantages of LED strips.
LED strips are a simple to install and inexpensive solution that can be used both at home and in commercial premises. LED strips work well as an additional source of light in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, as well as outdoors as facade or garden lighting. The advantage of LED strips is their ability to bend freely, so you can get any desired shape.
Versatility of LED tapes
LED tape can be used to highlight kitchen countertops, wall niches and other interior design elements. In stores, tapes are used to highlight cash registers or display windows. Depending on the type of tape, they can also be mounted outdoors, but before buying, make sure that they have the appropriate class of waterproofing, which will ensure safe use in changing weather conditions. This is why the led lamps, like Foscarini may be used in different applications
We can change the length of the strip ourselves – segments can be cut off no less frequently than every few tens of millimeters (the place of allowed cutting is clearly marked by the manufacturer). For this reason, lighting strips are sold by the meter, so we can buy exactly the amount we need.
LED strips are strips on which are placed interconnected LEDs. Strips are most often equipped with LED power supplies, the output voltage of which is 6V or 12V. Its task is not only to reduce the voltage, but also to provide surge protection. Strips usually have a separate switch, which allows for convenient and easy operation of the set. Depending on the type, the tapes differ in light color or the possibility of flickering.
Number and size of diodes
One of the most important parameters for classifying strips is the number and spacing of LEDs. Looking through the strips, we will notice the types of LED strips: 3528, 2835, 5050 or 5630 – this is information on the dimensions of the LED: 3.5 mm x 2.8 mm, etc. Another property that differs between strips is the density of LEDs. The more LEDs on the strip, the brighter the light and the more electricity consumed. On the market you will find some lamps of Umage brand that can be used instead of LED strips with a density of 150, 300, 480 and 600.
Light color of the LED strip
LED light sources have the ability to achieve any color temperature. Depending on the Kelvin value, the light can be warm, natural and cold. A warm color creates a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation, so it will work best in the living room, kitchen or bedroom. The cold color of light improves concentration, so it is ideal for offices, offices or other rooms where intellectual or manual work is performed. Manufacturers like Italux also often offer single-color tapes (blue, red, etc.) or RBGs with variable color. In the case of the latter, the color change is carried out using a special LED driver. Thanks to such a solution, we can change the mood in the room depending on the occasion. Tape drivers are operated with the included remote control.
IP protection class
This factor allows us to determine whether the tape is suitable for outdoor installation, such as in the garden. LED strips are often used at home, for facade lighting or in the garden. LED strips labeled IP20 or IP44 are for indoor use only – in areas where there is no increased humidity. IP63 or IP65 strips can be used in the bathroom or kitchen. For outdoor use, the tapes must have a waterproof rating of IP67 or IP68, which guarantees water resistance. This level of protection allows the tape to be used safely as lighting for a facade, garage, stairs or garden.
LED strip power
The choice of the appropriate power of the tape depends mainly on where we intend to use it. If we care about strong light that will act as the main lighting, we should reach for tapes with a power of 14.4 W/m or 30W/m. On the other hand, decorative tapes used only to add variety to an arrangement can have a power of 1.8 W/m.
Tapes have an extremely wide range of applications. The choice of the right variant depends on the place of installation and our creativity. If you have any doubts, it is worth taking the advice of the seller, who will help select a tape with the right parameters.