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What is an LED Strip?

LED strip lighting is fast becoming one of the most popular lighting solutions for homes, businesses, and gardens. It’s actually very simple, but very clever. To find out everything you need to know about using LED strip lights in your space check out our FAQs, answered by the team at ArcLED.

What is an LED Strip?

An LED strip consists of a self-adhesive backing on which LEDs are placed at regular intervals on a roll that can be cut to size. The most common LEDs per metre are 30, 60 and 120. Once connected to a driver, the LED strip is illuminated to produce an even and consistent forward light. LED stands for light-emitting diode.

What are LED strips used for?

LED strips can be used indoors or outdoors, for task lighting or accent lighting. Strip lighting can be bent around furniture, fitted behind TVs and even around swimming pools. Here are just some of the places LED strips are used:

  • Above and under kitchen or bathroom cabinets
  • Mounted behind TVs and speaker systems
  • Gardens, pathways, and driveways
  • Kick panels and skirting
  • Lighting bars, display cases, and cupboards
  • Ceiling coving
  • Around doors, windows, stairs, and floors
  • Under roof soffits
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LED Tape & Strip Light FAQs

Do LED strip lights raise electric bill?

You may hear the word LED and think it is expensive, however, several factors ensure it is very affordable. LED strip lights usually do not raise your electric bill; in fact, LED strip lights are cheaper than traditional bulbs. Not only will they reduce your carbon footprint but they will also save you money on bills due to their excellent efficiency.

Is it ok to leave LED strip lights on all night?

If you want to leave lights on all night then LED strip lights are a great option. LED strip lights are generally ok to leave on all night because they have a low heat output compared to traditional bulbs. They are also energy efficient so the low cost makes them the perfect option for leaving on for long periods of time. However, it is important to have your LED strip lights installed by a professional so you can be sure they are safe to be left on and have been installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Are LED strip lights easy to install?

All LED lighting, including strip lighting, should be installed by professionals. LED strip lights are easy to install due to their peel-and-stick design but you need to ensure they are set up correctly for your safety. To utilise all of the benefits of LED tape, you should always install it on a sound, clean and dry surface.

Is it worth getting LED strip lights?

It is worth getting LED strip lights due to their energy efficiency, low cost, and consistent light output. There are a few questions to ask yourself if you are considering getting LED strip lights such as have you got space to conceal the driver and wiring? And how would you like to control your lighting? Via remote, switch or sensor? If you need help planning your project, ArcLED can help.

IP Ratings Explained

IP20/IP33 – This IP Rating is not waterproof. Typically it can be used anywhere indoors such as ceiling coves, bedrooms, display cabinets, wall washers and living rooms. Wherever you choose an IP20 or IP33 rated tape indoors, it should be dry and dust free. It is not suitable for use in bathrooms.
IP65 – When it comes to standard lighting, you may hear IP65 is suitable for outdoor use. However, with LED strips it is very different. We recommend using IP65 rated tape in bathrooms, kitchens or where it may come into contact with slight water but not outdoors where it may become too wet.
IP67 – If you want to use your LED tape outdoors, we only recommend LED strips with an IP67 rating or higher. The lighting is protected against water ingress with a silicone gel which covers the LED chips. Perfect for use in gardens, paths, and driveways.
IP Ratings Chart

What is the voltage of LED strip lights?

  • The LED strip lights listed on our website are between 12V and 24V meaning they require a constant current driver. The driver converts mains 240V to 12V/24V.
  • More than one LED strip can be controlled from a single driver.
  • When selecting the driver, ensure you choose one that is at least 10% over the wattage of the LED strip. For example, to power 2 metres of 9.6W per metre tape, you should select a driver 25W and above.
  • Most tapes are available in bespoke lengths from 1 metre. Tapes can be supplied in specific lengths i.e. 1 metre can be cut every 50mm for even the smallest projects.
LED Chip Types
LED ChipWidth(mm)Length(mm)
28352.83.5
35283.52.8
505055
LED Chip Types
Recommended Use for Different LED Chips
3528 – The ‘middle man’ 3528 LED chip is the most common type of chip used in LED strip lighting. It provides a subtle light that is ideal for many domestic installations. Suitable for task or ambient lighting where people may be close to the light. Also, it is perfect for ceiling coving, stairs and around windows.
5050 – This is the largest of the 3 chips most commonly used in LED tape. It’s usually around 40% larger than the 3528 diodes and has a higher light output. For this reason, we recommend using 5050 lighting for commercial or domestic lighting. Perfect for high ceilings, outdoor lighting or covering a larger area.
How do I tell what type of LED strip light I have?
Usually, you can tell what type of LED strip light you have by checking for the code. The strip will have one of the above codes such as 3528 and 5050 to help you ensure you have the correct product for your project.

How many LED lights per metre?

The number of LEDs per metre on your strip light might not seem that important, however, it can completely change the light output including brightness and lumens. We’ve included some of the most common types below and provided guides on where to use each type of LED strip.

30 LEDs – If you are looking for a soft ambient glow, 30 LEDs per metre is the perfect tape. Use in kitchen kick plates or low ceiling coves.
60 LEDs – With double the number of LEDs per metre as the 30, this tape is much more suited for task lighting, bar tops, stairs, doorways and under kitchen cabinets.
120 LEDs – Typically used in high ceiling coves, outdoors, paths, driveways and signage.
     LEDs Per Metre
Do LED strip lights need to be plugged in?
You’ve got your LED strip lighting and now you are wondering how to power it; your LED strip lights need to be plugged in. You need to convert the mains 240V to either 12V or 24V using a driver. At ArcLED, you will find a range of transformers that convert the voltage from 4W all the way up to 200W. The specification of the driver you will need depends on the total amount of wattage of the strip you are trying to power. For example, if you are running 5 metres of 9.6W LED strip, you will need a driver 52W and above. The driver must always be at least 10% higher than the total wattage required.

As you can see, it is important to pay attention to all the details when installing LED strip lights so we always recommend leaving it to the experts. If you have any extra questions about LED strips or need assistance with a project, talk to ArcLED. Our team of experts is on hand to give advice in addition to our bespoke services such as the made-to-measure option.