How to choose an LED Strip

1. Description

Even though new strip formats are appearing all the time, in reality, the most extensively used model is a flexible strip that includes an adhesive applied to the back and which contains encapsulated LEDs. They can be obtained in rolls of 5 metres and are capable of being linked up to other rolls, lengthening or widening the strip. They can also be cut at every certain number of LEDs, usually at every 3 LEDs, a common trait in our 12V strips.

2. Simple Installation

- They include a strong 3M adhesive for an easy installation.
- These flexible strips can adapt to any surface.
- They can be connected directly to the mains using a rectifier cable.
- They're Adaptable to any height, width or length.
- Useful both indoors and outdoors, depending on their IP Protection rating.

3. Types of LED Strip

When having to choose LED strips we have to keep in mind two important things:

3.1. Types of LEDs based on size
- SMD3528 (3.5mm x 2.8mm): Each LED emits 3 to 5 lumens
- SMD5050 (5.0mm x 5.0mm): Each LED emits 10 to 15 lumens

3.2. Number of LEDs per metre (this increases brightness)
- 60 SMD3528 LEDs per metre (From 180 to 300 lumens per metre)
- 120 SMD3528 LEDs per metre (From 360 to 600 lumens per metre)
- 60 SMD5050 LEDs per metre (From 600 to 900 lumens per metre)
- 72 SMD5050 LEDs per metre (From 720 to 1,080 lumens per metre)
- 120 SMD5050 LEDs per metre (From 1,200 to 1,800 lumens per metre)

Which is better ?
It depends. For basic lighting that requires low brightness, just one colour and if price is an important factor, then the SMD 3528 prevails.
For more demanding projects or RGB installations, the adequate option would be SMD 5050. The number of LEDs per metre may vary depending on the objectives and preferences of the customer.

4. Consumption (This depends on the type and amount of LEDs)

- 60 SMD3528 LEDs per metre - 5 W per metre of strip.
- 120 SMD3528 LEDs per metre - 9 W per metre of strip.
- 60 SMD5050 LEDs per metre - 14.4 W per metre of strip.
- 72 SMD5050 LEDs per metre - 17.3 W per metre of strip.
- 120 SMD5050 LEDs per metre - 28.8 W per metre of strip.

5. Examples of LED Strip applications:

- For replacing fluorescent tubes: Strips produce more light than conventional tubes.
- For lighting in offices.
- For lighting bookshelves.
- For highlighting profiles.
- For marking-off ceilings or hallways.
- Special/Specific lighting.
- For lighting or decorating alcoves (dark areas).
- Multiple decorative applications.
- For lighting showcases and facades for businesses.

LED strips are being used more frequently in many places due to the decorative effect they produce, including efficient lighting, low consumption and the capacity to cover large areas.

6. Installation parameters

SMD LEDs work with Direct Current, meaning that it is necessary that they use a power supply to adapt to Alternate Current, common in most homes and electrical networks.

12V and 24V LED strips can generally work using Direct Current. 

7. Using controllers

Controllers and dimmers for LED strips are optional but recommendable devices, especially in the case of RGB strips. They can be used to regulate brightness and change the colour and lighting modes of LED strips. They can be fitted on a wall or controlled via remote control (IR)

8. Using Amplifiers

When we need to light a wide area with LED strips whilst maintaining a constant and uniform brightness around the entire perimeter, the use of amplifiers is necessary so as to not lose brightness as the distance from the power supply increases. The recommended distance for placing amplifiers is at every 8 metres.

9. Profile Application

LED strip profiles consist of an aluminium or DMF profile, in which we can place our flexible LED strip and protect it with a plastic cover. They can be used for both RGB and monochrome strips. There are many types of covers that are rounded for corners and there are also two covers available with different finishes: Transparent and translucent.

10. Planning an installation

Once we have chosen which LED strip we are going to be using, we need to know what distance is going to be covered so that we can calculate the power that is required of the power supply to assure that our LED strips will work perfectly.

Let’s suppose that we have to light 20 metres with SMD5050 LED strips with 60 LEDs per metre working at 24V DC. We know that they’re sold in rolls of 5 metres, meaning we will need 4 LED strips in order to light our 20 metres. Also, knowing that each metre consumes 14,4W, in order to light our 20 metres at once we would require 288W (14,4W x 20m).

Commercial power supplies have a parameter (given by the manufacturer) called efficiency, which counts the amount of possible internal losses of said power supply. For example, with a parameter of 90%, the correct power should be Power (Watts) multiplied by the efficiency parameter:

288Wx100/90=320W

Therefore, to ensure that our system will work correctly, we must find a power supply that is equal or superior to our calculated power. Our choice would be, in this case, a 350W Mean Well NES-350-12 Power Supply.

11. Connecting the Power Supply

As with all electrical circuits, LED strips must be connected in a way that corresponds with the polarity of the circuit. Therefore, the Red cable will be considered as the Positive connector and the Black cable, the negative. These cables must be connected to the power supply by joining the Red cable to the positive (V+) connector and connecting the Black cable to the negative connector (V-).

Finally, the power supply must be connected to a 220V AC electrical network (Live, Neutral and Earth).

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WARNING!! This installation must be performed by a qualified professional
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