If you are looking for a way to add subtle pops of colour, light up dark corners of your room, or makeover your old cupboards and wardrobes, then you might have come across LED strip lighting. The flexibility of LED strip lighting allows you limitless options for your creativity to conjure up.
Therefore, this article will help you with everything you need to know about strip lighting. If you have any questions about the products we stock or need help choosing a lighting option that is suitable for you, please get in touch. You can call us on +44 (0) 1132 799745 to speak to a member of our team directly or email us at info@vision-lighting.co.uk with your message.
What Are LED Strip Lights?
LED strip lights are flexible circuit boards inhabited by LED lights. They are DIY and can be stuck almost anywhere to add a pop of colour or add brightness to even the darkest and dullest corners of your domestic or commercial property.
They have many different applications due to the fact that they can be shortened and lengthened using simple processes. They can also be bent vertically up to 90 degrees, allowing you to add light to places you previously thought impossible.
Your Frequently Asked Questions, Answered...
Can you cut LED strip lights to length?
As LED light strips are fixed in length, you will probably find that it is not always possible to find a strip that’s the right size every time. However, many light strips can be cut to length. The general rule of thumb is that if the light strip has a cut line, it can be cut, and if it doesn’t, don’t cut it.
If the LED lights can be cut then it will be very clearly noted on the product specifications, and it will typically have a scissors logo on the places that can be cut. Before cutting them, make sure that the LEDs are not plugged in, double check that they are cuttable, and then cut along the appropriate cut line to the desired length.
Here at Vision Lighting, our coloured LED strip lights and TradeLED Blue Strip Light can be cut every 50 millimetres. On the other hand, the TradeLED Zig Zag Strip Light can be cut to size every 3 LEDs.
So, to recap:
Step 1: Check the LED strip lights can be cut, and remember to disconnect the power supply.
Step 2: Measure the length that you need.
Step 3: Find the cuttable line, typically marked with a scissors logo, that is the most appropriate for the size that you need.
Step 4: Cut along the cuttable line with scissors, making sure to cut in a straight line.
As you can see, though the answer is ‘yes, you can cut some LEDs’, it is important to make sure that you follow the steps laid out above to make sure that your LED lights are cut properly and are still in working order after being cut to size.
Can you connect LED strip lights together?
Yes! In the same way that you can cut LED strips down to size, you can connect LED strips together if you need a longer length than can be bought in a singular reel. You can connect LED strips together using two methods: using circuit connectors, or by soldering the copper pads on the strips.
Connectors To Join Strip Lights
The simplest way to connect two or more LED strips together is by using connectors. These might come in the form of: a clip or buckle, which is great for elongating the length of the strip; a wire connector, which is great for navigating corners; or a multi-strip connector, for connecting multiple strips with a singular join.
When selecting a connector, it is important to make sure that you use a male to male clip in order to make sure that the current can flow throughout the length of the LEDs. You will also need to make sure that you opt for a connector that is designed for the same number of pins as your LED lights, which is typically either two or four pins.
Soldering Strip Lights
Soldering can be more mechanically sturdy and efficient; however, it is a bit more difficult to DIY than just using a connector. But, if you have the skill and the equipment to do so, it is often preferable to secure the joins by soldering.
After you have soldered the LED strips together, you must make sure that you cover the exposed new join up, as it won’t have any casing. You can do this with either electrical tape or a suitable heat shrink wrap.
Things to consider when you are connecting LED lights...
- When connecting LED lights, the tapes need to be exposed. Therefore, you will need to carefully remove the plastic casing around the copper connections.
- Always make sure that you match the right wires on the LED strips to one another - for example, red connects to red, green connects to green, and so on.
- Consider using a heat shrink cover for protecting the connections after it has been done to keep them free of dust and water. LED lights going outside will need a specialist outdoor cover to make sure they are weatherproof.
- You can connect a number of LED strips together, as long as it doesn’t exceed the upper limit of the strip’s power output and the power source. The spec of the strip is also important here - as a general rule, Constant voltage LED Strips should be run in no longer than 10m sections per power supply to avoid voltage drop. Constant current LED strip lights however can be run up to 50m or more from a single power supply, if the power supply is suitable for this, without dimming on either end.
How to connect LED strip lights to mains
To connect LED strip lights to your mains power supply, you will need...
- Your choice of LED strip
- Compatible LED driver
- Compatible LED connector wire
- Or, LED strip kits with everything you need included
Step 1: Insert the end of the LED tape into the connector, matching the red wire with the + and the black wire with the -.
Step 2: Connect the wires together. This might involve removing some of the adhesive strip on the back.
Step 3: Install the strip lights wherever you want them.
Step 4: Connect the other end of the connector into the driver. You don’t need to do this if your lights come with a pre-attached jack.
Step 5: Plug the driver into your power supply, power outlet, or power source, and switch it on.
You might be able to plug multiple LEDs into the same power outlet if it's a multi adaptor power supply. If not, you will need to plug each LED strip into an additional power supply.
How to install LED strip lights
Installing LED strip lights is super simple, quick and easy. Firstly, decide where you want your lights to go. For example, looking at installation in kitchens, bright LED tapes are fantastic for overall kitchen lighting, especially when hidden behind the lip of kitchen cabinets. With flexible LED tape, you can create bespoke LED strips that will allow you to run the LED lights in whatever shape or pattern you want, even navigating corners.
You can also choose LED strips that have additional features, such as an adjustable colour that can be controlled by a remote control, button control box, or even voice control. This can involve totally changing the colour temperature output at the press of a button, or operating an automatic colour temperature switching sequence.
Once you have got everything you need in order, just peel away the backing of the adhesive tape and firmly stick it where you want it.
Vision Lighting’s Range Of LED Strip Lights
Here at Vision Lighting, we stock a great range of strip lighting that can be used for a wide range of different applications across commercial and domestic premises. They can all easily be cut down to size and quickly installed thanks to their adhesive strip backing.
We have a wide range of different colours, designs, and IP-rated products, so you are guaranteed to find the perfect LED strip lights to create the perfect mood, ambience, and atmosphere with your lighting solution.
Here are some of the types of LED strip lights that you can get your hands on from Vision Lighting.
Coloured LED Strip Lights - 24W, 12V, IP67, 5m
Here at Vision Lighting, you don’t have to stick to just your average white light. Instead, why not check out our range of single colour LED strip lights. Choose from a wide choice of LED strip lights in red, green, or blue to add a pop of colour to your home or business.
All our coloured LED strip lights come in a 24W 12V 5 metre reel, which can be cut to size every 50 millimetres. They are suitable for a wide range of commercial and domestic applications, such as catching the attention of customers or creating atmospheric mood lighting.
With an IP rating of 67, these LEDs are completely protected from dust and other small foreign particles, and they are waterproof to the point of being protected against immersion for up to 30 minutes, keeping you safe in the event of an emergency.
The TradeLED blue strip light is a simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient lighting solution that is ideal for decorative home lighting, mood lighting, signage lighting, channel letter lighting, stands, windows, archways, and so many more architectural lighting applications.
These lights also come in a 24W 12V 5 metre reel that can be cut to size every 50mm. If you require something longer than 5m, then you can simply solder two or more strips together or use the strip connectors for a light strip extension.
With 60 LEDs per metre, sold on a 5m reel, these zigzag light strips are truly versatile, as you can cut them to size every 3 LEDs. The most innovative of these applications is for signage. The zigzag strip lights are a very flexible strip and can be used to build up 3D letters, create halo-effect signage, and flat shapes, perfect for branding and logos.
TradeLED White Strip Lights - 24W, 12V, IP67, 5m
The TradeLED waterproof LED strip lights are 4.8 Watts per metre, and they are available in 6000K cool white, and 3000K warm white colour temperatures. Available in 5m reels, these IP67 waterproof strip lights are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Each waterproof LED strip light comes complete with a glue kit to ensure you can cut and resize the strip light and maintain its IP67 rating. Inside each kit is additional end caps, joint covers and screws for the joint covers.
Looking For A New Led Lighting Solution? Browse Our Products Or Get In Touch With Us Today
Here at Vision Lighting, we are proud to boast an incredible range of LED strip lights, accessories, power supplies, and much, much more. If you are looking for a new LED light solution for your domestic or commercial property, why not browse our range of high-quality LED lighting solutions?
If you're having trouble finding a particular product or would like to speak to us about our range of LED strip lights, then please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on +44 (0) 1132 799745 or email us at info@vision-lighting.co.uk. Alternatively, you can use this online contact form.