Where to Begin with My LED Lighting Project?

If you are brand new to LED strips than your head is likely swirling for information and you have more questions than answers.

If this is the case, ask yourself these simple starting questions which should help you work through with a guide to find the best LED strip lights and parts for your project.

1. What will you be lighting?
2. Where will they be installed?
3. Do you want to dim your lights?
1. With a remote?
2. With a wall switch?
4. What overall look do you want to achieve?
5. What color is preferred?
6. What materials am I lighting?
7. What other lights are in the area and what color are they?

Flexible LED strip lights are used in various industrial, commercial and residential projects all over the world.

LED strip lighting is popular among many Architects and Lighting Designers due to the improvements in efficiency, color options and brightness.

The biggest draw is how easy they are to install. Their flexibility, low-profile and helpful accessories make LED flex strips popular for the at home DIY types.

With these LED strips, a homeowner can design like a professional with the right supplies in just a few hours

There are many options for LED strip lights with no simple ‘one size fits all’ standard to go by.

 This LED Strip Light Resource Guide will educate newcomers and experts alike on finding the best LED strip lights for the job.

What Makes LED Light Strips so Special?

LED strip lights, are also known as LED tape lights or LED ribbon lights, are known for their low-profile size and flexibility.

Efficient LEDs sit on a 10mm wide circuit board, offered in 3ft to 16.4 ft lengths. Flexible LED strip lights have many features that make them easy to use in a variety of situations:

 Cut-to-size – Cutting LED strips is very simple, thanks to the cut lines along the strips.

 At each cut point there is a black line with copper solder pads that sit on each side. The copper solder pads make it so each strip piece is addressable even after being cut.

This makes it possible to connect LED strips together or connect the strip in a different area of your home.

 Flexible LED strip with Adhesive – LED strips have a 3M adhesive backing for simple mounting options.

The low profile, flexible strip has a peel-off backing which exposes the 3M adhesive, making for a simple peel-and-stick install.

Waterproof or Non-Waterproof – LED strip lights are not limited to indoor projects.

The waterproof LED light strips are IP65 rated with a silicone resin material that protects the strip components from dust and moisture.

The waterproof LED lights are a little more expensive but a must for any project that is outdoors or close to water.

12 volt LED lights – The LED strip lights need at least 12VDC power input to run.

This will require an AC/DC transformer for in home use but makes wiring the strips through the house a lot safer.

Batteries also output DC power, so it is easy to make a battery powered LED light with these flex strips.