Introduction to LED PCB strips
LED PCB strips, also known as LED tape or ribbon, are flexible circuit boards with small LEDs mounted onto them that can be used for a variety of lighting purposes. Some key things to know about LED PCB strips:
Flexibility and ease of installation
One of the biggest advantages of LED PCB strips is that they are very flexible and can be bent and shaped to fit almost any application. This makes them easy to install in places where rigid lighting may be difficult, like under cabinets, behind furniture, or along stair rails. Many PCB strips have an adhesive backing for simple stick-and-go installation.
Energy efficiency
LEDs use substantially less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting. Quality LED PCB strips use very little electricity while producing bright, beautiful light. They are extremely energy efficient and can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
Dimmability
Many LED PCB strip lights have dimmable capability, allowing you to easily control the brightness to match your needs and mood. Dimmable LED strips require a compatible LED dimmer switch for adjustment.
Long lifespan
A quality LED PCB strip can last 35,000 to 50,000 hours or longer before failure. This extreme longevity makes LED strips a reliable long-term lighting solution.
Types of LED PCB strips
There are a few main options when selecting an LED PCB strip light:
Single color vs RGB
- Single color – One uniform color like warm white, pure white, or a colored option like red or blue. Single color strips provide continuous even lighting.
- RGB – Individually addressable LED nodes that can display a rainbow of colors. RGB strips allow adjustable color changing effects.
Density
- Standard density – 30 to 60 LEDs per meter. Better light distribution.
- High density – 120 to 144 LEDs per meter. Very bright and intense lighting.
Encapsulation
- Bare strip – No coating, exposes LEDs and circuitry.
- Silicone coated – Waterproof silicone exterior protects components.
- Double density silicone – Extra thick waterproof silicone housing. Extremely durable.
Lighting angle
- 120 degree – Wide 120° beam spread, standard dispersion.
- 60 degree – Narrow 60° concentrated beam angle.
Flexibility
- Semi-flexible – Can be gently bent and curved.
- Highly flexible – Extreme bend radius for tight contours.
PCB strip specifications
There are some key specifications to understand when selecting an LED PCB strip light:
Wattage
The strip wattage indicates the power consumption per meter length. Typical wattages range from 8W/m to 30W/m. Higher wattage equals greater light output.
Voltage
LED strips operate on either 12V DC or 24V DC. Always match your strip voltage and power supply voltage.
LED chip type
3528, 2835, and 5050 are common LED chip sizes used. The larger the chip, the greater the brightness potential. Common white color temperatures are 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K.
LED quantity
Amount of LED nodes per reel length. Standard density is 60 LEDs/m. High density options go up to 240 LEDs/m. More LEDs increase brightness.
Light output
Measured in lumens per meter (lm/m), light output can range from 200 to over 2,000 lm/m depending on LED density and power rating.
Beam angle
Most quality strips offer a choice of either 120° or 60° beam angles. 120° spreads light widely. 60° concentrates the beam intensity.
Color rendering
Color rendering index (CRI) measures color accuracy on a scale from 0 to 100. 80+ CRI is considered high quality for interior lighting with accurate color representation.
IP rating
Ingress protection ratings indicate dust and moisture resistance. Most LED strips have IP20, IP44 or IP65/IP67 waterproof ratings.
Benefits of LED PCB strips
There are many great benefits that make LED PCB strips a top choice for all kinds of installation and decoration projects:
Energy efficient lighting
LED PCB strips consume very little electricity – up to 90% less than traditional bulbs. This saves substantially on energy bills. They also produce almost no heat, reducing HVAC costs.
Long lifetime rating
Quality LED strips can operate for up to 50,000 hours before failure. This extreme longevity saves money and hassle from frequent bulb replacements.
Great light quality
Modern LED strips provide bright, vibrant illumination with accurate color rendition thanks to high CRI ratings of 90+ in quality models.
Simple installation
LED tape can be installed almost anywhere with the self-adhesive backing. No wiring or special tools required. Bend and shape strips along stairs, cabinets, coves, under bars, and more.
Controlled lighting
Many LED strips offer dimmable capability to adjust the mood lighting. Others feature color changing RGBWW options. Sync effects to music or DMX lighting control boards.
Low voltage operation
LED PCB strips run on safe, low voltage DC power. Voltages of 12V DC or 24V DC avoid the hazards of line voltage AC.
Minimal maintenance
With no bulbs or ballasts and extreme long life ratings, quality LED strips provide years of reliable operation without maintenance.
LED strip lighting applications
Thanks to their outstanding flexibility, LED PCB strips have become extremely popular for creating stunning and energy efficient lighting effects. Typical applications include:
Accent and task lighting
Install LED strips under cabinets, shelves, and on top edges of walls to provide directed task lighting that illuminates work areas effectively.
Architectural highlighting
Outline architectural features like stair rails, doorways, ceilings, cornices and columns to create dramatic visual impact. LEDs safely accent spaces.
Display and retail case lighting
Attractively showcase merchandise and products with bright, colorful LED strip lighting inside retail displays and commercial showcases.
Indirect and decorative lighting
Use LED strips to backlight transparent acrylic panels, light coves or alcoves, or create concealed indirect lighting behind valances or under toe kicks.
Automotive and RV lighting
Waterproof flexible LED strips are perfect for customizing your car, truck, boat, or RV lighting. Illuminate floors, headliners, dashboards, and trunk spaces.
Home and business signage
Create eye-catching illuminated signage and outlines around windows and building exteriors using versatile LED tape lighting.
Choosing the right LED strip lights
Follow these tips when selecting the best LED PCB strip lights for your unique project:
Determine needed brightness
Measure the area and decide on the brightness level needed. Outdoor spaces need much brighter illumination than indoor task lighting.
Consider extrusions for strips
Aluminum channels and covers provide extra protection and create more uniform lighting. Extrusions also help diffuse the light.
Know your power requirements
Factor in the voltage, wattage ratings, and circuit capacity needed to operate the planned LED tape lighting.
Light color impacts mood
Warmer white colors are relaxing. Cool white shades feel energizing. Make color temperature choices based on the room purpose.
Ensure adequate IP water rating
Will LED strips be exposed to weather or moisture? Choose waterproof IP65 or IP67 models if so.
Calculate the length needed
Measure the installation area lengths and layout to order enough LED tape for proper coverage. Plan for interconnecting jumper cables.
Enable remote control ability
Add LED controllers or use addressable strips for dimming ability, dynamic effects, and custom scene programming.
Compare costs
Consider both initial price and long term energy savings when budgeting for LED strip lighting. Quality LED tape saves substantially.
Best practices for LED strip installation
Following some simple best practice guidelines will ensure successful project results:
Carefully plan layout
Map out the exact LED placement plan and installation pattern prior to starting. Measure twice and prepare the mounting surfaces.
Use adequate power supply
Size your LED power supply to provide sufficient wattage for unimpeded operation. Allow for some overhead capacity too.
Include mounting backing
Secure LED tape to surfaces with adhesive backing, mounting clips, or plastic/aluminum channels to protect strips.
Limit maximum run length
Avoid voltage drop by ensuring no continuous run exceeds the recommended maximum run length per the product specs.
Install adequate connector cables
Properly interconnect multiple strips using angle connectors, joiner cables, wire jumpers, or solder connections.
Incorporate aluminum channels
Aluminum profiles house and protect exposed exterior LED strips while acting as excellent heat sinks.
Use certified electrician
For large installations, hire a qualified electrician for proper voltage calculations, safety, and building code compliance.
Apply silicone or waterproof coating over strips and connections
Protect any exposed contacts, connectors, wires or solder points to avoid shorts or water intrusion failures.
PCB strip installation guides and resources
We’ve compiled some of the top LED strip installation guides and technical resources all in one place below:<table> <tr><td>Source</td><td>Description</td></tr> <tr> <td>Environmental Lights</td> <td>Comprehensive installation guides covering LED tape basics, layout planning, voltage drop calculations, cutting and soldering, plus mounting clips, connectors and extrusion installation.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Lumens Blog</td> <td>Expert guidance on buying LED tape lighting, avoiding voltage drop, connectors needed based on run lengths, and using channels/covers for protection.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Topbulb LED Tape Installation</td> <td>Reviews key LED strip installation considerations including assessing layouts, accounting for wire gauge when lengthening, soldering methods, and properly waterproofing connections.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Superlighting LED</td> <td>Technical specifications and comprehensive installation instructions for all major product LED tape lighting product series covering power supplies, layout planning, connector cables, and profiles.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ledar Lights Academy</td> <td>LED strip lighting online courses for beginners and advanced users. Includes detailed tutorials on designing installations, voltage drop control, and safely installing rigid and flexible LED tape.</td> </tr> </table>
These resources offer valuable tutorials, step-by-step walkthroughs, training videos and detailed reference guides to help ensure successful LED strip installations.
FAQ about LED PCB strips
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about LED PCB strip lights:<h3>How do I connect multiple LED strips together?</h3>
Use connector cables, joiner cords, or solder joints to wire multiple LED strips in sequence. Follow layout run length limits and prevent voltage drops.<h3>Can LED strips be submerged underwater?</h3>
Fully submersible waterproof LED strips with IP67 or IP68 ratings feature silicone coating and waterproof end caps. These can be underwater permanently.<h3>How do I choose the right LED strip and power supply?</h3>
Select an LED power supply with wattage greater than your total planned strip wattage. Use voltage matching and account for voltage drops over longer runs.<h3>Can LED tape be installed outdoors?</h3>
Yes, waterproof outdoor-rated IP65 and IP67 LED strips work well for exterior use. Ensure the power supply is also rated for outdoor installation.<h3>How much light do LED strips produce?</h3>
Light output for LED tape is measured in lumens per meter (lm/m). LED strip luminance ranges from 200 lm/m for low density up to 2,000 lm/m for high density models. Match light levels needed.
Conclusion
LED PCB strip lights provide versatile, energy efficient lighting solutions for almost any residential, commercial or industrial application. Key specifications like voltage, wattage, color temperature, and IP waterproof rating allow matching the perfect LED tape model for your unique installation requirements. Follow basic layout planning, run length, and voltage drop guidelines to ensure success. LED tape is easy for DIY projects or can be professionally installed for stunning accent and task lighting effects inside and out.
