LED strip lights

High-grade, affordable LED strip lights: 

As LED strip lights are becoming an increasingly popular choice of lighting within the home and business, read on for some basics on how it all works. 

LED strip lights

The diagram above represents a straightforward single colour LED strip light assembly.  Make it work in 4 easy steps: 

  • LED strip
  • Connection - Soldered cable tail or use snap fit connectors 
  • Cable -  2 core for single colour, 5 core for RGBW colour changing. 
  • Power supply - 12 or 24 volt all depending on your application.  
  • If you want to dim your LED strip, a single colour or colour changing receiver unit can be installed in-between the LED strip and power supply for use with hand held remote control or wall plate - Alternatively, use a Leading & trailing edge dimmable power supply. 

     

    If using RGBW LED strip, you will need the following additional components: 

    • RGBW Receiver unit - Installed in between the LED strip and power supply
    • Hand held remote control and/or wall controller. 

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      LETS GET STARTED!   

      Points to consider before purchasing your LED strip lights. 

      Where are the LED strip lights going to be installed?    

      Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, lounge, office, restaurant? - Think about colour, are you looking for a crisp white light, a cosy, gentle warm white, natural lighting or colour changing, with red, green, blue and white?     

      60 LEDS per metre is great for areas where the LEDS are not visible. LED strip designed with 60 LEDS per metre will demonstrate a degree of spotting or visible dots.  This range however offers a good lumen output due to high quality chips used across our range. A popular, cost effective choice of secondary lighting for under counter or cupboards.  

      98 LEDS per metre is better if the LEDS are visible for under or above counter, cupboard lighting, offering a lower spotting, even brighter light for those areas.  

      120 LEDS per metre offers a more evenly distributed, lower spotting light, once installed in profile, you will achieve a much lower spotting effect.  Ideal for bright, domestic & commercial primary lighting. 

      480 LEDS per metre (COB strip)  - zero spotting - bright, domestic & commercial lighting.  

      672 LEDS per metre (RGB COB) - Housed in profile offers a seamless, dot less result. 

      Neon strip - IP67 an ideal solution for bends/corners and signage. 

       

      IP rating?    IP means ingress protection - this is an indicator of protection against moisture and dust.

      IP20 LED strip - Not waterproof, splash-proof or moisture proof - for indoor use only. 

      IP55 LED strip  - Moisture/splash proof - Note: IP55 is not waterproof and should not be installed anywhere near direct water. 

      IP67 LED strip - Weatherproof - ideal for garden & decking areas. 

       

      LED strip lights - Accurately measure your area

      This guideline is to ensure good functionality and effectiveness of the LED strip. Leading L.E.D product codes - 

      Indoor non-splash-proof - IP20

      • IP20 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length - LS12-60 (Secondary LED strip lighting - ideal for under cabinet lighting )
      • IP20 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length- LS12HB-120 (High lumen, low spotting LED strip - very bright & dimmable )
      • IP20 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length -  LS24-98 (Bright LED strip, great for hallways and roof lanterns) 
      • IP20 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length -  LS24HB-120 (High lumen, low spotting LED strip - very bright and dimmable)
      • IP20 - run lengths of up to 5 metres - LS24-COB-480-NW (High lumen, zero spotting, bright & dimmable)
      • IP20 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length -  LS24-96-RGBW (Bright, colour changing LED strip)
      • IP20 -run lengths of up to 20 metres in one linear length - LSP24-120 (Bright, low spotting LED strip, the best solution for run lengths over 5 metres)

       

      Indoor splash-proof  - IP55

       

      • IP55 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length - LS24-98-IP55 (Bright LED strip)
      • IP55 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length - LS24HB-120-IP55 (High lumen, spotless LED strip, very bright and dimmable)
      • IP55 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length -  LS24-96-RGBW-IP55 (Bright, colour changing LED strip)

       

      Outdoor LED strip - IP67 

      • IP67 - run lengths of up to 5 metres in one linear length - LSP24HB-IP67 (Bright, low spotting outdoor LED strip)
      • Single colour & RGBW colour changing variants. 

         

        Check the maximum run length of your chosen LED strip light.  

        Details of maximum run length capacity of your chosen LED strip is available on each product page.  Do not exceed the maximum run length of the LED strip.  If you attempt to run for longer, the lights may flicker and you will notice voltage drop  this is where the LED strip will appear dimmer at far end of the power supply.     

        How to resolve the issue for required longer lengths. 

        Product code - LSP24-120 can comfortably run for up to 20 metres.

        However, if you want to power LED strip for a length of 10 metres, but the maximum run length of the LED strip is 5 metres, we suggest butting the two 5 metre lengths close together (giving the appearance of a 10 metre run when the lights are on) however, you are powering each length separately, using two power supplies, from each end.

        Another option is to use a larger power supply, (capable of powering both lengths of strip), placing the power supply in the centre (in-between the two 5 metre lengths) meaning there is no physical link, join or connection between the two pieces of LED strip.    

        Cables - correct cable selection:    

        Think about what length cable tails you need - Note: the longer the cable tail the more chances of voltage drop along the LED strip.    

        Firstly, it depends on whether you are using single colour LED strip or multicolour (RGBW).  

        • Single colour -  2 Core cable (0.5mm, 0.75mm & 1mm) 
        • Multi colour (RGBW) -  5 Core cable  

        Contact technical support if you require assistance with cable selection. 

          How to calculate what cable to use:  

          Firstly, consider the entire current being drawn by the LED strip.   

          To calculate the current drawn by your chosen strip: 

          • Watts per metre of your chosen LED strip (watts per metre is detailed on product pages).  
          • Multiply this by the amount of metres of LED strip required. 
          • Divide the figure by 12 or 24 Volts (whichever voltage the LED strip uses). This will give you the current drawn, enabling you to choose the correct supply cable for the LED strip.   

          For example, if you are using an LED strip rated at 9.6 watts per metre with a 24 volt supply and you want to run for 10 metres (remember to check the maximum run length of the LED strip first)   

          9.6 x 10  = 96 watts - divide this figure by 24 (being the voltage)  = 4 amps - in this example, you would need to use 0.75mm cable. 

          Always purchase the correct size cable for your installation - correct cable size is imperative for the accurate powering of the LED strip light. If you are unsure on which cable to use, please do not hesitate to get in touch or seek advice from a qualified electrician before purchasing. 

          Connection  - Snap fit connectors/Soldered cable tail.

          Snap fit connectors - For easy installation of cable tails and corners, you can use snap fit connectors. Nb - check the current drawn by your chosen LED strip.  

          Please note, snap fit connectors will only fit into a selection of aluminium profile channels due to their internal width.  Snap fit connectors are only compatible with "extra wide" aluminium channel.    

          Solder option - Soldered cable tails offer a reliable, neat secure connection from LED strip to cable tail. We offer a bespoke service -  Contact our team and ask for details.  

          Creating corners?     

          LED strip lights
          • Do not attempt to bend or crease the LED strip, this could cause damage. 
          • Use the correct cable relevant to your installation to create a link or bend.   
          • To create a corner or bend in the LED strip as above diagram demonstrates, use 50mm of the correct cable - or longer if needed.  We suggest using a cable with at least 6 amp capacity for corners and links.  Secure the cable in place with snap fit connectors or go with the soldered link cable option. 
          • When creating links/corners, always bare in mind the maximum run length of your chosen LED strip and do not exceed this.  

          Power supply calculation: 

          Power supplies/drivers are either 12 or 24 volt  - always remember to choose the correct wattage and voltage power supply to power your LED strip - details available on each LED strip product page.  

          Multiply the amount of metres of LED strip you want to power by the amount of watts per metre of your chosen strip, the wattage is clearly stated on each product page so for example, 3 metres of single colour 24 volt strip which is 10 watts per metre is 3 x 10 = 30 -  we would suggest you choose a 24 volt power supply with 20% more capacity to eliminate chances of voltage drop.  

          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.  

          Aluminium Profile - do you intend on housing the LED strip inside aluminium profile?

          The primary purpose of an aluminium base is heat dissipation whilst ensuring longevity of the LED strip.  The accompanying opal diffuser, diffuses the light for a flawless effect, being kinder on the eyes in visible areas such as walls and ceilings.  

          If the surface is damp or dusty, the LED strip can peel off, this could cause damage and the LED strip may not work - profile ensures a secure surface.  

          Profile provides a professional finish and completes the project by maintaining the general upkeep of the LED strip light, offering mechanical protection.   

          What style do you have in mind?    

          We have a large range of modern aluminium profile channels to fit in with your installation – have a browse through the aluminium profile tab.  Each set is purchased as a standard  2 metre length, along with 2 metre opal diffuser, end caps and clips. For longer linear lengths, another popular option is to butt the aluminium profile up.  Contact us for cut to measure profile. 

          Other considerations -  

          Think about brightness and dimming.   

          Options for dimming include, easy to use battery powered hand held remote control or stylish wall mounted controller. The system works via radio frequency to the receiver unit - follow instructions on pairing the system.

          Several receiver units can conveniently pair with one wall controller, hand held remote control or both, with 30 metres working distance for multiple rooms!  

          Is the LED system bespoke or is the system being cut to measure on site? 

          • Contact us to discuss your ideas.      
          • LED strip can be cut to size along the correct cut points, using scissors, which are identified by a scissor symbol printed on the LED strip.    

          Installed correctly, our LED strip lights have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours saving you £££ in the longer term! 

          Contact technical support should you need advice on your selection: 

          Tel: 02476 262 328

          Email: Technical support on:  sales@leadingled.co.uk

          or speak with us on live chat.  

          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 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 will render the tape non-returnable.