Linear LED Strip Lighting
* Linear LED lighting comprises two elements - the LED tape itself and the mounting profile.
* Because most LED tape has a self-adhesive backing it is tempting to simply stick it to the surface where it is to be used. However, unless this surface can dissipate heat the individual LEDs will eventually overheat, discolour and fail. This is why we always recommend fitting the LED tape into to an aluminium profile, which will act as a heat-sink, allowing the LEDs to run cooler and therefore last longer. The higher the output of the LED tape, the more important this becomes.
* LED tape is usually flexible with a self-adhesive backing and comes in a variety of light outputs and light colours, including colour-changing. Light outputs normally vary from 2.5W/metre to 15W/metre and more. The lower outputs (2.5W-5W/metre) are typically used in bookcases, shelving units and wall-recesses, whereas the higher outputs (10W-20W/metre) would be used for under cabinet task lighting, wardrobe lighting, shadow-gap lighting, wall-wash lighting and for lighting within coffered or dropped ceilings.
* Light options vary from 2200K (very warm) up to 5000K plus (very cool eg. daylight). The warmest colours (2200K-2700K) would be used in relaxing areas such as Sitting Room & Bedroom; less warm colours (2800K-3500K) would be used in areas such as Kitchen; cooler colours would be used in more functional areas, such as Utility Room, Garage etc.
* Colour-changing (RGBW) LED tape usually has 4 different colours: Red, Green, Blue & White. The controller allows the tape to cycle through these colours in a variety of selectable patterns. The 'White' colour can normally be specified at the time of ordering (2700K, 3000K, 5000K etc) and is used to create the desired white light when colour-changing is not being used. In this way the tape is only colour-changing when you want it to be.
* 'Spotting' results when the LED tape is place too close to the wall or surface such that the individual beam of each LED chip can be seen grazing up the wall or along the surface.To avoid 'spotting' either mount the LED tape at least 15mm back from the wall (measured to the centre of the tape) or use 'dotless' LED tape.
* LED tape often comes in rolls of 10m or more and can usually be cut every 50mm to allow for precise measurements. However, the leads will then need to be soldered onto the exposed connections, which can be quite fiddly. We therefore recommend you order the exact length you require, which will then come with approx 2m 'tails' for connection to the power supply.
* 12V or 24V tapes are the most common, with power supplies positioned 2-3m from the start of the tape.
* Aluminium profiles are either flat or angled at 45 degrees to 'throw' the light across the surface, such as bookshelves when vertically mounted or across the ceiling when fitted into a coffer. Most LED tapes will fit into most aluminium profiles but, before ordering, double-check that the profile will accept the width of the tape you want to use.
* For exterior lighting it's best to use flexible linear LED tape, which doesn't require separate profile and which can be top-emitting or side emitting, depending on the curve. This type of tape has a diffused light output and so is naturally 'dotless'. It is ideal for lighting under seating, under coffers and for wall-graing. IP68 versions of this type of tape can be used underwater, making it ideal for use in ponds, pools an