Most people now use LED strips to light their homes. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right type of LED strip! That's why at Axent LED, we've created this guide to help you select the right LED lighting for your home, office or commercial building, to ensure optimum illumination.
Why choose LEDs?
People often ask: “Why choose LED?” The advantages are numerous. LED strips and lamps provide brighter light than conventional bulbs, produce less heat, last longer, and are much more environmentally friendly.
Select the ideal LED strip
Step 1: Choosing the right voltage
The first point to check is the voltage required for your installation. In general, the most common voltages are 12V and 24V. 12V strips are ideal for installations of less than 15 feet, while 24V strips can go up to 30 feet without loss of brightness. For projects requiring longer strips, LED strips with integrated circuits can be used up to 100 feet!
For small domestic installations, such as lighting under kitchen cabinets or shelves, use 12V LED strips. 24V strips, on the other hand, are ideal for main light sources extending up to 30 feet.
Step 2: Choose the LED light color
After selecting the voltage, you need to decide on the light color. In general, LED strips range from 2700K (warm tint) to 6500K (cool light). Warm tones (2200-3500K) are best suited to living rooms and bedrooms, while natural hues around 4000K are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, and cooler lights (6500K) are often used in offices and commercial spaces.
Step 3: Choose the degree of protection (IP)
For a successful installation, it is important to select the right protection rating (IP) according to the environment:
- IP20 For dry interior spaces (living rooms, bedrooms).
- IP65 For damp areas, such as under bathroom furniture.
- IP67 For outdoor use, ideal for garden projects.
Step 4: Determine the length of the LED strip
The technical part is almost finished! All that remains is to determine the length of LED strip required. Our strips can be cut at specific intervals (from 20 mm to 100 mm depending on the model), and we also offer a cutting and welding service for simplified installation.
Step 5: Calculate transformer (PCB) size
Finally, to power your LED strips, you'll need a suitable transformer. To determine its power, multiply the power in watts per meter by the number of meters required. For example, for a 24V strip consuming 6W/PI over a length of 10 feet:
(6W x 10ft = 60W). We recommend choosing a transformer with a 10% margin, so a 75W transformer in this case.
Use LED receivers for dimming and color selection
If you've chosen RGBW or temperature-adjustable LED strips, an LED receiver will enable you to control the colors. Our standard WL5 receiver is compatible with 12 or 24V strips, and can also be controlled via the TuyaSmart app.
Experts at your service
Since launching Axent LED, we've built up a skilled team ready to advise you on your projects. Whether you need help with an installation or a quote, our team is here to support you. Don't hesitate to contact us by email at info@axentled.com or by phone at 514-667-0413.
With this guide, you should now have all the keys to making the best choice of LED strips for your space!