LED lights have become a popular choice for adding charm to businesses, residences, and holiday parties. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics, but they also offer energy efficiency and durability. Outdoor LED strip lights, in particular, can provide an extra layer of security. However, installing these lights can be a bit tricky for beginners. If you’re unsure of where to start, keep reading for a step-by-step guide.

Choosing the Right Outdoor LED Strip Lights

When it comes to LED lights, there are three main categories: non-weatherproof, weatherproof, and waterproof. Non-weatherproof LEDs are suitable for indoor use, while weatherproof LEDs can be used outdoors. Waterproof LEDs are mainly meant for areas close to water, such as pools.

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To ensure your outdoor strip lights can withstand the elements, it’s essential to consider the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This rating determines the LED lights’ resistance to water and solids. For outdoor installations, look for lights with an IP rating of 65 or higher. Consult an IP rating chart to find the most suitable rating for your DIY LED light project.

Determining the Length

Determining the length of LED strip lights can be challenging. When measuring the area you want to illuminate, consider corners, gaps, and elevation changes. It’s crucial to know the exact length you’ll need because LED strips have a maximum run length. Going beyond this limit can result in a dimmer light output at the end of the strip.

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Once you’ve measured the total length, match it with the LED strip’s maximum run length. Higher voltage strips have longer maximum runs. If your installation requires more length than the maximum run allows, you can wire additional strip lights to the original power supply or use an amplifier to avoid voltage drop.

Voltage and Power Supply

The voltage of your power supply should match that of the LED strip lights. Strip lights generally come in 12 or 24 volts. Additionally, ensure that the wattage of your strip lights is at least 20% lower than the wattage rating of your power supply.

If you find these calculations confusing, don’t worry! There’s an easy equation you can use. Multiply the watts consumed per foot of your strip lighting by the length in feet. Then, multiply that number by 1.2. This final number will indicate the smallest power supply required to run all your strip lights effectively.

Exploring Colors and Brightness

After handling the technical aspects, it’s time to have some fun with your LED strip lights. There’s a wide range of colors and brightness levels to choose from. You can opt for single-color or color-changing strip lights. Color-changing lights are perfect for creating different moods, and they come with a wireless remote to control the colors.

If you prefer white lights, consider the shades available. Warmer whites emit a yellow shade, while cooler whites provide a bright, stark white. Remember, brighter LEDs tend to be of higher quality, but you may not always want the brightest light for your space.

To adjust the brightness of your LED strips, you can wire them to a dimmer. Connect the output wires of your power supply to the dimmer and connect the dimmer to the input wires of your strip lights.

Installation Made Easy

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to install your outdoor LED strip lights. Installation difficulty varies depending on the type of lights you purchase. Adhesive LED light strips are the easiest to install, as you simply peel off the backing and stick them to the desired surface. However, make sure to clean the surface before applying the strips.

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For surfaces that aren’t smooth, you can use adhesion promoters to help the strip lights adhere to bumpy areas. If your lights don’t come with adhesive backing, you can use mounting strips. Adhesive mounting strips work well for most surfaces, while screws may be necessary for certain materials.

Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to embark on your outdoor LED strip light journey. Visit Birddog Lighting to explore strip lights in various colors, lengths, and sizes. We’ll be happy to assist you in finding the perfect LEDs for your home or business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can outdoor LED strip lights be used indoors?
Yes, outdoor LED strip lights can be used indoors as long as they meet the necessary IP rating requirements. However, it’s important to choose the right type of LED lights for your specific indoor needs.

2. How do I determine the appropriate IP rating for my outdoor LED strip lights?
To determine the appropriate IP rating, consider the amount of water and solids the LED lights will encounter in the outdoor environment. Refer to an IP rating chart to find the recommended rating for your specific usage.

3. Do LED strip lights require a specific power supply?
Yes, LED strip lights require a power supply that matches their voltage. It’s important to choose a power supply with the correct voltage (e.g., 12 or 24 volts) for your strip lights.

4. Can I adjust the brightness of my LED strip lights?
Yes, you can adjust the brightness of LED strip lights by using a dimmer. Wiring the strip lights to a dimmer allows you to control the brightness levels according to your preference.

5. How should I clean the surface before applying adhesive LED light strips?
To ensure proper adhesion, clean the surface with a mild cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the adhesive-backed LED light strips.