How to use LED strip

LED strip is a multifunctional light source due to its low voltage DC power supply and low power consumption. On the modern market, there are types of ribbons from low-power, for use for decorative purposes, to bright ones that are suitable as a light source. Also interesting are multi-color RGB models. In this article we will look at where you can use LED strips.

What do we need?

LED strips are powered by direct current with a voltage of 12V. Means that you definitely need to buy special power supply this voltage of the corresponding power, then we will give a table of consumption of different tapes. In fact, the luminous flux depends on the LEDs used.

Next, determine how you will connect the power and connect the segments of the tape. If you are going to solder, then you need a 25-40W soldering iron, rosin or another flux, for example, LTI-120, and solder, for example POS-60 or its analogues.

If you do not want to use a T-shirt to assemble the circuit, then use connectors or, in other words, terminals. In them, you just need to insert the tape with the contact pads to the spring-loaded contacts and close the connector cover.

If the tape will be used in a damp room - insulate all connections with electrical tape or heat shrink. If you will work with RGB tape - you will need RGB controller, and for large-scale and long structures - RGB amplifier and optional power supplies.

A detailed article was published on the tape connection schemes on the site - How to connect LED strip

So, to work with a white single-color LED strip, we need this set:

1. Power supply DC12V.

2. Two-pin connectors or soldering iron, solder and flux.

3. Wires for connecting 220V and 12V.

To work with multi-colored models:

1. Power supply DC12V.

2. Four-pin connectors or soldering kit.

3. RGB controller.

4. Perhaps an RGB amplifier.

5. Wires to connect power.

Decorative lighting

LEDs were originally used as indicators, when the developers reached a high brightness, all kinds of lighting effects began to appear with their use, for example nightlights, light music and luminous elements for the interior. Low voltage and low power allowed them to be used to illuminate shop windows and signboards, to make LED displays and screens.

LED strip made a small revolution in the design of the premises. In public places with their help they make uniform illumination of shop windows, bar counters, tables, niches and other things.

One of the most common options is to mount the tape so that the LEDs are not visible from the viewer. This creates the impression of uniform illumination.

Therefore, the LED strip can be fixed on the bottom of the countertop, you get not only an interesting light effect, but also the illumination of the floor and chair under the table, which will be useful in cafes and bars with dim diffused lighting at night.

To give a twist to the design of your apartment, you can arrange polyurethane skirting boards around the perimeter of the room and place a tape in them. They are lightweight and simply stick to walls or ceilings. There are plenty to choose from, skirting boards are available in different designs.

There are various options and design.

They are mounted so that there is a distance between one of the edges of the baseboard and the ceiling (or wall). It turns out a small cornice, an LED strip is installed in it, if the dimensions of the cornice allow, then the power supply can be put directly into it.

You will get a uniform diffused illumination around the perimeter of the room, you can use the RSL tape and the controller with a remote control, so you can create the necessary atmosphere by choosing a nice shade and brightness or brighten up the evening with iridescent lighting effects.

Also, the tape is installed in niches in the walls of drywall.

As a light source

LED strips differ in type of LEDs used and by the number of pieces per meter or density. Accordingly, both brightness and power depend on this. Here is a summary table of LED strips with different LEDs and their number.

As can be seen from the table, the tape power reaches 14.4 W / m. This provides a luminous flux of 1000-1400 Lm per meter of tape. Such light can also be used as lighting, for example, by remodeling an old lamp with fluorescent lamps or sticking a tape on hanging kitchen furniture to illuminate the working area.

In a car

In cars, the voltage in the on-board network is about 12V, there is a lot of scope for using LED strips: interior lighting, glove compartment, pedals, doors, trunk and engine compartment, underbody, license plates, etc.

It is worth noting that you need to power the tape through a 12V voltage regulator, for example, through the L7812 chip.

One of the most popular types of tuning among amateurs is the illumination of the bottom, imitation of neon illumination. Here you need to use a sealed tape in silicone to avoid damage, it is even better to use a profile for Led tape or metal building corners, for example, aluminum, if possible. By the way, there is an application of RGB-tape.

In order to securely fix it without a profile, you can use such plastic staples before, installation or square cable staples. Note that you have to drill the bottom, to prevent the bottom, do not forget the screws or screws with which you will screw, process with a Movil.

Otherwise, in conditions of constant dirt, water and mechanical stress, it will quickly peel off.

For use in the cabin, you can use unprotected tape, it is cheaper.

You can also make a flashlight for car repair, which will run on battery power, to replace the old one with a glass lamp that often burns out and breaks. Sort it - An example of manufacturing a homemade lamp from an LED strip.

Conclusion

The article considers only a small part of the methods of applying the tape. It all depends on your imagination. A huge plus is that it is flexible and works from reduced safe voltage. This allows it to be used in damp rooms and portable fixtures.