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LED Academy

LEDs in the Length of Strip
Generally, LED strips have some appreciable amount of LEDs per foot (or meter, etc). The farther the LEDs are spaced; the strip lights produced are spot-like instead of a clean line of light when they are close enough to each other.  Our strips are made up of standards 120 LED, 90 LEDs, 60 LEDs or 30 LEDs per Meter.  This can also be adjusted and customized to client’s own desire. 
 
Brightness of LED Strip Light
Over the past years, LED technology has significantly improved so much so that the small diodes can produce much and highly significant amount of brighter light. However, not all LED strip lights can give the brighter intensity you want. The brightness of lights is measured in lumens (not watts as is commonly believed).
 
Now, depending on how one is using the LED strip lights, one will have to require a certain level of lumens.
 
 USAGE
LUMENS PER FOOT
Accent lighting
150 to 250
Under-cabinet lighting
175 to 550
Task lighting near source
250 to 450
Task lighting far from source
350 to 700
Indirect lighting
375 to 575
Signs
500 to 750
 
Note:
There is no set standard, so one manufacturer may state that there are 250 lumens per foot whereas another states that there are 250 lumens per meter. The first LED strip light would be much brighter than the second.
 
LED Strip Light Color
LED strip lights come in a wide range of colors as well as strips that can change colors. The most basic LED strip lights are called ‘non addressable' and will only emit one fixed color of light. They are generally easier to install. A second type of LED light is called  ‘non addressable RGB strips'. These LED strip lights can display a host range of lights; Red-Green-Blue. There is a high significant difference between the addressable LED strip lights and the non-addressable strips. The latter has a small controller between each LED that makes it possible to control each LED on an individual basis, while the former lack that.
 
Color Temperature
 

Color temperature is something very different than the color of an LED light. Temperature indicates how ‘warm' or ‘cold' the light appears. Temperature is rated in Kelvin with higher Kelvin representing cool colors and lower Kelvin representing warmer colors.
 
Temperature Kelvin
 Light Color
 Applications
5000K-6000K
Day light
Outdoor LED lighting
Bathrooms
Situations when bright light is needed, such as reading
3500K-4100K
Neutral White
Kitchens Hallways
2700K-3000K
Warm white
Living rooms Bedrooms
 
 
Notice these key specifications:
  • Lumen output performance ranges from 240 to 16,400 lumens
  • CCT options from 2,700 to 5,000 K
  • CRI options include 70, 80, 90, and 97 CRI Decor products
  • Three SDCM standard for 2,700 K to 4,000 K CCT with two SDCM options
  • Reliable operation at up to 2x rated drive current
  • Radial die pattern improves lumen density and beam control
In the LED industry, do not be surprised to find some LED strip lights that have color adjustable temperatures, as it is possible. These adjustable temperature LED strips can be very useful if you want to use the light strips for various types of mood lighting.
 
Installation of the LED Strip Lights
Before you purchase any LED strip light, consider first how this product would be installed. If it is a flexible strip with adhesive tape at the back, then this may be as simple as sticking the lights where you want them to go and plugging them in. However, some of the strips such as the Programmable LEDs, LED rigid bars, under cabinet LEDs and other waterproof LED strips demand a much more complex installations; where strips must be cut and programmed.
 
As far as the installation of LED strips is concerned, always make sure you observe the following factors:
  • Required length of the strip/number of strips needed
  •  Direction of the LEDS on the strip
  • Flexibility of the LED strip
  • Whether components such as controllers and adapter are needed
  • Power and voltage required
  • Whether it is waterproof
  • Whether the strip needs to be program
  • Will you demand extra installation technique
 
Wattage of LED Strip Lights
With power outages of LED strips, always make sure your power outlet can handle the energy demands of the LEDs. To do that, find out how much energy your power supply can handle. For instance, a typical power outlet can handle 15A before it shorts out.
 
At 120 volts, that comes out to 1800 watts. It is advised that you never surpass 80% of the total capacity. In this regards, you should not put more than 1440 watts.
 
Note that wattage is sometimes listed per reel, per unit of measurement, or per LED. If wattage is listed in units or per LED, then calculate how many feet or LEDs will be used in total of your project and multiply that by the wattage. This will let you know whether your circuit can handle the LEDs or not.
 
Another reason to pay attention to LED wattage is because of energy consumption. Even though LEDs typically don't use much electricity (compared to most other types of lights), the electricity usage can still add up and take a toll on your electric bill.
 
Remember: it should not be a very tough task when looking for LED strip lights to purchase so long as you know what you are looking for: power demands, colors and easy installation. However, there are many LED strip lights purposely designed for specialized use. An example is those programmable LEDs. They should be carefully selected to match your set design.