In the new era of modern lighting, where innovation illuminates our surroundings, LED strip lights stand out as a beacon of transformation. These lights, known for their versatility and energy efficiency, have evolved beyond mere illumination, becoming architects of ambiance and mood.
LED strip lights can make any space look better and brighter. They can highlight the best parts of your home with a soft light, or create a stunning mood for your office or business. They are a smart and stylish choice for lighting.
LED strip lights come in many different types and styles. They are smart and flexible ways of lighting that can suit any purpose or taste. Understanding the distinctions between various types is key to unlocking the full potential of LED strip lights.
Here's an insightful overview of the main categories:
DC LED Flex Strips
DC LED flex strips stand as pioneers in flexibility. These strips embody adaptability, allowing users to bend and shape the lights according to their creative whims. Ideal for those who seek a dynamic and customized lighting setup, DC LED flex strips are the artisans of illumination.
AC Plug and Play LED Strip Lights
For the practical people and those who don't like complicated setups, AC plug and play LED strip lights offer a hassle-free solution.
Probably one of the most popular types of lights in today&#;s market. Easily plugged into standard outlets, these strips eliminate the need for complex wiring, providing an effortless path to radiant spaces.
LED Rope Lights
Resembling traditional rope lighting, LED rope lights introduce an element of aesthetic charm to various settings. Often chosen for decorative purposes, These lights create a beautiful and colorful display, making spaces look more magical and bright.
High Output LED Strips
When brilliance is paramount, high output LED strips take the spotlight. These strips deliver intense illumination, making them the preferred choice for task lighting in commercial and industrial settings. Precision meets power in this category, catering to spaces with exacting lighting requirements.
Navigating the diverse world of LED strip lights allows users to tailor their choices based on the unique demands of each space. Each category brings its own set of advantages, ensuring that there's a perfect fit for every environment.
LED Light Expert buyer's guide
If you want to learn more about these kinds and find the best LED strip lights for you, check out our. You will see a range of choices, each one made to light up your space in a unique and beautiful way.
To ensure you make an informed decision, it's essential to consider the following factors:
Color Temperature
Color temperature is more than just a technical feature. It is a powerful way of creating the feeling of a space. It affects the atmosphere, making different feelings with the gentle skill of colors. Understanding this phenomenon unlocks the ability to transform any room into a personalized space.
Colors (RGB/RGBW)
You can find many kinds of LED strip lights that have one or more colors. They are called RGB or RGBW. The easiest LED strip lights have one color only, and they can be any of these: Warm White, Cool White, Neutral White, Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, and Ultra Violet.
RGB lights
These are the common colors (UV).can change their color. They can show any color made of Red-Green-Blue.
The color-changing strips have LEDs that can switch colors as you like. RGB strip lighting is the most liked kind of color-changing lighting.
Brightness
Lumens: LED strip lights are very bright, but they also do more than just light up things. They make a mood, a feeling that matches what you want to do in each room. You can pick the right lumens to make your own space that fits your needs and likes. It's not only about how things look; it's also about how you feel in a cozy living room or a lively workspace.
The, shown in lumens, is the way to make your lighting personal and fun in every part of your home. It doesn't mean that every LED strip light is very bright all the time. The brightness you need depends on what you use the strips for.
Smart Capabilities
With the rise of smart homes, LED strip lights with smart capabilities are gaining popularity. These lights can be controlled via mobile apps or voice commands, allowing users to customize colors and brightness effortlessly.
Living Room and Bedroom
When it comes to the heart of your home &#; the living room and bedroom &#; the choice of LED strip lights becomes a choreography of ambiance. You can make the mood better by choosing LED strip lights with warm colors, a range of colors that make you feel cozy and calm. Think of the gentle, yellow light that covers your living room, making it a place to rest.
Tunable Technology lights
In the bedroom, where calmness is very important, LED strip lights with warm colors make you feel cozy and comfortable. When you relax after a busy day, the soft light soothes your senses. It's more than just lighting; it's a special way of making your living spaces warm and peaceful., where you can adjust and adapt the color temperature can be a great option.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, LED strip lights serve as versatile allies, marrying practicality with aesthetics. Opt for bright strips strategically placed under cabinets to illuminate countertops and create an efficient workspace.
Think of cutting veggies or making a tasty dish with bright LED light shining on your work, making your kitchen a place for cooking fun.
Workspace
task lighting
In workspaces, where focus and productivity take center stage,becomes a crucial component. Opt for LED strips equipped with adjustable brightness to cater to the diverse tasks that unfold throughout the day.
Whether it's reading documents, working on a computer, or engaging in creative tasks, the adaptability of adjustable brightness ensures a well-lit environment without causing eye strain. You can illuminate your workspace efficiently, creating an atmosphere conducive to concentration and reduced visual fatigue.
Outdoor Spaces
When extending the allure of LED strip lights to outdoor spaces, special considerations come into play. To withstand the unpredictable elements of nature, ensure that the chosen LED strips are not only waterproof but also durable. This resilience guarantees the longevity of your outdoor lighting, allowing you to create enchanting landscapes with strategically placed lights.
Commercial Spaces
In commercial settings, LED strip lights emerge as versatile tools for shaping ambiance and attracting attention. For retail displays that demand a spotlight, high-output LED strips become the go-to choice. These strips ensure that products are showcased with precision and brilliance, capturing the eyes of potential customers.
Dealing with Corners and Angles
The installation of LED strips around corners and angles introduces a unique set of challenges. To overcome this, employ connectors designed for seamless transitions. Careful planning of the layout is key to ensuring a smooth installation.
By carefully dealing with the details of corners and angles, you can change hard spaces into nice and bright corners, making a smooth and balanced light in your space.
Power Supply and Connectivity
Proper management of power supplies and connections is the backbone of a smoothly functioning LED strip lighting system. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines is crucial to prevent disruptions.
In larger spaces, where the demand for power may be greater, consider the use of extension cables to ensure a continuous and stable power supply. By paying attention to the intricate details of power management, you guarantee a consistent and reliable glow that illuminates your spaces without interruption.
Customizing Length
LED strips often need to be cut and connected to fit specific lengths. Follow instructions carefully, and if in doubt, seek professional assistance to avoid damaging the lights.
Cheap Materials, Bad Quality
reputable brands
Beware of substandard materials that jeopardize the quality and lifespan of your lighting investment. Opting forand prioritizing quality ensures long-term satisfaction.
By investing wisely, you not only secure the durability of your LED strip lights but also guarantee a radiant and reliable source of illumination that stands the test of time.
LED strip lights have revolutionized the way we illuminate our spaces, offering a myriad of options to suit diverse needs. Whether you're looking to create a cozy living room, a functional kitchen, or a productive workspace, choosing the right LED strip lights is crucial.
By understanding the different types, key considerations, and addressing common challenges, you can illuminate your surroundings with efficiency and style. Illuminate your spaces with LED strip lights and experience the transformative power of modern lighting.
Flexible LED Strip light buying guide: How to choose LED strip Lights
Accent cove lighting example with UltraBright Accent Series LED strip lighting
90% of customers found this information helpful before choosing their LED strip lights
The use of flexible LED strip lights is rapidly rising in modern lighting design around the world. Architects and lighting designers are implementing LED strip lights into residential, commercial, and industrial projects at an increasing rate. This is due to an increase in efficiency, color options, brightness, and ease of installation. A homeowner can now design like a lighting professional with a complete lighting kit and an hour or two.
There are many options on the market for LED strip lights (also called LED tape lights or LED ribbon lights) and there is no clear-cut standard for how to choose LED strip lights. We have created this guide to educate experts and newcomers alike.
Goto Joineonlux to know more.
New to LEDs?
What are LED strip lights and what can they do?
AI-powered Product Selector by Project
LED strip light customer-submitted project photos
LED strip Light Comparison Sheet
Flexfire LEDs Catalog with many photo examples
Important notes before getting your project started:
Step 1: Get a clear vision first!
Because each project is unique, there is no all-in-one solution. Different projects require different types of LED strips. Answer the questions below in your head before starting any project. We're here to walk through these with you as well.
Location
What type of location are you in? Residential, commercial, retail, outdoors?
What specifically will you be lighting?
Where will it be installed? Under cabinets, kick boards, coves, eaves and awnings, backlighting, display cases, international space station?
Will the lights be exposed to the elements or liquids?
What material will the lighting be attached to?
How many feet do you need?
Functions and aesthetic
What overall look do you want to achieve?
Do you want accent lighting, task lighting, perimeter lighting, indirect lighting, principal lighting, specialty application, etc
What materials or objects am I lighting or using the strips for?
Do I need High CRI for high color rendering? (See below for explanation)
Do you want the lights to emit a white light only? Single color like red, green, or blue? Have the ability to change colors with a remote? Or have the ability to change the white output from warm to cool white with a remote?
Are there other lights in the area and if so, what color are they?
Do you want to dim your lights or control them with a remote or wall switch?
Emotions
What are the non-physical results you want to achieve?
Do you want to create a calm, seductive, energetic, hopeful, safe, relaxed, bold, or fun environment?
What do you want your guests and customers to think or say when they enter your space?
Ready? Let's Go!
- Top 4 things you need to know before choosing or comparing LED strip lighting -
1. Compare Lumen, CCT, and CRI (Color Rendering Index)
1.1 Lumen (Brightness)
Lumen is the measurement of brightness as perceived to the human eye. Because of incandescent lighting, we are all accustomed to using watts to measure the brightness of light. Today, we use lumen. Lumen is the most important variable when choosing which LED strip light you need to look at. When comparing lumen output from strip to strip, note that there are different ways of saying the same thing.
The questions you should be asking is &#;Lumens per what? Per foot, meter, or reel? How long is the reel?&#;
Different projects require a certain amount of brightness to achieve a desired look. Our advice is to always go brighter than needed and add a dimmer. Running your LEDs below their full power and brightness can also increase lifespan.
Below is a general guide. We are always available to help design your project with you.
Quick Guide of needed lumens by project type:
Accent Lighting and Mood Lighting - 100 to 350 lumens per foot
Under cabinet Lighting - 175 to 525 lumens per foot
Task Lighting with low distance from light source - 280 to 437 lumens per foot
Task Lighting with higher distance from light source - 500 to lumens per foot
Indirect lighting in a bedroom/ hotel / vehicle / lobby - 375 to 562 lumens per foot
Industrial lighting / signage / tube replacements - 500 to 950 lumens per foot
Here is an example of our White Output LED Strip Lights and the lumen they emit:
Important: Be careful if the company does not state the lumen output. You will have no idea what the brightness will be until you purchase them. Flexfire LEDs has some of the brightest LED strip lights in the world. If quality is important to you, always request the test data sheets from any company to verify their claims of "lumen output".
Using Lumen as the only comparison can be tricky! Some brands over-power their LEDs to make them brighter. Sadly, this will make them fail faster and burn up. We under power our LED chips to make sure they last longer than rated.
1.2 CCT - Color Temperature
CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) refers to the color temperature of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The temperature rating directly affects what the white light will look like; it ranges from cool white to warm white. For instance, a light source that has a &#; K rating is seen as, what we call, warm white light. Warm white light looks very orange and/or yellow. When increasing the degrees Kelvin, the color will change from yellow to yellowish white to white and then a bluish white (which is the coolest white). Although the varying temperatures have different names, it should not be confused with actual colors such as red, green, or purple. CCT is specific to white light or rather, the color temperature.
"Can I order a k light from amazon and a k light from you and they will look the same?" The answer is quite possibly no.
All CCTs are not created equal. You may notice that some lights that are "cool white" may not look pure white. They may give off a greenish, purplish, or bluish hue to them. This is because the LEDs have been selected from a presorted pile (bin) that is far from true white, in order to save money. It is important to ask the manufacturer of the LED strips how they BIN their LEDs and what their selection process is. Our strips are always selected from the same bin, to make sure every batch is the same and there are no color differences.
Which color temperature should you choose?
Here is an example of the same bedroom under k, k, k, and k lights. Notice how lighting changes the mood and style of the space! The aesthetic, function, or emotion of a space may change depending on the color temperature you use. Choosing the right color temperature is not difficult, but make sure you take into consideration the colors of your walls, the floor, what you will be illuminating, what activities will be completed in the area, or if there are local regulations telling you what CCT to use (Like California's Title 24).
If you are having difficulties choosing which LED CCT is best for your project, consider purchasing a Tunable White Strip.
1.3 CRI - Color Rendering Index
Can&#;t tell the difference between the black and navy colored socks in your walk in closet? Could be that your current lighting source has a very low CRI!
Color rendering index (CRI) measures how colors are correctly rendered under a light source in comparison to natural sunlight. The index is measured on a 0-100 scale with 100 being a perfect rating of color accuracy, meaning the colors appear as they naturally would under unadulterated daylight. High CRI lighting is sought out everywhere, but is particularly valuable in. The bottom line: the higher the CRI, the higher quality is the light source.This rating is also a measurement in the lighting industry to help discern naturalness, hue discrimination, vividness, preference, color naming accuracy, and color harmony.
95 - 100 CRI &#; Phenomenal color rendering. Colors appear as they should, subtle tones pop out and are accented, skin tones look beautiful, art comes alive, backsplashes and paint shows it's true beautiful full saturation. You have to see it to believe it! Our Outline series, Render Series, and Accent Series have CRIs up to 98!
90 - 95 CRI &#; Great color rendering! Almost all colors 'pop' and are easily distinguishable. Noticeably great lighting starts at a CRI of 90.
80 - 90 CRI &#; Good color rendering, where most colors are rendered well. You may not see items as fully saturated as you would like, but most people will not notice.
60 - 75 CRI &#; Poor color rendering. Items and colors may look desaturated, drab, and at times unidentifiable (cannot see the difference between black and navy colored socks).
See our High CRI LED Strip Lights
2. Compare LED strip size and number of LEDs on the strip
Traditionally, LED strip lights are packaged on a reel (spool) of 5 meters, or 16' 5''. The machines used to "pick and place" the LEDs and resistors on the flexible circuit board are typically 3' 2'' in length, so individual sections are soldered together to complete a whole reel. If purchasing, make sure you are purchasing by the foot or by the reel. Confirm length before checking out.
Measure how many feet you need of LED strips before you start. This will make it easier to compare price (after quality is compared, of course). Once you determine the number of feet on the reel being sold, look at how many LED chips are on the reel and the LED chip type. This can be used to compare LED strips between companies.
What do the numbers of the LED chips mean?
The numbers referenced before the LED type specifically detail the size of the LED.
Below is an example of what the numbers mean when companies talk about LED strip lights. Here is a full writeup on What is the difference between and and LED chips?
Not all chips are created equal either, you can purchase a LED strip from Amazon and one from a high quality manufacturer, and all the components, CRI, light quality and longevity can be different. These numbers specifically detail the size of the LEDs.
Types of LED chips and meaning of their indicated numbers
3. Wattage consumed per strip of LEDs
Power consumption is one of the reasons we as a society have begun switching to LEDs. Wattage tells us how much power we are consuming while these lights are on, and in turn how much we&#;ll have to pay at the end of each month. Once again, be sure to verify the wattage per foot, meter, or reel before you buy.
Some may read &#;24 watts&#; on a reel and then get home and realize this is per meter or per foot, meaning the whole reel actually uses much more. Making matters worse, they have bought a power supply that covers 30 watts, thinking that would be enough. This often occurs when a seller doesn&#;t properly list important information in an easy to read format.
Finally, make sure you understand the voltage that your flexible LED strip lights use. An LED strip light that uses 24 volts will not work if you purchase a 12-volt power supply, and also may result in risk of fire. You need to choose the correct power unit for your lights.
4.
Verifiable Quality
You are looking for a "set-and-forget" lighting system that can be used for years to come. To make sure that your LEDs last their intended lifespan, are safe around your home and business, and don't require extra maintenance costs to replace, you need to verify the quality claims.
1. Thermal Management - Heat = death to LEDs. Ask if and how the LED strip lights have been designed for proper thermal management and heat dissipation. If they have not, the LED's 50,000+ hour LED chip lifespan may drop to 10,000 or 20,000 hours. This can be done on a chip level and on a PCB level. Do not solely rely on an aluminum heat sink to dissipate heat away from the LEDs. The product should be designed at a component level to ensure a longer lifespan.
2. Color Quality and Accuracy - When you purchase a 'K warm white' LED strip light you should not expect to get a bright white color from the LEDs. Ask for test reports that prove the color you are purchasing is what will arrive. This is especially important when adding additional lighting to an existing installation. If the colors do not match it will be very noticeable.
3. Safety Certifications - It is difficult to verify a seller&#;s safety claims using Amazon or Ebay alone. Check the UL listing, REACH, or RoHS registry to make sure the LEDs are safe and do not contain lead or other hazardous materials.
4. Material Quality - Product performance and longevity is determined not just by the quality of the LEDs, but the thickness and materials used in the PCB, resistors, wires, and lead-free soldering.
5. Test Reports - Ask for test reports to verify claims of brightness and longevity. These may include LM-79 testing, IES reports, etc.
6. Warranty, Customer Service, and Installation/Design Assistance - We are here to help design your project, no matter what the size. Our LED strip lights represent the highest quality found on the market today, and will be lighting your project area for many years to come. We also boast the longest warranty of any LED strip light in the market of 15 years!
Which LED strip should I choose?
White Output
Outline Series&#;- For long runs of light. Subtle, beautiful accent lighting with near perfect color rendering. CRI up to 98.
Accent Series&#;- For the perfect ambiance. Bright accent lighting suitable for most residential, hospitality, and retail spaces. CRI up to 98.
Architectural Series&#;- Double the brightness of the Accent Series. Perfect for high-brightness applications like coves, architecture, and retail. CRI93+
Industrial Series&#; - Packs a serious punch. Extremely bright for where a lot of light is needed. CRI up to 96.
Slim Series&#; - Thinnest LED strip light for specialty applications with a width of only 3.5mm
Dynamic Tunable White Output
Accent Series&#; Dynamic Tunable White - Mid-range Brightness adjustable from K - K Small cut lengths, long run length, high CRI of 98
Architectural Series&#; Dynamic Tunable White - High Brightness adjustable from k - K, high CRI of 94
Sienna&#; Series Dim-to-Warm Tunable White - As the lights dim, they automatically warm from K to K. Used with any dimmer and have a high CRI of 94.
RGB Color Changing Output
ColorBright&#; RGB 150 Series - Lower brightness for accent lighting, long run length. 150 LEDs per 16ft spool. Low power consumption at 2.2w/ft
ColorBright&#; RGB 300 Series - Mid brightness for task and accent lighting, 300 LEDs per 16ft spool. Low power consumption at 4.4w/ft
ColorBright&#; RGB 600 Series - Very high output to fill your space with gorgeous color, 600 LEDs per 16ft spool. Medium power consumption at 6.1w/ft
ColorBright&#; RGB+White Series - Choose any color as well as a pure white. 50% RGB LEDs and 50% White LEDs.
ColorBright&#; RGB+Tunable White Series - Best of all worlds. This 5-in-1 strip boasts full RGB color control and full spectrum Tunable White technology CCT range: K-K. High CRI and emits over 260lm/ft
ColorBright&#; Digital Pixel Series - WS IC Protocol 'digital strips' mean each segment is individually controllable. Create scrolling effects.
Other considerations when choosing your LED strip lights:
You need a product you can trust and will produce a good clean light for years to come and save you money in the process.
The LED market is highly saturated with manufacturers and distributors offering various levels of quality, cost, and specifications. Due to safety and quality purposes, we have created this page and video to ask the question of what the difference is between Flexfire LEDs and other competitors like the ones on Amazon - LED Strip Light Reviews - Flexfire Vs Amazon Strip
Flexfire LEDs' strip lights have been used by NASA, Lockheed Martin, JPL, US airports, Disney, Hilton Hotels, major retail chains, and thousands of happy homeowners. Chances are you've seen our lights somewhere.
Save this comparison chart and compare with other LED strip lights:
Download the Strip Light Comparison Chart
View our catalogs for design ideas:
Flexfire LEDs Catalog / Brochure
Need help with your project or selecting the perfect lights?
We have LED project design specialists ready to help educate and assist you in your project.
Please contact us or call us at 1-844-353- OR 1-925-273-
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit wholesale LED strip lights.