The ‘Light-Emitting Diodes’ that we all know as LED lights have gained immense popularity in both residential and industrial settings due to their versatility, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. LED technology started in the 60s when scientist Nick Holonyak Junior invented a semiconductor device and has since revolutionized the lighting industry offering numerous advantages over traditional options.
You can currently find many varieties on the market with LED strips proving to be one of the most favourite ones as they are an ideal way to illuminate anything from a kitchen cabinet to assembly lines.
What Is LED Strip Lighting?
Simply put, LED strip lighting is a group of small LED light emitters mounted on a flexible circuit board that operates on low-voltage DC power. They usually come in a roll that can be cut to size and attached using a double-sided adhesive. The strips come in different widths and in some cases, the components are protected with a transparent material or placed in a protective coat, which makes them suitable for outdoor use as well. They are easily installed on flat, curved or uneven surfaces and in groups for more even light. You can find classic strips, COB strips, and Neon LED strips, in a variety of colours and brightness levels.
Benefits of LED Strip Lighting
• Energy Efficiency: Compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting, LED strip lights consume significantly less energy. They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light, making them more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run. This translated into reduced bills and a lower carbon footprint.
• Longevity and Durability: The impressive life span, which can be tens of thousands of hours, means that you will get close to six years of continuous use with proper maintenance. The strips are also highly durable and resistant to shock, vibrations, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for industrial environments.
• Flexibility and Versatility: The strips are incredibly flexible and can be easily bent, curved, or cut into desired lengths. This allows for customizable lighting solutions and various applications. The wide range of colours can be combined to create dynamic and vibrant lighting effects.
• Eco-Friendly: Since they do not contain harmful substances like mercury or lead, these lights are environmentally friendly. The fact that they are extremely energy-efficient also means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Home and Office Applications
All types of LED strips can be used as the main or additional lighting source in the home or office, but the most popular choice is white light. Depending on the place in the room and the purpose of the light, you can get a ring, working or designer lamp, or install them as a component in pieces of furniture, a mirror, or the edges of stairs.
Create an Ambience
The soft, indirect glow will enhance the atmosphere and add a touch of elegance to the living room, bedroom, or hallway. The strips can be recess-mounted and give you a diffused, natural light. If are lucky and have a swimming pool, then you use the strips along the edges or in addition to the pool lights for both safety and ambience.
Use It as an Accent Light
The LED strips are perfect for highlighting specific areas of your home and accentuating the architectural features, artwork, or decorative elements. Place strips along bookshelves, cabinets, or kitchen countertops to bring attention to these areas and create a visual effect.
Task Lighting
They can serve as efficient task lighting and focused illumination in areas such as study desks, workbenches, or kitchen countertops. The bright light will improve visibility and enhance productivity.
Applications in the Industry
The homogenous lighting that the strap produce along the entire length, and the diversity of colours along with other properties, make the LED strip lights extremely useful in many industries. From decorative illumination to warning lighting, the options for fixed or variable colours can create the desired effect.
Architectural Lighting
The strips are widely used to illuminate the features of buildings, bridges, monuments, fountains, etc. They can be integrated into the architectural elements or installed along the outlines of the structures to create stunning visual effects. The colour and intensity of the lights can be synchronized with images and music, or other environmental parameters.
Retail and Display Lighting
Highlighting products and creating attractive displays using colourful lights can draw attention to specific merchandise. Neon LED strips are commonly used to create advertisements in the form of signboards and logotypes in public spaces. With the programmable versions, you can make appealing multicolour or animated signs for clubs, restaurants, or cinema rooms.
Industrial Lighting
Bright, evenly distribute light can be crucial in certain working environments such as assembly lines in factories. The coloured versions are useful for signal or warning signs and marking dangerous zones. The low maintenance and durability of LED strips make them suitable for a variety of industrial purposes.
Features to Consider
When you buy LED strip lights, consider the level of brightness (measured in lumens) and colour temperature (measured in Kelvins) so that it will suit your needs. The colour temperature can range from warm white to cool white. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating refers to the protection the LED strip has against dust and water. This is especially important if you are going to use them for outdoor illumination. For complex industrial installations, consult a professional, and consider whether you need additional controls, such as dimmers or colour-changing options.
To Sum Up
The versatility, flexibility, and durability of LED strip lighting make it an effective solution for an array of spaces and purposes. With their simple design, energy-efficient properties, and easy mounting process, the strips are an excellent choice for the home, office, signboards, or industrial environments. They not only enhance the visual appeal of spaces but also contribute to energy saving and a greener future.
