Low Voltage vs. High Voltage LED Strips: When to Choose ...
Low Voltage vs. High Voltage LED Strips: When to Choose ...
The growing popularity of LED strip lights in both residential and commercial applications can be attributed to their versatility and easy installation. However, when it comes to making the right choice, it is essential to understand the key differences between high-voltage and low-voltage LED strip lights.
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Let's further examine the safety, cost, installation, packaging, lifetime, and usage scenarios in this article.
When considering LED strips for your project, one crucial factor to weigh is the voltage rating. LED light strips generally fall into two main voltage categories:
High Voltage (110 volts or greater)
Each category has its unique advantages and applications, and understanding the differences between the two will help you make an informed decision based on your specific project lighting needs.
Table of Contents:
What Are High-voltage LED Strip Lights?
What Are Low-voltage LED Strip Lights?
Safety: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
Cost: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
Installation: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
Packaging: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
Lifetime: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
Where to Use High-voltage and Low-voltage LED Strip Lights?
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
1. What Are High-voltage LED Strip Lights?
High-voltage LED strip lights are powered by 110V or 220V, which are standard household voltages.
Key Features:
Allow for longer runs without significant voltage drop, making them suitable for large installations.
Deliver higher brightness levels, providing excellent illumination for commercial and outdoor applications.
Offer robust construction and durability to handle higher voltages safely.
Ideal Applications:
Commercial and industrial lighting: High voltage LED strips are often used in warehouses, factories, and commercial spaces where bright and reliable illumination is essential.
Outdoor lighting: These strips are well-suited for outdoor applications such as architectural lighting, landscape lighting, and perimeter lighting.
Large-scale installations: High voltage LED strips are ideal for large installations, such as airport runways, sports arenas, and parking lots.
2. What Are Low-voltage LED Strip Lights?
Low-voltage LED strip lights operate on DC12V or DC24V, working at significantly lower voltages.
Key Features:
- Operate efficiently at lower voltages, minimizing energy consumption.
- Generate less heat, making them suitable for applications where temperature control is important.
- Allow for dimming capabilities, enabling flexible lighting solutions.
Ideal Applications:
Home lighting: Low voltage LED strips are perfect for accent lighting in residential spaces, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Architectural lighting: These strips can be used to highlight architectural features, adding an aesthetic touch to interiors.
Signage and displays: Low voltage LED strips are commonly used in signs, displays, and retail applications to draw attention to products and promotions, and more.
3. Safety: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
3.1 High-voltage LED Strip Lights
The 110 and 220V voltage used by high-voltage LED strip lights poses potential safety hazards in certain risky applications.
Requires specialized installation expertise due to higher voltage levels.
Requires professional electricians for complex installation requirements.
3.2 Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
-
Operate on safer voltages, usually
12V
or
24V.
Reduced or eliminated risks associated with high voltages.
Suitable for direct contact and installations in wet environments.
4. Cost: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
4.1 High-voltage LED Strip Lights
The upfront cost of high-voltage LED strip lights is comparable to low-voltage options.
Overall cost may be lower as high-voltage strips can support longer installations with a single power supply.
Usage cost for costumer&#;s is higher due to higher energy consumption.
4.2 Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
Similar upfront cost to high-voltage LED strip lights.
Overall cost may be higher if multiple power supplies are needed for longer installations.
Usage cost for customer&#;s is lower due lower energy consumption, thus more savings for the customers in the long run.
5. Installation: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
5.1 High-voltage LED Strip Lights
Installation is straightforward but it is powered directly by a high-voltage driver.
Requires professional electrician expertise for safe and efficient installation.
5.2 Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
Relatively easier to install as they come with connectors and adhesive backing for quick installations.
Electricians, Contractors, Professionals, and Homeowners can install them without extensive electrical knowledge.
Blends well and can be integrated into traditional lighting systems and installations.
Compatibility considerations may play, however, this is straightforward and easy to follow.
6. Packaging: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
6.1 High-voltage LED Strip Lights
Packaging typically offers longer rolls, ranging from 50 to 100 meters per roll.
Suitable for larger-scale projects with continuous lighting needs.
6.2 Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
Come in rolls of 5 to 10 meters, suitable for smaller-scale and medium projects.
Consider voltage drop limitations beyond 10 meters for longer installations. Limitation can be mitigated with various installation options.
7. Lifetime: High-voltage vs Low-voltage
7.1 High-voltage LED Strip Lights
Generally have a shorter service life due to higher voltage levels.
Service life is typically around 10,000 hours.
Warranty coverage from manufacturers are also shorter
Wear and tear is faster
7.2 Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
Offers a longer service life, ranging from 30,000, 50,000, 70,000 hours and up.
A more durable option for extended use.
Warranty coverage from manufacturers range from 3 years to 15 years
Due to make and energy consumption, wear and tear is relatively slower
8. Where to Use High-voltage and Low-voltage LED Strip Lights?
8.1 High-voltage LED Strip Lights
Ideal for larger lighting projects that require longer lengths and higher brightness levels.
Commonly used in architectural lighting, commercial signage, outdoor building facades, and stadium lighting.
8.2 Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
Versatile and suitable for various lighting projects, including residential environments and architectural lighting.
Used for ambient lighting, general lighting, task lighting, and decorative purposes.
Adding style, functionality and fun in a wide range of areas of applications:
Kitchen Lighting
Living Room
Bedroom
Bathroom spaces
Retail and Office Spaces
Outdoor and landscape lighting
Tradeshows and Events
Under Cabinet Lighting or Woodworks
Arts and Crafts
Signages
Shelves and Display showcases
Cove and coffer lighting
Bar lighting
And more
9. Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
-
Lighting Project Scale:
Consider the size
Scope of your lighting project
Determine the most suitable voltage option
-
Safety Considerations:
Prioritize safety
Choose the voltage option
Align it with your installation requirements and environment
- Energy Efficiency:
Look for energy-efficient LED strip lights
High energy efficiency rating of A or A+ to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact
-
Ease of Installation:
Consider the work involve
The level of expertise required for installation
Choose accordingly to available resources
Opt for reputable brands
Look for LED strips that were tested for quality i.e. UL, LM-79, LM-80, TM-21, test certified, etc.
Check specifications that meets your project requirements
Check for available on-shelf lighting needs
Review if there is an option to customize the LED strips when needed
-
Color Temperature and Color
:
Select the color temperature and color options
Check for available output specs that match your requirement
- Pressure Drops Concerns:
Evaluate the length of your lighting run
Choose the voltage option that maintains consistent brightness
Summary Table of Aspect of Low Voltage vs High Voltage LED Strips:
Aspect
High-voltage LED Strip Lights
Low-voltage LED Strip Lights
Working Voltage
110V or 220V
DC12V or DC24V
Safety
Potential safety hazard
Safer voltage rating
Cost
Similar upfront price
Overall cost lower due to supporting longer LED strips + Lower usage cost for customers
Installation
Requires professional electrician
Relatively easier to install without extensive electrical knowledge
Durability
Durable, but less resilient to voltage fluctuations
More resilient to voltage fluctuations, with built-in voltage regulator/surge protectors for compatible drivers
Lifetime
Generally around 10,000 hours (1 yr)
Longer service life of 30,000, 50,000, 60,000 up hours (3,5 yrs and up)
Packaging
Generally 50-100 meters per roll
Typically 5-10 meters per roll
Usage
Ideal for larger lighting projects, commercial, architectural, high ceiling
Versatile, suitable for various lighting projects, residential, medium scale commercial installation, arts and crafts, signages, etc
As a general rule, you should keep your voltage as low as possible for your project. This saves on cost, decreases risk, and makes installation easier. Keeping voltage down can be done in a handful of different ways (some discussed here) but the overall theme of those suggestions is to decrease run length. A simple example is to take a run (let&#;s say for example, 50 feet), and to split it into two runs (25 feet each) by placing the power source in the middle instead of at one end.
It&#;s hard to make hard rules on limited project information, but as a very general guide, the below run lengths and voltages are suggested by the HitLights technical support team. (Note : HitLights does not currently stock high voltage strip lights, but our team will be happy to advise you on what to look for should your project require them)
Length
Ideal Voltage
Any Special Considerations
Up to 32 feet:
12V Rated LED Strips
More than 32 feet is possible with splitting the load into sections
32 feet - 100 feet
24V Rated LED Strips
More than 100 feet is possible with splitting the load into sections
More than 100 feet
110V or High Voltage LED Strips
If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at or give us a call at 1 (855) 768-. Our team of expert engineers and electricians are here to assist you every step of the way!
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*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only.
Best LED Strip Light FAQ - Flexfire LEDs Frequently Asked ...
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find your answer here try our LED Knowledge Center!
If you still cannot find your answer, please us.
FAQ
Website and LED Terminology
LED Strip Lights
The Basics
Product Quality
Outdoor Rated Strip Lights: IP65 & IP68
Specific Use Case Questions
Standards and Safety
Add-Ons & Installations: Connectors, Dimmers, Drivers, & Extrusions.
Wires and connectors
Dimmers & Dimming
Power Supplies/ Drivers
Extrusions
Shipping, Returns, Discounts, Orders, Account Questions
Shipping Procedures
Returns and 30-day guarantee
Discounts/ Coupons
Website and LED Terminology
Q: What are lumens (lm)?
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. Make sure you compare lumen output between LED strip lights before determining which one is best for your project.
Q: What is AC?
This is Alternating Current. This is the electricity that is used in most homes and commercial spaces. It&#;s often referred to as line voltage and number differs from country to country. US line voltage is typically 90V-220V, whereas it often averages higher in Europe.
Q: What is DC?
This is Direct Current. Most LED strips on the market use low-voltage DC. A transformer or low-voltage battery is often required to step-down the AC voltage to a suitable level for the LED strips, which is normally 12V or 24V DC.
Q: Are your LED strips constant current or constant voltage?
All of our strip lights require constant voltage. A constant voltage power supply is an electrical power source that regulates voltage to a constant level. In the case of Flexfire LED strip lights, a constant 12V or 24V, depending on the LED strip being used, would be required.
Q: What is CRI and why is it important?
Color Rendering Index (CRI) is the measurement of how colors look under a light source when compared with sunlight. Having information on the CRI of a LED strip light is important because you want to make sure that the colors are being accurately represented by the light source. CRI is measured on a scale from 0-100. A CRI of 80+ is the industry-standard for most applications while a CRI of 90+ tends to be necessary for situations that need color accuracy. Our UltraBright High CRI Series are used for photography lighting, retail lighting, bathroom or salon lighting, and residential lighting. Read more about the importance of CRI, here.
Q: What is LED pitch and how does it affect the type of lighting I wish to achieve?
LED pitch is the distance between the individual chips on a strip (FPCB). It is absolutely crucial to understand the importance that pitch plays in your project. The shorter the pitch, the more uniform the light tends to be and the less spotting you have. To read and learn more about LED pitch click here.
Q: What is the difference between LEDs v LEDs?
LED chips are all not all equal. The four digits represent the size of the chips in millimeters. For example, the chip is 3.5 mm X 2.8mm. Some chips are brighter than other and some have special uses and restrictions. Read more about the difference in chip size here.
Q: What is color temperature?
The color of light can be quantified by referring to its color temperature. White light is measured in Kelvins (K). Most white lights fall in a spectrum between K and K. When getting close to K, the light is noticeably warmer. On the other end of the spectrum, the lights have a blue-ish tint and cooler tone when nearing K.
Q: Which color temperature should I choose?
Choosing the correct color temperature lights for your project is very important, and as important as the brightness you choose. Consider the look and feel you want your project to have. What other color lights will be present? What material and color are the materials you wish to light?
Q: What is mA or mAmp?
This is 1/ or 0.001 of 1 ampere. When using LED strips it is common that the current draw for the LEDs will be less than one amp. In this case milliamps are used to indicate the amp draw. An example of this would be that a draw of ½ amp would be equal to 500mAh.
Q: What is a Watt?
A watt is equivalent to one joule per second, corresponding to the power in an electric circuit in which the potential difference is one volt and the current one ampere. A watt is equal to the voltage multiplied by the amperage. This is how your electric company keeps track of how much energy you consume.
Q: What is Binning?
Simply put, binning is the process of grouping LEDs during production so that they matched with LEDs of the same color sector. For example, all K chips are &#;binned&#; together and are separated from chips that have a higher/lower color temperature. Learn more about Binning here.
Q: What is an LED (Light Emitting Diode)?
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a solid-state semiconductor device that converts electrical energy directly into light. To learn more about how an LED light produces light click here.
Q: What is solid-state lighting?
Lighting devices that do not contain moving parts or parts that can break, rupture, shatter, leak, or contaminate the environment. LEDs do not use electrical filaments or gasses to produce light.
Q: What is luminous efficacy?
This is calculated by measuring the lumen output and then dividing that number by watts. For example, a strip that has a lumen output of 300lm/ft and a wattage draw of 3w/ft has an efficiency of 100lm/W.
Q: What is a Luminous Intensity Distribution Diagram?
Is a test to determine the angle of an emitted beams of light. TM30 vs CRI page.
Q: What is an Isocandela diagram?
Graphic representation of brightness distribution of a light source. TM30 vs CRI page.
Q: What does Fidelity Index (TM-30) mean?
How closely the observed light can render colors like the sun, using 99 color samples. TM30 vs CRI page.
Q: What does Gamut Index (TM-30) mean?
How saturated or desaturated colors are (aka how intense the colors are). TM30 vs CRI page.
Q: What does Color vector Graphic (TM-30) mean?
Which colors are saturated/desaturated and whether there is a hue shift in any of the 16 color bins. TM30 vs CRI page.
Q: What does CQS - Color Quality Scale mean?
An alternative to the unsaturated CRI measurement colors. There are 15 highly saturated colors that are used to compare chromatic discrimination, human preference, and color rendering.TM30 vs CRI page.
Q: What is a goniophotometer?
A photometric device for testing the luminous intensity distribution, efficiency and luminous flux of luminaires.
Q: What is IP stand for?
This is a rating system that defines the ability of a product to be able to work in different environments. IP is an acronym "Ingress Protection". It is a measurement of the protection an item will have against solid objects (dust, sand, dirt, etc.) and liquids.
An IP rating is comprised of 2 numbers. The first number refers to the protection against solid objects (dust, etc) and the second number refers to protection against liquids. Here is a complete article about IP ratings.
Q: What is the difference between IP65, IP67, & IP68?
The differences between commonly sold IP65, IP67, & IP68 strips are slight, but very important. Using the above chart as a guide, we can see that all strips are protected at the highest level from solids and dust. The variations come with the protection against liquids.
IP65 = Water resistant. &#;Protected against water jets from any angle&#; *Do NOT submerge IP65 LED lights, these are not waterproof.
IP67 = Water resistant plus. &#;Protected against the events of temporary submersion (10 minutes)&#;*Do NOT submerge IP67 LED lights for extended periods, these are not waterproof.
IP68 = Waterproof &#;Protected against the events of permanent submersion up to 3 meters&#;
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LED STRIP LIGHTS
The Basics
Q: What are the top 4 comparing factors to look for before purchasing LED strip lights?
1. Make sure you know the requirements for your project, then when looking at options, compare lumen output, CCT, and CRI.
2. Compare LED strip size and number of chips on the reel.
3. Understand the wattage and voltage that the LED strip light uses.
4. Make sure that the products have verifiable quality.
Want more information on High Efficiency Constant Current LED Strips? Feel free to contact us.
To read more details on these top considerations, click here.
Q: What is an LED strip light and how does it work?
A LED strip light is a flexible circuit board that is populated with LEDs. Strip lighting allows you to install powerful, energy efficient, discreet lighting fixtures in places you normally wouldn&#;t be able to reach.
Check out this infographic to learn more about the benefits of using a LED strip light. Check out our catalogs to view images of the many applications Flexfire LED light strips can be used for.
Q: How do LEDs produce light?
In the middle of the LED SMD there is an N-type and a P-type semiconductor. The N-type has electrons and the P-type has holes. The holes and electrons rapidly cross the gap and then merge together. As they combine, it produces photons which in turn produces particles of light.
Q: Can Flexfire LED strips be cut?
Yes, they can be cut to desired lengths. Check out our how-to article on cutting LED strip lights.
Q: Can Flexfire LED strips be soldered?
Yes, Flexfire LED strips can be soldered. This is the ideal method to install strip lights.
Q: Do Flexfire LED strips have an adhesive on the backs of the strips?
Flexfire LEDs strip lights have a 3M brand adhesive that allows for a very easy and secure installation. For heavier outdoor-rated strips, we recommend using the silicone-mounting brackets for a more long-term mount.
Q: What specific adhesive is used on your LED strips?
Non water resistant IP20 and waterproof IP68 use the 3M VHB adhesive tape. Outdoor water resistant IP65 uses the 3M adhesive tape.
Q: How long will the LED lights last?
Our lights have been rigorously tested and have an expected lifespan of 50,000 hours before dropping to 70% luminosity. This means that if you were to use your lights 12 hours a day, every day, the lights would be expected to last longer than 10 years. Even after that time has elapsed, the lights will maintain a brightness of 70%. Higher-output strips require a heat sink to reach the expected lifespan.
Q: What is the difference between rope lights and LED strip lights?
Although rope lights have a greater run length and lower pricing, the benefits of strip lights outnumber those of rope lights. Strip lights are incredibly bright and easy to install due to their size, technology, and adhesive. They also come in a variety of colors and have dimming options. However, the most important factor to note when comparing the two is the immense difference in light quality, where strip lights (especially Flexfire&#;s LED strip lights) are beyond doubt, superior to rope lights.
To continue to learn about the difference between the two, click here
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Product Quality
Q: What makes Flexfire LEDs strips superior to those sold elsewhere?
The look of the LED strip can often be deceiving. Although LED strips may look similar, they performance can vary widely. The quality of an LED strip relies on the use of top quality components, heat dissipation, color consistency through select binning, verifiable long lifespans, low or little color shifting over the life of the strip (chromaticity shifts), and verifiable performance. Only the highest quality components are invited to our assembly floor. We underpower our LEDs to make sure the strip stays cool and will be bright for many years and test each strip for 8 - 12 hours before it leaves the factory.
Flexfire LEDs produces lighting that you should never have to go back out and fix. We believe we have truly created a &#;set and forget&#; solution. See our full article, &#;How does Flexfire LEDs make the highest quality LED strip light?&#;.
Q: Does Flexfire LEDs manufacture their own strip lights or are you just a reseller?
We design the products in house and contract-manufacture in a single factory under intense quality control conditions. We source and select all of the components that are used and all of our strip lights are of the highest quality.
Also, all of the lights are tested for 8 - 12 hours upon completion and prior to being shipped to our storage facility in Tustin, California. They are then tested a second time upon arrival. We can guarantee that your lights will work, every time.
Q: What are the warranties of your products?
We&#;re so happy with the quality of our product, we offer up to 15-year warranty on all of our LED strips to all of our clients. The warranty on power supplies ranges from 2 to 7 years which is model dependent.
See our Warranties Page for full details.
LED STRIP LIGHTS
(15) Years - UltraBright&#; Architectural Series
(15) Years - UltraBright&#; Architectural Dynamic Tunable White Series
(15) Years - UltraBright&#; Design Series
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; Dynamic Tunable White Series
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; UV Series
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; Vivid Color Series
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; Whites Series
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; Color Changing RGB 150
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; Color Changing RGB 300
(15) Years - ColorBright&#; Color Changing RGB+W
(7) Years - UltraBright&#; Industrial Series
(7) Years - UltraBright&#; Slim Series
(7) Years - UltraBright&#; High CRI Series
POWER SUPPLIES AND DRIVERS
(2) Years - Flexfire LEDs Desktop Style Power Supplies
(5) Years - Zurik&#; MLV Dimmable Drivers
(3) Years - Zurik&#; EMLV Dimmable Drivers
(7) Years - Zurik&#; EMLV2 Dimmable Drivers - New Updated Version
(2) Years - Mean Well LPV Drivers
(7) Years - Mean Well HLG Drivers
DIMMERS & CONTROLS
(1) Year - Lutron Dimmers
(5) Years - Juno&#; Amplifiers
(5) Years - Juno&#; Bluetooth Dimmers and Controllers
(3) Years - Sensors
ACCESSORIES, WIRE, & CONNECTORS
(2) Years on anything else not specifically listed above
Q: What is the lifespan of your strip lights?
Our lights have been rigorously tested and have an expected lifespans from 30,000 to 50,000 hours before dropping to 70% luminosity. This means that if you were to use your lights every day for 12 hours a day, the lights would be expected to last longer than 10 years. Even after that time has elapsed, the lights will maintain a brightness of 70%. Higher-output strips require a heat sink to reach the expected lifespan and beyond.
Q: How flexible are the LED strip lights?
Our LED strip lights are as flexible as a carpenter&#;s tape measure. The numbers on the tape measure are analogous to the LED chips on the strip light. They can bend up or down but not on its horizontal axis (left or right).
Our higher output products such as the Industrial series will require a heat sink. This is imperative to assure the ideal environment for LED strips to reach their expected lifespan. The details on our product page will indicate whether a heat sink is required for the strip you are purchasing.
Q: Do longer runs of LED strips lose brightness?
In DC circuits, voltage gradually drops as it travels along through a length of wire (or an LED strip light). So, with every foot of wire, the available voltage to each foot gradually decreases along the length of wire. This can lead to having one end of your strip lights being brighter than the other end.
Our strips can be ran 16&#;, 32&#; or 48&#; - this varies between different series of LED strips. After reaching these distances, you need to run another separate run from the power source. Another thing that can cause a drop is the distance between the power source and LEDs. Use an appropriately-sized wire to avoid voltage drop, and consult an electrician for further advice. To learn more about voltage drop click here or please contact our customer service for help.
Q: How long will my strip lights run on a battery?
This depends on the battery&#;s amp hour rating, length of LED strip lights used, and type of LED strip lights. The equation is: Battery milliampere hours (mAh) / Light strip milliamperes = Longevity (Hours). We can help you figure this out! Just shoot us an or a quick chat or call. View our battery packs here.
Q: What is the maximum run length of the UltraBright&#; lights before voltage drop occurs?
The following list provides details for the UltraBright&#; strip lights&#; maximum run lengths.
Design Series (12V input):
Maximum continuous string of lighting in series: 1 Reel [16ft 5in (5m) ]
Longer connections possible in parallel with the correct power unit.
High CRI Series (12V input):
Maximum continuous string of lighting in series: 1 Reel [16ft 5in (5m) ]
Longer connections possible in parallel with the correct power unit.
Architectural Series (24V input):
Maximum continuous string of lighting in series: 2 Reels [32ft 10in (10m) ]
Longer connections possible in parallel with the correct power unit.
Industrial Series (12V / 24V input):
Maximum continuous string of lighting in series: 1 Reel [9ft 10in (3m) ]
Longer connections possible in parallel with the correct power unit.
More about Voltage Drop here
Q: What&#;s the maximum operating temperature of your LED strips? How hot do the strip lights get?
The temperature will vary from strip to strip. Our strips are designed to be underpowered at the component levels to keep the strip cooler than its maximum operating thresholds. We measure the strip&#;s temperature from 60 degrees F to 115 degrees F. We have designed the LED strips to be able to operate in a temperature range of -22ºF (-30ºC) and 158ºF (70ºC). When the LEDs are ran it higher ambient temperatures above 40ºC, it is recommended to use a heat sink to dissipate the heat away from the LED strip.
Q: What sort of beam angle is produced by your strip lights?
All of our LED strip lights have a beam angle of 120°. You can use an aluminum channel with a special lens to change the beam angle is required.
Q: How can I create ambient light with LED strip lights?
Creating ambient light with Flexfire&#;s LED strip lights is incredibly easy due to their incredible versatility. These strips can be cut, curved and connected in any nook or corner in your home or connected multiple times for an extended and brilliant design. To learn more about how to create ambient lighting with Flexfire LEDs&#; products click here. Please call our design team for further consultation or general assistance.
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Outdoor Rated Strip Lights: IP65 & IP68
Q: What does IP stand for?
This is a rating system that defines the ability of a product to be able to work in different environments. IP is an acronym "Ingress Protection". It is a measurement of the protection an item will have against solid objects (dust, sand, dirt, etc.) and liquids.
An IP rating is comprised of 2 numbers. The first number refers to the protection against solid objects (dust, etc) and the second number refers to protection against liquids. Here is a complete article about IP ratings.
Q: Can LED lights be used outdoors?
Yes, LED lights can be used outdoors. Please make sure you order the protection suitable for your geographical location. Click here to see our article on protection levels.
Q: What is the max depth that an IP68 LED strip can be submersed?
32 feet (10 meters).
Q: Are the connectors on the IP68 LED strips also submersible?
No, the factory connectors are rated to IP65 only. If you need us to custom manufacture longer wires on each end of the strip so the connections can be made outside the water, please contact us.
Q: Is there any difference in brightness between the indoor and outdoor versions LED strip lights?
The indoor and outdoor versions have similar brightness outputs. They run off exactly the same specifications and the outdoor versions have a clear silicon sleeve protecting them. The outdoor version may be 5% less bright than the indoor version, but this is not typically noticeable to the human eye.
Q: How does the IP65 covering affect the color temperature of the LED strip?
The IP65 silicone sleeve may increase CCT by about 150K. We correct this by ordering the LEDs for our outdoor products one BIN lower so after the light passes through the silicone, it is the correct color temperature.
Q: Do the silicone sleeves on IP65 strips affect the CRI?
Yes, though only minimally. For example, one of our IP20 tested LED strips has a CRI of 82.6, whereas the IP65 silicone sleeved strip has a CRI of 82.1.
Q: Do you sell your outdoor rated lights by the foot?
No, we do not. We stock out IP65 outdoor rated lights in 8&#; or 16&#; lengths. For certain projects, we may be able to produce special lengths for you. Please let us know your requirements. IP68 waterproof strips are available in 16&#; lengths that may be special ordered and subject to manufacturing lead time.
Q: What are the recommendations on adhering outdoor-rated strip lights?
All of our outdoor-rated lights come with mounting brackets. The strip also has a 3M adhesive on the back. We recommend using both for the most secure installation. They can also be installed within a mounting channel.
Q: Can I cut reels that are waterproof (IP65/ IP68)?
Yes. Be sure to reseal the strip light each time it&#;s cut to prevent water damage. A lot of clients like to use a liquid electrical tape.
Q: How flexible are these outdoor strips?
The IP65 is flexible like a measuring tape is. The IP68 is a little more robust and rigid.
Q: I am designing a project for an outdoor fountain and I am in need of color changing LED strips that are fully submersible. Does such a product exist?
Our RGB range is also available in IP68 which means they are fully waterproof and submersible. They can be installed in depth up to 4m (13&#;).We may need to special order these, as we do not currently stock them.
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Specific Use Case Questions
Q: Can I create a photography / video panel with your LED strips?
Yes. The UltraBright&#; strips have been used in many photography and video lighting projects. The slim nature of the strip and the adhesive backing make it very easy to create your own custom light panel. Check out this video review of the UltraBright&#; High CRI strip being used in a light panel.
Q. Do your LED strips attract insects if I install them on my porch?
Most of our LED strip lights do not produce UV light, which insects are attracted to. This is not to say that all bugs aren't attracted to LED lights, but most can't see the light that LEDs produce. We also sell UV led strip lights, if you indeed like insects.
Q: Does Flexfire LEDs have any products that produce Infra-Red (IR) or Ultraviolet (UV) light?
We produce an UV-A LED strip with a peaks at 399nm or 365nm. We can also produce UV-C light bars and other special application lighting products depending on your needs.
An IR strip can be produced via special order. All special orders are subject to longer lead times for manufacturing and shipping purposes.
Q: How can I install LED lights strips in my motorhome
There are variety of ways to design your RV or motorhome with our LED strip lights. Generally speaking, most automobiles have a 12V DC output so a transformer is rarely needed. Read this article to learn about the benefits of RV LED lighting and to see some examples of motorhomes that have used our lighting solutions.
Q: How do I use LED strip lights for truck dock lighting?
Due to Flexfire LEDs product&#;s incredible versatility, they can also be used for truck dock lighting. To see some great examples and instructions on installation, click here. Please call our design team for further consultation or general assistance.
Q: Can Flexfire LED strips survive in a humid environment?
Indoor-rated strips can withstand up to 70% humidity. If it&#;s going to be installed in a more humid environment, we would recommend using our outdoor-rated strips instead. To learn more about our Outdoor series and all of their benefits, click here.
Q: I want my LED strips to shine down directly, how do I avoid seeing the individual LEDs?
LED strips are usually used as indirect lighting, so when using them as direct lighting it&#;s often desirable to diffuse the individual diodes. Depending on where the lights are installed, a diffuser can be used to create uniform lighting. We carry Aluminum Channels that can diffuse the light. Consult our design team for extra assistance.
Q: What&#;s the difference between the ColorBright&#; and the UltraBright&#; Series?
Our UltraBright&#; Series offers higher brightness and comes in 5 different color temperatures of white light. The ColorBright&#; series is great for accent lighting and come in a variety of different colors with the addition to the same whites as the UltraBright. The ColorBright series also has a color changing series. All of our lights are fully dimmable.
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Standards and Safety
Q: What is the importance of having UL Listed products?
UL is an acronym for the Underwriters Laboratories. They are an independent product safety certification organization. UL is, "a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public safety." This means you can install these LEDs in commercial spaces, industrial applications, and in your home with peace of mind.
Flexfire LEDs provides UL Listed LED strips to reassure the customer that only the highest quality components are used.
Q: Are your products UL Listed?
With exception of a few specialty strips of brand new products, most all of our LED strip lights are UL Listed in the USA and Canada. Additionally, all of our non-dimmable lighting transformers (power supplies) are UL Listed or UL Recognized. Our dimmable drivers are ETL Listed which means they are tested to UL Standards.
Q: Have all of your lights been independently certified and tested for safety?
Yes! Almost all of our strip lights are CE, RoHS certified, and UL Listed.
Q: Do strip lights have an EU Energy Label?
LED Strip Lights are not yet covered by this regulation, however LEDs have been considered by the EU Directive to be the best alternative to incandescent, halogen and even HID lamps.
New LEDs will most likely occupy the A++ class after the deletion of classes F and G.
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Add-Ons & Installations: Connectors, Dimmers, Power Supplies, and Extrusions.
Wires and connectors
Q: Why are there so many different connectors for Flexfires&#; LED strip lights and what is the difference?
Flexfire LEDs has many different series of LED strip lights that come in different sizes. We have a number of different connectors to to fit each one of those series. Check out our solderless installation instructions for more info.
Solderless Connectors for ColorBright Single Color LED Strip Lights
Solderless Connectors for ColorBright Hybrid Dynamic White LED Strip Lights
Solderless Connectors for ColorBright RGB LED Strip Lights
Solderless Connectors for ColorBright RGB+W LED Strip Lights
Solderless Connectors for UltraBright LED Strip Lights
Q: Do we need to use stranded or solid wire?
Strip lights use DC power at a low voltage, so we only recommend that you use stranded wire when installing. Stranded wire allows for a lower resistance which in turn allows for a smaller degree of voltage drop. Additionally, stranded wire is more flexible than solid wire which permits cleaner and easier installations.
Q: Do you have wiring examples for your flexible LED strip lights?
On each of the Data Sheets, there are wiring diagrams for possible installations. However, your installation may be special and require something different. Contact us and double check your work or idea so we can give it the thumbs up!
Each LED strip needs a different connector and depending on the length ordered, you will need a specific power supply as well. We are here to make this fun and easy for you so, please visit our tutorial section to see how to wire your new strips! Additionally, call our design team for further assistance.
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Dimmers & Dimming
Q: Do LEDs work with dimmer switches?
Yes. all of our LED lights are fully dimmable and can work with dimming switches. It is important to select a dimmer and power supply that are compatible together. We offer dimmer switches on our website. Note: The RGB flexible strip lights are only dimmable with an RGB controller.
Q: How can I control the brightness of my LED strip lights with a Lutron wall dimmer?
To use a Lutron wall dimmer, you will need a dimmable power unit. This can be a magnetic low voltage (MLV) or electronic low voltage unit (ELV). A normal non-dimmable power unit such as Mean Well will not work with a Lutron dimmer because of how the dimmer works. The Lutron dimmer works by cutting the AC current before the MLV or ELV power supply, which in turn, creates the appropriate dimming signal to cause the lights to dim. You need to make sure that the dimmer you choose is compatible with our drivers before installation, or flickering can occur.
Q: How can I dim my LED strips?
There are many ways to dim the LED strip lights. Depending on your application, some dimming methods are better for your project than others.
1) Hard wire to a Lutron style wall dimmer: This option requires the use of a dimmable driver and a compatible dimmer switch. Video Tutorial
2) PWM dimming using an LED dimmer or controller. This is done by Installing the dimmer after the power supply Video Tutorial
Q: Will the dimmer I own work with Flexfire LEDs strips?
Our strip lights are dimmable with almost all dimming systems, however it&#;s important to ensure compatibility between the dimmer and dimmable power supply. Check with us to see if your setup is compatible before any installation. If you need more dimmer recommendations, please contact our design team
Q: Does the Lutron Caseta dimmer work with Flexfire strips?
We have tested the Lutron Caseta with our dimmable drivers and it performs exceptionally well.
Q: Can I use more than 1 Touch Series controller in parallel to the same power supply?
Yes, there is no issue with interference being created from one receiver through the line to the other as there is with simpler dimmers
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Power Supplies/ Drivers
Q: How do I choose which power supply I would need for my LED strip?
First, calculate the total watts consumed by the LEDs (Watts per foot) X (number of linear feet used. Then, take that number and add on additional 20%. We add the additional 20% to avoid overloading the power supply. Under-loading the power supply help increase lifespan of the power supply. As an example, a project that requires 10&#; of a light that draws 3w per foot would require a power supply that can supply 36W or more.
The total linear footage of LEDs, voltage, power consumption and dimming method will determine which power supply is best for your project.
View our power supply chart to find the exact LED power supply you need.
Q: Where can I install dimmable drivers?
Dimmable drivers must be installed in a well-ventilated area, free from explosive gases and vapors and in accordance with Article 450 of the National Electric Code, which states that:
Transformers must be readily accessible to qualified personnel for inspection and maintenance.
Q: Can I connect several Zurik drivers to one single Lutron dimmer?
This is certainly possible. All of the lights will dim in unison from the same dimmer.
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Extrusions
Q: What is a heat sink?
A part of the thermal system that conducts or convects heat away from sensitive components, such as LEDs and other electronics. The most common heat sinks are aluminum alloys.
Q: How much brightness is lost by using a channel with a frosted cover?
Frosted covers helps diffuse the light and reduce &#;hotspots&#; and may typically reduce the brightness up to 30%.
Shipping, Returns, Discounts, Orders, Account Questions
Shipping Procedures
Q: How many days can I expect to receive my goods?
Your product will usually ship out within (2) business days, if there are any delays, we will let you know ASAP. Shipping varies from state to state and country to country. If desired, we will provide you with a tracking number within 2-4 days of your order so you can track the progress of your shipment online.
International shipments may take longer due to customs clearance. Please be advised there may be a delay of up to 5 days before the shipping company updates the tracking information on their website.
If you are away from home at the time of delivery, a notice will be left on the door, and the package will be available for pickup at your nearest post office. Domestic shipments of over $300 require a signature.
Q: Do you offer free shipping?
Flexfire LEDs offers Free Shipping on orders over $125 to addresses in the United States only.
Returns and 30-day guarantee
Q: How can I return my goods for a refund or exchange?
We operate a 30-day return policy for any products received (special/custom ordered products are not covered). Make sure you have NOT cut or peeled the adhesive off of the lights, knocked out the holes on the Zurik power supply and are able to return the unwanted products to us in resellable condition. We recommend reading this page to understand the policy.
To return a product, please call or our after sales team to start the process.
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Discounts/ Coupons
Q: Do you offer wholesale or pricing discounts?
Yes we do. Please sign-up using our contractor form. Once we receive that, we&#;ll be able to qualify you for the best available pricing. Discounted rates will adjust depending on quantity.
Q: Are there any tax credits or incentives for using LEDs?
Yes, depending on your state and county. There are many tax credits and incentives for using LEDs, to learn more click here.
Q: If I want to order a product that is not on your website, is that possible?
Contact our design team who are happy to discuss your custom product/project. We offer other lighting solutions that are not listed on our website.
At Flexfire LEDs we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and will do everything in our power to accommodate all of our clients. If a product does not meet a certain criteria, our team can help find a way to tailor it to meet clients&#; needs. All custom/special orders are subject to a lead time.
Q: I placed an order via with the Flexfire LEDs team and they never gave me a password when they created my account. How do I know what my password is?
When a new account is created by the Flexfire LEDs team a client will instantly receive an once the order is placed asking the client to create a password for their new account. You must use/find this to create your password for the first time.
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Are you interested in learning more about 5mm Ultra Thin Flexible Led Strip? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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