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The use of high-density LED strip lights has become common in residential and commercial architectural and lighting design projects. This comes as a result of their increased efficiency, an array of color and brightness options, and ease of installation.
With a complete lighting kit, a homeowner can now come up with a design like a lighting professional. But to newcomers, making the choice can be a bit overwhelming. This post lends a hand with a list of six tips.
1. Identify the Location of Installation of Your LED Strips
Know if your LED strips will serve as primary lighting, feature lighting, or ambient lighting. Also, consider the textures and reflectiveness of surrounding surfaces—this will identify if you need warm white, cool white, or natural white LEDs.
The objective is to capture the lighting effect but not the actual light source. If not, you will see the individual lights in the strip as dots, rather than a smooth wash effect.
2. Determine the Brightness or Intensity of Light You Want
The different types and colors of LED strips produce different effects and light levels. Your choice will be based on your preference and need. The key in choosing is to avoid your eyes from glaring or squinting.
Warm LED lights work best in most living rooms and bedrooms rich in wood floors and furniture as they give off soft white relaxing lighting. High-density LED strip lights with cool lighting suit work areas, like the laundry room, garage, and study rooms, as they bring out detail and color in rooms. Natural white lighting is most suitable for office spaces with all white walls
3. Check the Surface for Your LED Strip
If you're using standard models with an IP rating of IP33, the surface where you will install your LED strips should be clean, dry, and even. The area should not be prone to moisture and leaks. Otherwise, you should use moisture-resistant (IP65) or waterproof (IP67) models.
4. Ensure Compatibility with Your Switch, LED Driver, and Dimmer
Using the wrong driver may lead to failure and damage the components. Compatibility is vital between the driver and LED strip lights.
High-input, AC-powered drivers are used in large-scale lighting projects, as in a multiple series of commercial LED strips. Smaller installations use low-voltage, DC-powered drivers as they are cheaper.
5. Find Out How Many LEDs Per Meter Are on the LED Strip of Your Choice
The brightness of an LED strip depends on the spacing of its diodes or the number of LEDs there are per meter. The cut-points are typically at intervals of 25mm, 50mm, and 100mm.
6. Verify the Quality or Brand
Good quality LED strips not only have good light density but also have a long lifespan. Check for the following:
Choose a Powerful LED Strips
Choosing powerful LED strips for your project goes beyond knowing what color or ambiance you want for your room. You need to do your research on the basic technical information so you don't get swayed on buying the most expensive model or brand at the stores.
For UL-listed products that come with a warranty, check out the LED strips on the HitLights shop or contact us at 855-768-4135 at HitLights today!