Led strip lights help

d000hg · 3 Nov 2019

I've been thinking about these for a while but what I can't figure out is cutting and joining them, making sure everything is compatible so I can connect a whole bunch of strips into a single circuit. Are different brands compatible, is this actually more straightforward than I'm thinking?

If I want to join strips that are further apart, what sort of wire and connectors do I need? I've only ever done mains wiring with cables before

333rocky333 · 3 Nov 2019

Theres aprox 3 widths, and you can only cut where the tape is marked, this varies with the tapes but its usually stated when you buy it, it will say something like every 3 leds or so, as said the cut mark is printed on the tape as well.
There is a limit to how much tape you can join, anything over 5 metres of actual leds can be problematic.
One way is you can get joiners that simply push on, the two connections then rub on the solder contacts of the tape, once the covers shut then two spikes peirce the tape to secure it in.
The aboves for a standard 1 colour tape, but you can do similar for the multi color tape.
Obviously the tapes you join need to be the same voltage though the joiners are universal voltage but the widths important, they tend to be 8mm or 10mm

bsr · 3 Nov 2019

As long as you get compatible single colour strips you can run them together. Most cheaper strips are 12v but I have found 24v stuff to be better quality. Don't go for anything that says "Constant current" as you will need to calculate the load.

If you want the colour changing ones I think they are compatible in theory but I wouldn't chance it.

To connect strips you can solder or buy various proprietary connectors. I have used "Hippo" connectors and they are fine.

If you have long runs of strip it would be better to run them in parallel (a separate wire from the transformer to each strip). This avoids problems with volt drop.

d000hg · 3 Nov 2019

Thanks. Yeah I'm talking more regular lighting stuff not the ones with a fancy remote control.
I hadn't realised you could get 24v too, I'll look into that.

d000hg · 3 Nov 2019

I have a few places of like to use these but initially for a feature, I want to run 10 1-2m vertical strips at .5m spacings. It seems most economical to buy a drum and wire this up. I think a single transformer can handle the load so how would you recommend wiring this? 10 strips all in parallel in some fashion, how could I do this most neatly?

The power outlet would be at ceiling height with each strip descending the wall. Cosmetically each dropping off a horizontal wire would be ideal.

If I can use push connectors over soldering, I'd prefer that but I'm not sure what these bits are called or what wire thickness is appropriate?

bsr · 4 Nov 2019

The Hippo connectors seem to be designed for 0.5mm2 wire. I've used 0.75mm but it was hard to get it in. Another option would be to measure the lengths of connecting wire you need and pay the retailer to solder it on for you. They only charge a couple of quid per strip.

How about trunking running along the ceiling with the drops coming out? Then you can run 10 wires back to the transformer and join them with Wago 221 connectors in a box.

If you want the wire exposed you can get solderless connectors called "Scotchlocks". You could run a wire horizontally and Scotchlock into it for each drop.

bsr · 4 Nov 2019

Also look at the aluminium extrusions you can conceal the tape in. You could use one piece of extrusion along the top with the cables in, and use jointing pieces so it looks neat.

https://www.instyleled.co.uk/support/when-should-i-use-a-profile/

bernardgreen · 4 Nov 2019

I have very little experience of the connectors but wonder how reliable they are considering they have to penetrate the protective coating on the pads in the strip to make the contact.

I invariably solder leads to the strips (after removing the protective coating) which does provide a reliable permanent connection.

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Led strip lights help

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