{"id":2310,"date":"2018-05-10T15:58:36","date_gmt":"2018-05-10T20:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ledsupply.com\/blog\/?p=2310"},"modified":"2022-07-12T12:57:54","modified_gmt":"2022-07-12T12:57:54","slug":"7-tips-before-installing-led-strip-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ledsupply.com\/blog\/7-tips-before-installing-led-strip-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Things to Know Before Buying and Installing 12V LED Strip Lights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Flexible LED strip lights are used all over the world in various industrial, commercial and residential projects. LED strip lighting is popular among many Architects and Lighting Designers due to the improvements in efficiency, color options and brightness. The biggest draw is how easy they are to install. Their flexibility, low-profile and helpful accessories make them the most popular LED strip for the at home DIY types. With these LED strips, a homeowner can design like a professional with the right supplies and just an hour or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many options for LED strip lights with no simple \u2018one size fits all\u2019 standard to go by. This LED Strip Resource Guide will educate newcomers and experts alike on finding the best LED strip lights for the job and how to use them while overcoming common installation hold-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Guide will educate newcomers and experts alike on finding the best LED strip lights for the job and how to use them while overcoming common installation hold-ups.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LED Light Strips: What Makes them so Special?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LED strip lights<\/a>, also known as LED tape lights or LED ribbon lights, are known for their low-profile size and flexibility. Efficient LEDs sit on a 10mm wide circuit board, offered in 3ft to 16.4 ft lengths. Flexible LED strip lights have many features that make them easy to use in a variety of situations:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Cut-to-size \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>Cutting LED strips is very simple thanks to the cut lines along the strips. At each cut point there is a black line with copper solder pads that sit on each side. The copper solder pads make it so each strip piece is addressable even after being cut. This makes it possible to connect LED strips together or connect the strip in a different area of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Flexible LED strip with Adhesive \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>The LED strips have a 3M adhesive backing for simple mounting options. The low profile, flexible strip has a peel-off backing which exposes the 3M adhesive, making for a simple peel-and-stick install.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Waterproof or Non-Waterproof \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>LED strip lights are not limited to indoor projects. The waterproof LED strip lights are IP65 rated with a silicone resin material that protects the strip components from dust and moisture. The waterproof LED lights are a little more expensive but are a must for any project that is outdoors or close to water.<\/p>\n\n\n

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12 volt LED lights \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>The LED strip lights need 12VDC power input to run. This will require an AC\/DC transformer for in home use, but makes wiring the strips through the house a lot safer. Batteries also output DC power, so it is easy to make a battery powered LED light<\/strong> with these flex strips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 Things to Know Before Installing LED Strip Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LED flex strips are great for all kinds of projects, but sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Follow this 7 step guide if you are stuck not knowing where to begin. The guide shows the various LED Strip options and and what to plan for in order to make your do-it-at-home LED strip lighting a complete success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED Strip Density = Brightness<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The density of an LED light strip means how many LEDs are in a set area. For LED flex strips, density is measured in  \u2018LEDs per Meter\u2019. The Standard Density strip has 30 LEDs\/M whereas the High-Density has 60 LEDs\/M. A higher density strip equates to a higher quality, brighter light. The table below shows the differences between the standard and high density strips. Take note of the Lumen outputs as well as the differences in cut lengths and the max run length for each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Density<\/strong><\/td># of LEDs<\/strong><\/td>Lumens<\/strong><\/td>Wattage <\/strong>
(per Reel)<\/strong><\/td>		Cuttable<\/strong><\/td>Max. Run<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Stand. (SD)<\/td>30\/Meter<\/td>540\/Meter<\/td>27 Watts<\/td>Every 4″<\/td>32.8 Ft.<\/td><\/tr>
High (HD)<\/td>60\/Meter<\/td>1080\/M<\/td>40 Watts<\/td>Every 2″<\/td>16.4 Ft.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Lumen is the measurement of brightness as perceived by the human eye. Thanks to incandescent lighting, most of us use watts to measure the brightness of a light. With LEDs, Lumens are the new standard to describe light output. Lumen output is one of the most important parts of choosing LED strip lights as it will determine the type of light you will receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to note how Lumens are tracked when comparing LED strips brightness . In the above table, strips are labeled as Lumens per Meter. In order to find total Lumen output just find how many Meters you will be running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lumen output is one of the most important parts of choosing LED strip lights as it will determine the type of light you will receive.
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Different projects require certain amount of brightness to achieve their purpose. My advice would be to always go for the brighter option and add a dimmer. Below is a helpful guide on Lumen requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n