1. What are the differences between different LED strip lights?
There are five key differences between LED strips:
- The type of the chip on the LED strip, with the 3 most widespread being the SMD: 2835, SMD 3528, SMD 5050. These chips differ both in terms of their size and structure.
- The type of lighting: single color, RGB (multicolor), RGBW (multicolor + white)
- The no. of chips on a 1 meter strip, with the different versions being: 30 LED/m, 60 LED/m, 120 LED/m or even 240 LED/m
- For a given color the color temperature and brightness may also vary between different chips.
- Type of ingress protection, i.e., IP20, IP68, etc.
2. What does the IP + number code mean in the case of LED strips?
“IP” stands for “International Protection Rating” but it is often referred to simply as “Ingress Protection”. The first number indicates the level of protection against solid foreign objects on a scale from 0 to 6 (0 meaning no protection and 6 indicating full protection). The second number indicates the level of protection against harmful ingress of water using a scale between 0 and 8 (whereby 0 also means the lack of protection, while 8 indicates that it may even be operated continuously under water). You can find more information about IP protection here: What is IP protection and where should we use it?
3. Can I use outdoor LED strip lights indoors?
Of course. They are specifically recommended in the kitchen and bathroom as well due to their partial or full protection from water. Outdoor LED strip lights are, however, protected not only against water but also dust, thus they also represent an ideal choice for lighting solutions behind furniture.
4. How can I mount the LED strip?
On the back of the LED strips there is a double-sided adhesive strip which makes it possible to mount them almost anywhere.
Mounting is also possible with aluminum profiles representing the most elegant and ideal solution. It is not only aesthetically appealing but it also provides adequate cooling for the LED strip light. With profiles of different shapes and types, the LED strip may be mounted anywhere (on the wall, in the corner, on the ceiling, recessed, etc.). Avide Alu profiles (link)
5. What do I need to make my LED strip light work?
In order for the LED strip light to work you need at least one power source by all means. In the case of low voltage LED strip lights the power source is provided by a driver, which may be 5V, 12V or 24V. We need to pay attention that the operating voltage of all components should match; thus if our LED strip light can operate at 12V, we need to use a 12V driver. However, we need to pay attention not only to the adequate voltage but also to choosing components of an adequate power.
If you wish to customize your LED strip light, you also need a suitable controller. The adequate operating voltage and power should be considered also when choosing the controller.
6. How can I calculate the required power of the driver / controller?
The power level per meter is always indicated on all the LED strip lights we sell. To be able to select the components of the right power, you need to measure the length of the LED strip to be used, and add an additional 20%, as in case we choose a driver / controller with a smaller or minimally larger power than what is necessary for the LED strip light of the given length, it overheats, switches off, or in a worse case not only the driver / controller but also the LED strip may be damaged.
Example:
I would like to use 3 meters of an Avide 12V and 14.4W RGB LED strip light:
Required power: (LED strip power)*(length to be used in meters)* (adding an additional 20%)
14.4W * 3m * 1.2 = 51.8W => We need an at least 52W driver / controller.
LED strip light power Length (meter)
The recommended driver from our product range: At least ??? Watts
7. I only need 3 meters of LED strip lights. Can I cut the remaining 2 meters?
There are cutting points on each LED strip light located at different places on each strip. The most widespread strips can be cut after every 3 chips, which depending on the density of chips (LED/meter) may mean sections of 10, 5, 2.5 cm or even smaller segments. If we cut the strip at these points, all the LEDs remain functional after cutting, thus we can use the cut section anytime. If, however, we cut the strip between two cutting points, the chips beyond the last section that may be cut will not light up.
Cutting point
8. Can I join 2 or more pieces of LED strips?
Yes, you may even join LED strips of different colors. If you would not like to worry about soldering, the easiest solution is to use a so called strip connector. In this case you only need to pay attention to proper contact and polarity. In the case of IP protected strips, you should remove the silicone cover on a short section in all cases (0.5-1cm) and then you can solder the two strips.
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9. What is an amplifier and when do I need to use one?
An amplifier is an accessory that enables us to increase the power of the controller added to the beginning of the LED strip. In theory, any number of amplifiers may be added to a LED strip, thus the power of the controller (in theory), may be increased to any point.
We need an amplifier if the power consumption of the LED strip we would like to use is higher than the power indicated on the controller or if we would like to operate a too long LED strip from a single controller, whereby the connection of the LED strip from two sides would require tens of meters of cable. In such a case it is better to use an amplifier and an additional driver in the middle of the LED strip. Avide amplifiers (link)