LED strip lights

How LED Strip Lights Work (Simple Setup)

Installing LED strip lights is straightforward. Here’s what you need:

1. LED Strip light.

2. Connection - soldered cable tail

3. Cable - 2-core for single colour, 5-core for RGBW, 3 core Pixel chasing. 

4. Power Supply - 12V or 24V depending on your application.

5. (Optional) Dimming - add a receiver unit with a wall controller or remote, or use a dimmable power supply.

👉 For RGBW LED strips & Pixel chasing you’ll also need the relevant controller units. 

Choosing the Right LED Strip Light

Before buying, consider:

• Location: Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office, restaurant, or garden?

• Light type: Crisp cool white, soft warm white, natural daylight, or colour-changing RGBW.

• Brightness & spotting:

• 60 LEDs/m: Cost-effective, ideal for under-cupboard lighting (some spotting visible).

• 98 LEDs/m: Brighter with less spotting, great for visible areas.

• 120 LEDs/m: Even light distribution, perfect for primary lighting.

• 480 LEDs/m (COB): Seamless, dot-free light – professional finish.

• 672 LEDs/m (RGB COB): Colour-changing with smooth, dot less effect.

• Neon strip (IP67): Flexible, perfect for signage and curved surfaces.

Indoor vs Outdoor LED Strip Lights (IP Ratings)

• IP20: Indoor use only (not splash-proof).

• IP55: Moisture/splash resistant (not waterproof).

• IP67: Weatherproof – perfect for decking, gardens, and outdoor spaces.

LED Strip Light Run Lengths

Each LED strip has a maximum run length to prevent flicker and voltage drop:

Choose the right strip for your required lengths. 

Maximum run lengths vary from 5 to 20 metres. 

👉 Need longer runs? We can advise on using multiple power supplies or centre-fed wiring to maintain brightness.

Power Supply & Cable Selection

• Power Supplies: Always match voltage (12V or 24V) and add 20% capacity to eliminate chances of voltage drop.  

âš¡ Example: 24V strip at 9.6W per metre running at 10m = 96W - use 150w-24v power supply

⚡ Cable example:  ÷ 24V = 4A → use 0.75mm cable.

 

• Cable:

• Single colour = 2-core (0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1mm).

• RGBW colour changing = 5-core cable.

Pixel Chasing = 3 core cable.

If unsure, contact our technical team for expert advice.

Professional Finish with Aluminium Profile

For the best results, house your LED strips in aluminium profile channels with opal diffusers.

Benefits:

• Better heat dissipation → longer LED lifespan.

• Prevents peeling on dusty/damp surfaces.

• Provides a clean, modern, professional look.

Available in 2m lengths. Profiles can be cut down to site or "butted" up to create longer lengths. 

Dimming & Controls

• Remote control (handheld battery powered).

• Wall controllers (stylish and easy to use).

• Control multiple rooms with a single system (up to 30m range).


Why Choose Leading LED?

✔ Bespoke, cut-to-measure LED strip lighting.

✔ High-quality LED chips = brighter, longer lasting light.

✔ Tested before dispatch for guaranteed performance.

✔ UK technical support by phone, email, or live chat.

✔ Lifespan of up to 50,000 hours = huge energy savings.

Get Expert Advice

Not sure which LED strip light is best for your project? We’re here to help.


📞 Call: 02476 262 328

📧 Email: sales@leadingled.co.uk

💬 Live chat: Available on our website


FAQs

Q: Can LED strip lights be cut to size?

Yes - cut along the marked scissor points for a perfect fit.

Q: Are your LED strips waterproof?

Yes - choose IP67 rated strips for outdoor and garden use.

Q: How long do LED strip lights last?

Up to 50,000 hours when installed correctly.

Q: Do you offer custom lengths?

Yes - we provide bespoke cut-to-measure LED strip lights.

 

Straightforward single colour LED strip light assembly.  Make it work in 4 easy steps: 

LED strip lights

     

    Create an "L" shape or bend - Add link cables     

    LED strip lights

    ⚡Do not attempt to bend or crease the LED strip, this could cause damage to the diodes. 

    âš¡Use the correct cable relevant to your installation for cable tails and link cables.

    ⚡Use the correct size power supply   

     

     

    Not all power supplies/drivers purchased from Leading L.E.D. Limited are waterproof.  Always check the IP rating and ensure non waterproof drivers are installed where there is plenty of air flow - do not install your LED driver in any hot, cold, warm or wet areas.  

    Installation and wiring of products purchased from Leading L.E.D Ltd should be carried out by a qualified electrician or equivalent competent person in accordance with BS7671 and all other local regulations. 

    It is essential that you double check your measurements and read our confirmation email detailing final measurements discussed & agreed before proceeding with your order.  Bespoke, cut to measure orders are non returnable due to wrong measurements provided to us. 

    Every made to measure LED strip unit is tested, labelled and in full working order before leaving our workshop. Testing of the product upon receipt is also essential before sticking down into profile, so that any defects that may have occurred during transit can be rectified at this point. Failing to do this may render the LED strip non-returnable.  

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