Installing LED Strip Lights

Installing LED Strip Lights: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Installing LED Strip LightsLED strips are innovative, versatile lighting options for a myriad of spaces. From under the cabinet lighting to kitchens, LED strips can be installed in many spaces. The good thing with LED strips is that they don’t consume a lot of energy, making them more suitable lighting options for many spaces. From homes to commercial buildings, these strips can optimize the aesthetic appeal of any space. However, it’s important to get the installation process right. This step-by-step guide for beginners makes installing LED strip lights easy.

Installing LED Strip Lights: What You Need

Before you start installing LED strip lights, ensure that you have the essentials ready. These will make the process easy and seamless. Here are a few supplies you need for a successful LED strip light installation.

  • LED strip lights: You need the right LED strip lights. Get your LED strip lights from Saving Light Bulbs.
  • Scissors: These are used to cut LED strip lights at appropriate lengths.
  • Light strip connector kit: You also need this kit for easy installation.
  • Tape measure: A tape measure helps you get it right with measurements.
  • Cloth: Cleaning cloth and cleaning solution
  • Step ladder: This is important if you are installing your LED strips at height. A ladder allows you to access high-ceiling spaces for seamless installation.

How To Choose Your LED Strip Lights

Installing LED Strip LightsNow that you have the right supplies, it’s important to select the right strip lights. There are different types of strips on the market. Plus, each supplier comes with different strips. Choose high-quality strips. Get your strips from a reputable supplier like Saving Light Bulbs. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the right strip lights:

Brightness

Measured in Lumens, brightness is an important factor to consider because it affects how a space will be used. While cool color temperature LED strips offer more lumens per watt (about 4000K, their warmer counterparts have about 2700K and 3000K lumens. This makes cool colors ideal for spaces that require more light. On the other hand, warmer lights are ideal in domestic settings.

LED Color

There are lots of color options to choose from, including white, warm white, and single-color lights. You can also go for RGB LED strip lights. These are a combination of red, green, and blue lights that change color. 

Color temperature

Another important factor you should consider is color temperature. Ranging from warm to cool white, color temperature determines how you will use a space. Higher temperatures bring about cool hues while lower temperatures represent warmer colors.

Voltage Requirements

Check the voltage of your LED light strips. In most cases, popular options are available in 5V, 12V, or 24V. A good number of strip lights run on 12V. However, longer strips (of more than 10 meters) run on 24V. 

Smart LED Strips

If you prefer permanent installations, opt for smart LED strip lights. These options are highly flexible and can be trimmed and even extended. It’s important to note that these strip lights can be connected to smartphones, allowing you to control the lights in a smart way. Additionally, these options are designed to connect via smart home systems like Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home.

Installing LED Strip Lights: The Steps

Now that you have all you need to install LED strips, it’s time to get down to actual work. Here are the steps you need when installing LED strip lights.

Step One. Confirm the power supply.

First, ensure that you have the correct power supply. Take into consideration the 20 percent safety margin. This ensures your plights have a safer power supply.

Step Two: Measuring The Area

Prudently, get the measurement of the area where the LED strips will go. If it’s more than one area, consider adding all the measurements. This total figure will help you determine the LED strip length.

Step Three: Preparing The Surface

The next step involves preparing the surface. Using a cleaning product, wash any dirt from the surface. From here, consider drying it with a dry cloth. This will allow your LED strips to stick properly.

Step Four: Peeling Off LED Strip Backing

Peel off the backing of the LED strip. This is an adhesive surface that will stick the LED strip to the surface. Unpack the strip, double-checking that the lights are in the right place. At this point, avoid unraveling the strip completely. Start with 30 to 49cm first. Do it in bits.

Step Five:  Apply It To The Surface

Apply it to the surface, starting where it will be plugged. Carefully, line it against the wall. Then complete the application by carefully pressing small sections on the strip.

 Step Seven: Cut the Strip to Size With Scissors

Locate the designated cut lines. Cut it into these sections to fit your area. Don’t cut through the circuit.

Step Eight: Check The Connections And Test It

Finally, check to ensure all connections are right before testing it. Switch on the power and observe how it lights up your space.

The Bottom-Line

Installing LED Strip LightsWant to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space? Are you planning to optimize your kitchen area? Well, LED strips offer functional illumination while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space. However, it’s important to install them properly.  The above guide contains the steps you need when installing LED strip lights.

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