One of the most popular lighting solutions in recent years has been LED strips, as in addition to helping us aesthetically upgrade our space and highlight architectural features and objects in our home, they also consume less electricity, come in a variety of colors, and can be customized to whatever dimensions we want.

In this guide, we will answer the above questions in detail and present the additional accessories you may need. In addition, we will explain the most important technical characteristics of an LED strip, so you can easily choose the one that meets the decoration and lighting needs of your space. Let's get started!  

1. Installation location

Obviously, the first thing you need to know is the space where the installation will take place, so you can measure the total length of the area and, of course, the total length of the strip you will need. On the market, you can find strips sold by the meter or even options in packs of 2, 3, 5 and 10 meters. Don’t worry if the length of the space you measure is not exactly the same as the length of the strip you choose, as in most cases, you can cut it at specific points and adjust it according to your needs.

Internal or External Installation?

If you wish to install the film outdoors, you should first ensure its resistance to weather conditions. The protection certification, according to the IPXX protocol, reflects this durability, with the first number indicating the product's resistance to dust and the second to humidity. In the following table, you can find the most popular values, a brief explanation of them, and the recommended use for each case.

2. Choice of strip & characteristics

As you have understood, there are many options on the market and the difference between one strip and another is determined by the technical details. Some of the most important characteristics they have, as well as how these affect lighting and their operation, you will find below: 

Lumens

They express the brightness of the strip and this means that the more lumens there are, the greater the lighting intensity will be in the installation area. A directly related characteristic to lumens and therefore to the brightness of a strip is also the power, which is expressed in Watt. The power of a strip is usually stated per meter and indicates the amount of electrical energy consumed. In addition, it allows you to approximately calculate the lumens as well, if they are not stated, since for every Watt a LED strip produces approximately 90 lumens of brightness.

White Light Shades

The color of a strip's lighting is distinguished into various types, allowing you to choose the desired lighting shade according to your needs and preferences. Thus, the shades of white light range from warm to cool white. This is represented in degrees Kelvin, as you can see in the image below. Warm white light has values close to or slightly below 3000K, natural white is above 3000K up to 5000K, and in cool white the values are above 5000K and close to 6000K.

#Skroutz tip: The warmest lighting shades are considered suitable for relaxation spaces and are usually preferred in comfortable areas, such as the living room or bedroom. On the other hand, cool tones provide a more modern aesthetic and intense, clean lighting. This makes them suitable for placement in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and generally in workspaces with high lighting demands.

Colorful Lighting & RGB

In addition, you can choose strips in various colors beyond the classic white shades, such as yellow, red, blue, pink, purple and green, giving your space lighting an original character that matches your own taste. In addition to these, you can also choose the popular RGB or RGBW strips, which provide the flexibility to adjust the lighting color exactly as you wish. 

The above give you the ability, either through a remote control included in the package, or through a compatible app that you will download on your smartphone, to adjust their color tone by choosing from a wide range of available options. The difference between the two types is that RGBW also support shades of white light in addition to the other shades of red, green, and blue.

The Density of LED

Another characteristic that affects the intensity of lighting is the density of LED, which essentially indicates how many individual LED elements are placed along a strip. In options of high density, such as strips with 60, 90, or even 120 individual LED per meter, the intensity of lighting is quite strong, making them suitable for applications with high lighting requirements (e.g. installation under kitchen cabinets or on workbenches). On the other hand, strips with lower density, such as 30 LED per meter, will easily serve your needs for concealed or decorative lighting applications.

Types of LED

The type of LED that each strip incorporates is usually indicated by a four-digit code, which essentially denotes its size in millimeters. For example, a strip with 3528 type LED has chips that are 35 mm high and 28 mm wide. As for some details about their individual differences, it is enough to know that 5050 LEDs are brighter than 3528 and are suitable for large surfaces and for spaces with ambient light. They are also considered more suitable for RGB applications. 

On the other hand, the 3528s, due to their small size, are found in greater density and therefore can produce more light overall. The above are considered suitable for concealed lighting of indoor objects. The same more or less applies to the newer LED chips 3020 and 3014, where in this case too their small size allows for greater overall density and higher lighting output.

Neon LED Strips

In addition to LED strips, Neon LED strips are also available on the market. They consist of an LED strip coated with PVC plastic, giving a more muted shade that resembles Neon tubes. Due to their flexibility, affordability, durability, and greater safety, Neon LED strips are gradually beginning to replace Neon tubes. They are mainly used in professional spaces (e.g. bars, casinos, theaters) and are also available in a wide variety of colors.

3. Additional features & options

There are also strip options available that incorporate additional features, allowing for more automated functionality during use or even remote control through your smartphone.

Motion sensor

Strips that feature a motion sensor turn on automatically as soon as they detect any movement in the area. They are a practical choice for placement in spots such as the inside of a wardrobe, under the bed, or anywhere in the space where you want the lighting to turn on immediately, simply with your presence and without using a switch. At the same time, they also offer energy savings, since they do not need to be permanently on.

Wireless connectivity & Smart control

The smart strip options can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other communication protocols, with your smartphone. Then, they allow remote control of their functions through the interface of a compatible app, giving you the ability to adjust the brightness, change the color, and of course turn them on and off. In addition, strips that support operation through smart ecosystems, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit, offer even more options. In these cases, you can create smart scenarios with other smart devices, as well as give commands using only your voice!

4. Connection & Mounting

Now that you have settled on the features and individual capabilities of the strip you will need, it is time for the final installation in your space and the connection of the necessary accessories. Of course, you also have the option of ready-made kits that will make things easier for you, as they include everything needed for the installation and operation of your strip, right inside the package. However, let’s take a look at the essential equipment you will need in case you choose to purchase the connection parts for your strip separately.

Power supply selection

If the strip you choose does not include a power supply in the package or does not operate via batteries, then you will need to purchase it separately as well. What you should mainly pay attention to is the operating voltage of the strip as well as its power consumption, according to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Most strips operate on direct current (DC) 12V, or 24V, but you must also take into account the final length of the strip in order to make the right choice. So, for example, for a 5-meter 12V strip where the manufacturer states that it consumes 3.6W per meter, you will need:

Additional installation accessories

Plugs-Connectors: To connect LED and Neon LED strip pieces together, connectors are available on the market, allowing the connection to be made easily without requiring specialized knowledge. However, when choosing the right connectors, you should take into account the type of strip. That is, if it is white light, you will need 2-pin connectors; if it is RGB, 4-pin connectors; while if it is RGBW, suitable connectors are 5-pin.

Brackets-Clips: Many LED strips have adhesive tape on the back and can therefore be easily attached to many surfaces. However, over time the adhesive may start to peel off. In this case, you can choose a more stable fastening option, such as clips for both standard and Neon-type strips.

Aluminum Profiles: Aluminum profiles, in addition to providing a better visual result and protection for the strip, can also help extend its lifespan, since the heat does not remain in the strip but is dissipated across their surface.