LED strips are not only a great light source for dark areas, but they’re also perfect for children’s rooms. They don’t get hot and provide a nightlight-like glow, which can help kids sleep better. Plus, they can change colors, which children will absolutely love.
These versatile lights are suitable for your home, business, or even outdoor areas. They are easy to install and look fantastic. Today, we’ll show you how to connect your led strips BLLS using a power source.
Before You Begin: Measure and Plan
Before installing your LED strip lights, take measurements of the space where they will be placed. This will help you estimate how much LED strip length you’ll need for the project. You can easily purchase LED strips online.
If you’re installing LED strips in different parts of your home, measure each area separately and calculate the total length required for the entire project. Then, you can cut the LED strips to the desired length for each specific space.
Also, make sure to check the available power supplies and outlets in the installation area. You have the option to use a simple plug with a dimmer, switch, or even a Bluetooth device to control the lights. This is the easiest way to install LED strips.
Finding the Right Power Source
To install your LED strip lights, you can either use a power source connected to an outlet with a switch or hardwire it to the electrical panel in your home. Both options work well; it’s a matter of personal preference.
Step 1: Check the Voltage Requirement of Your LED Strip
LED strips usually come in two voltage options: 12 volts and 24 volts. Make sure you have a power supply that matches the required voltage for your LED strip. Using a voltage different from what your LED strip needs could damage the lights or be unsafe.
For most locations, 12-volt LED strips are an excellent choice as they use less power. However, if you have a project that requires a longer length of lighting, such as outdoor lighting, 24-volt strips are more suitable due to their extended run length. The brightness of the lights depends on the diode’s quality, not the voltage.
Step 2: Determine the Maximum Power Consumption
Each LED strip consumes a certain amount of wattage per foot. Check the package of your LED strip to find out how many watts are used per foot. Then, multiply this wattage by the length of the strip you’ll be using.
For example, if your LED strip is 25 feet long and requires 5 watts per foot, the total wattage would be 25 x 5 = 125 watts.
Step 3: Calculate the Minimum Power Rating
Once you have the total wattage of your LED strip, you need to find the minimum power rating required for the power supply. Multiply the total wattage by 1.2 to calculate the minimum wattage needed to ensure the LED strip will work properly.
For instance, if the total wattage is 125 watts, the minimum power rating would be 125 x 1.2 = 150 watts.
In some cases, LED lights may require more power, so it’s recommended to add an extra 20% to ensure sufficient power supply.
Step 4: Find the Minimum Amps Required
In order to ensure optimal performance, you need to consider the amperage of the power supply. Amps represent the speed at which electricity moves within a current. Inadequate amps for a long strip of best led light strips can result in dimming or even turning off the lights. Fortunately, calculating the required amps is simple.
Let’s go back to our previous example with a total power consumption of 125 watts. To find the minimum amps required, divide the strip’s voltage (12 or 24 volts) by the power consumption (125 watts). Assuming we’re using 12-volt wiring:
125 ÷ 12 = 10.41
This calculation tells us the minimum amperage required to power the LED strip. The adapters for LED strips resemble those used to power a laptop.
Now that we’ve covered the technical details, let’s move on to the installation process.
Installing Your LED Strip Lights with a Power Source
To connect your LED strip lights to a power source, you’ll need the following items:
- LED strip lights
- Control device such as a switch, dimmer, or wireless Bluetooth controller
- Power supply
By connecting these three components, you’ll have a fully functional LED strip lighting system. Before finalizing the installation, it’s essential to test it a few times to ensure everything is working correctly. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect the LED Strip to a Switch
Most LED strips come with a plug, but if you need to use only a portion of the strip, you’ll need to cut and add wiring. However, this process is straightforward.
Cutting Your LED Strip: Look for the cut symbol marked with a scissor line on the LED strip. This symbol can be found at different points along the strip. Measure the desired length, cut along the marked line, and you’re done.
Connecting Your LED Strip: To connect the LED strip to a switch, you can either use a strip connector or solder the wire directly to the LED strip. Soldering provides a more reliable connection but requires some skill. If you prefer a more straightforward approach, opt for a strip connector. These convenient accessories make LED strip installation a breeze. Simply slide the LED strip into the short end of the connector and fold it over. Then, connect the switch to the other end of the connector using either the strip connector or, if no cutting was required, the attached connector.
Step 2: Attach Your Switch to the Power Supply
After you’ve connected your LED strip lights to a switch, whether it’s a traditional switch, dimmer switch, or Bluetooth wireless switch, it’s time to connect them to the power supply. You can either wire this through a wall-mounted switch or use a simple switch with a barrel connector.
For a simple switch, connect it to the power supply, which usually resembles a laptop cord, and plug it in. Your LED strip lights should now be working perfectly.
Step 3: Place Your LED Strip Lights
LED strips come with adhesive backing, making it easy to stick them to walls, under beds, or even under cabinets. Before mounting the strip lights, ensure the area is clean of debris by wiping it with warm water. Once it’s clean, remove the protective layer and firmly press the LED strip in place. Finally, test the lights to verify they are functioning correctly.
LED Strip Lights: A Brilliant Lighting Solution
Now that you know how to install best led strip lights using a simple power source and an outlet, you can confidently tackle your next LED project.
For more helpful information, tips, and updates about our products and lighting in general, be sure to check our blog regularly.
