LED tape is a thin, flexible circuit board that is filled with tiny LED lights. Even without complex knowledge of lighting, you can easily install these lights since all you need to do is peel the adhesive backing and attach it to any clean surface. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional lighting fixtures, then you should try these lights since they are powerful enough to provide the brightness you’ll need.
Versatility is one of the strongest suits of LED tape lights. You can quite literally use them anywhere for as long as the IP rating matches the environment. Plus, you can choose from various colour temperatures (extra warm white LED strips, cool white LED strips, etc) thicknesses, and brightness levels to match your lighting requirements.
Not only that but you will also be able to have colour-changing LED strips (red, green, blue, etc) with this design. Or, if you feel like a singular colour, you can stick to single-colour LED tapes. Whatever it is that you need to create ambient lighting, our range of LED tape below will have everything you need.
How to Cut LED Tape?
Before you start trimming your tape, make sure that they are indeed cuttable or else, you’ll render them useless. Also, make sure that your lights are not connected to any power supply to avoid getting electrocuted. Now that’s out of the way, here’s a simple guide:
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Measure the length that you need. If your tape is too long for what you require, measure the size you need. Make sure that you don't cut it too short, or it can become a waste.
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Find the cutting marks. Once you're done measuring, don't immediately dive in with your scissors. Look for the cutting marks because those are the safe spots that will not damage your lights even if you split them. (Most LED tape will be cuttable either every 10cm or every 5cm).
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Cut your tape. After finding the nearest cutting mark to the measurement you need, that’s the time when you cut. Make sure that you cut straight to not damage your lights.
How to Rejoin LED Strip Lights?
If you accidentally snip the range of LED strip lights in the wrong cutting point, it can possibly damage your lighting output. As long as the cut was on the cutting mark, you don't have to be disheartened and lose hope. You can rejoin the pieces, but you'll have to get a compatible connector or be able to solder. So, here’s what you've got to do.
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Purchase a connector. Depending on the width or the type of tape you have, you need to find a compatible connector.
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Open the connector and put on the tape. Connectors have a covering cap that you need to open to see where to put your tape. Then, place the two ends of the trimmed tape, ensuring that none of the strips is reversed.
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Close the connector. Once it is in place, close the connector and check if the tape is lighting again. If not, adjust the connecting points between the tape and the connector.
Are LED Strip Lights Safe?
These lights are safe when bought from a reputable seller, installed correctly and used in the correct areas (IP65-rated LED strip should be used for areas that have possible contact with water or outdoors).
Yes, it gets a bit warm but not as hot as other lighting fixtures do, so there should be no concern. However, as a safety precaution, it's advisable not to mount them on flammable surfaces. If you're planning to have your LED strip lights wired into the mains then you should get an electrician to install them for you to make sure that everything is wired correctly.
How Long Does LED Tape Last?
Whilst ensuring they are fitted correctly, you can expect your LED tape to last anywhere from 20,000 - 50,000 hours. Although, there are some things to keep in mind in relation to how long they last. Things such as the specific installation process as well as how often they are being used. For instance, if they are being utilised 8 hours a day, every single day. The likelihood of them burning out faster is only natural. Although, that’s not to say they still won’t last you a substantial amount of time - because they will.
