Basic knowledge about LED Strip Light

LED STRIP BASICS

GZY Lighting LED strips are supplied in reels of 5 metres or 10 metres. The LED strip can be cut to length but only at special cut points marked on the strip. For example in a kitchen with two runs of 2.5M, you would cut the 5M strip in half (at the cut-point), apply the strip and power each strip with an appropriate driver or power both from the same driver. The strip could also be cut into a number of variations e.g. 4 metre only, 5 X 1 metres, a 3 and 2 metre strip.

GZY Lighting LED strips can be dimmed with the appropriate driver and compatible dimmer switch

What do I need to consider when installing LED Strip Lighting?

The following should be considered for any installation of LED Strip Lighting.

Decide where the strip will be placed and if it will be used for ambient or accent lighting

LED strips should be installed on a smooth, stable surface that is clean and dry

How much light do you need? Different types of light output are produced by varying the size, number and colour of LEDs on a strip

Choose the appropriate IP rating for the area of installation (IP65 or IP67 for bathrooms or outdoors).

Consider whether you need to conceal the strip, driver and cables

Consider whether the strip will be always on or switched on and off and decide if it will be part of your lighting circuit or on a separate switch

The final lighting effect will depend on a number of factors including; Size of LEDs, number of LEDs per metre, the angle and position of the strip, the colour temperature, distance and reflectiveness of surfaces and the distance of the observer from the strip. Know what you want and plan your installation accordingly

Handy tip: You can evaluate an LED strip by temporarily installing it with a removable tape such as masking tape, and then safely powering it to view the light output, pattern and angle, before finally fixing the strip

LED strips and drivers must be installed by a qualified electrician.

Where can LED strips be installed?

LED strips can be installed in a wide range of residential and commercial environments. Popular install locations include:

Above and under kitchen/bathroom cabinets

In kick-panels and skirting

In ceiling coving, as wall washers and around bar areas

In cupboards, display cases and bar counters

Around doorways, windows, stairs and embedded into flooring

Under roof soffits

In gardens, pathways/driveways and signage

Lighting for Christmas or other special occasions

On the rear of TVs, speaker systems and certain gaming machines

What do IP Ratings mean for LED Strip?

Ingress protection determines if an electrical product’s exterior case or enclosure will protect the working parts from water, dust or solid object intrusion, keeping the product electrically safe and lasting longer. Ingress protection testing, or IP testing, provides a repeatable test standard to compare the enclosure protection; IP testing should always be performed at an accredited test laboratory.

GZY Lighting offer strips rated to IP20/IP33 (Non-waterproof), IP65 and IP67:

IP20/IP33 - Not waterproof. This is standard uncoated strip. Use in dry and dust free areas such as ceiling coves, display cabinets, wall washers, bedroom and living rooms (indoor).

IP65 – Splash resistant - The PCB, LEDs and other components on the top of the strip are coated with silicone, providing protection against dust and splashing water. Typical interior uses are in bathrooms or kitchens, under cabinets and in places where there is a chance that people will have contact with the strip. The cable and driver used when installing an IP65 strip must have an IP65 rating.

IP67 - Water resistant - This strip is protected with a silicone gel against temporary immersion in water between 15cm and 1 metre. Excellent protection for indoor and outdoor use. Typical interior uses include bathrooms or kitchens, under cabinets and near showers or sinks. Typical outdoor uses include pathways or walls. In addition to the self-adhesive tape; Integral LED IP67 strips are supplied with mounting clips to secure the strip. IP67 strips should NOT be continuously immersed in water. The cable and driver used during installation must also have an IP67 rating.

What is the operational temperature of LED strip?

GZY Lighting LED strips are built to suit a certain range of operation temperature (-25°C to +45°C). Please refer to the specification of the strip model you choose.

GZY Lighting LED strip will get hot during operation, we advise that the strip is positioned where it cannot be easily accessed by children or adults carrying out everyday tasks.

How do I choose the right colour for my space?

The colour of an LED strip will set the mood in your space.

Warm White (3000K) – White with a  hint of yellow. Traditional yellow/orange colour tone - ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways

Cool White (4000K) – Neutral white colour tone - ideal for offices and retail lighting

Daylight (6500K) - Daylight white with a brighter blue colour tone - ideal for retail lighting, signage lighting and display lighting

Red, Green or Blue - Stunning bold colours to add great effects to your space - and to make playrooms, clubs, bars and restaurants more exciting.

RGB / RGBW - Red, Green, Blue (and White) LEDs that are mixed by using a remote control to produce a wide range of colours