Led strip lights for steps

[britishboy7]

We’re planning to fit led strip lights under 2 paved steps in the garden, we’ve seen the Philips Hue range but wondered if there’s a cheaper alternative anyone would recommend?

We would need 2 x 5m Strips approx

 

[JaimieH]

I fitted a kitchen earlier this year and used 2x5m led strips as feature lighting on the underside of solid oak worktops. They were IP65 rated and cost about £16. Like most strips they can be shortened if needed.The drivers weren't included but they cost around £4 each. I soldered 12v wire to the strips and waterproofed them by hot glueing the connections. Here are the items I used -

 

[britishboy7]

Thanks Jaimie, do you think they’d be bright enough for outside in the evening? I fitted similar to the back of our led tv on the lounge wall, usb powered but very similar. Wasn’t sure if the flat strip type (almost ribbon type) would be bright enough for patio steps at night?

 

[JaimieH]

They'd illuminate the steps fine and probably a bit further, but the light thrown from them isnt strong enough to light up the garden. I'll get some photo's posted for you of these ones under the worktops.

 

[JaimieH]

Here you are britishboy7, they are very bright actually.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Personal preference of course but I'd have almost said they're too bright.

 

[scbk]

They'd probably be fine for a couple of years but I bet the water would find a way in eventually. I've seen some flexible led strips where the uv light attacks them and they go brittle.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes, ease of replacement must be a factor when fitting them initially.

 

[britishboy7]

Cheers all, that was my concern with the flat ribbon type strips, water ingress or how to protect them for the elements.

Guessing that’s why the Philips one are so expensive, they’re almost like a flexible mini trunking

 

[bernardgreen]

I have used clear plastic tube to protect LED strip from water and other damage.

It was 12mm OD tube https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/flexible-tubes/0797344/ left over from another project. It was a tight fit and the tube had to be slightly flattened to get the metre length of LED strip to slide in. Heat shrink to close the ends. Best for straight runs as bending the tube with the strip inside can put a lot of strain on the strip.

Better use a larger tube, this is 13mm OD https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/flexible-tubes/9145506/

 

[britishboy7]

Thanks Bernard, that was what I was thinking but wasnt sure to ask or not. Then I could use large cable clips to hold the pvc tube in place - I shall do some research this evening