LED strips require specific technical configuration to effectively perform there functions. While LED strips may appear simple when purchased, they can perform poorly if the specification of the strip are not correctly selected. LED strips can have issues with brightness, whether it is too harsh or too dim.
To avoid these performance problem, it is important to become familiar with various specifications of LED strips. One of the specification of LED strips is its density. LED strips with low density have fewer light along the strip; they are typically used for cove lighting, where the strip is hidden from view.
How to Choose LED Strip Lights
LED strips with high densities has many more lights along the strip and are used for area where bright, even lighting is needed, such as workbenches. Using a low density LED strip without a diffuser will result in individual dot of light. High density LED strips will cause those dots to blend together.
Chip-on-board LED strips are a high density strip that will eliminate those individual dots of light. Another specification of LED strips is there voltage. For LED strips with low voltage, the user must require a higher current to produce the same amount of power as strips with higher voltages.
However, using higher current along the length of LED strips will result in a voltage drop along that strip. The voltage drop will cause the LED strips far end to be dimmer than the strips beginning. Five volt LED strips has a limited length because the current increases rapid along those strips.
Twelve volt LED strips is common in homes, but twenty-four volt LED strips are better for longer distances because the voltage drop is less and they run more cool. The color rendering index (CRI) of LED strips determine the colors that the lights reflect. LED strips with a low CRI, such as 80, will appear less vibrantly to colors such as red.
LED strips with a high CRI, such as 90 or higher, will restore the color saturation of the lights and are beneficial for kitchens or areas where color of food or clothing are to be viewed. The CRI of LED strips should of be selected according to the need of the areas in which the LED strips will be installed. The CRI will determine how the LED strips will render the colors in those areas.
In addition to the specification of LED strips, it is also necessary to ensure that the LED strips remain bright along there entire length. For very long run of LED strips, there are specifications that must be followed regarding the length of those strips. The gauge of the wire that the user uses for the LED strips should be specific to prevent any dimming of the lights.
Additionally, power injection should be used to prevent a drop in brightness along the length of LED strips. Finally, it is important to match the LED strips according to the task that they will perform. For accent lighting behind a television, low output LED strips with low voltage can be used.
For areas where LED strips must replace ceiling lights, high density and high voltage LED strips is required. Additionally, if you use high output LED strips, it is recommended to use aluminum channel to help dissipate the heat that the LED strips create. Following these specifications will ensure that LED strips perform as technicaly described.