This is an artificial light source, which is a narrow flexible tape with conductors up to 5 m long, on which LEDs are equidistantly mounted. The LEDs on the tape are divided into groups. Each group consists of several LEDs connected in series and is a complete circuit, which allows you to cut the tape across into segments of any length multiple of the length of one group.

LED strip

LED tapes are available in monochrome, glowing with only one color (red, blue, green, yellow or white) and universal (RGB), the color of which can be changed independently using the remote control, including one of the primary colors or choosing any existing in nature .

It is also possible to include a mode in which the color of the glow of the LED strip will smoothly change over the entire range with a given rate of change over time.

R G B LED Strip

There are three types of LED strips for organizing light emission R G B.

The first type of tape uses LEDs LED-R-SMD3528 or LED-R-SMD5050 (red), LED-G-SMD3528 or LED-G-SMD5050 (green) and LED-B-SMD3528 or LED-B-SMD5050 (blue) soldered in three pieces next to repeating triads along the entire length of the tape. Changing the color of the glow of the tape is achieved by a group change in the glow intensity of the LEDs of each color. Such LED strips are well suited for interior lighting in cases where the LEDs are hidden from the human eye. If the LEDs are visible, then changing the color of the glow will be less effective.

R, G and B SMD3528 series LEDs have a size of 3.5 × 2.8 mm 2 and emit a luminous flux of 0.6 to 2.2 lumens, depending on the color of the glow. SMD5050 series LEDs are larger in size (their size is 5 × 5 mm 2) and therefore shine brighter, the luminous flux, depending on the color of the glow, is from 2 to 8 lumens. Therefore, by the size of the soldered LEDs on the tape, even without knowing the technical characteristics, it is easy to determine which one will shine brighter.

In the second type of tapes, R G B LEDs of the LED-RGB-SMD3528 or LED-RGB-SMD5050 series are used. A distinctive feature of these LEDs is that three LEDs are mounted in one housing at once - red, green and blue. Therefore, their luminous flux is much lower and amounts to only 0.3-1.6 lumens for LED-RGB-SMD3528, and only 0.6-2.5 lumens for LED-RGB-SMD5050. But due to the fact that the color emitters are located almost at one point, the high efficiency of color gradation is achieved.

More recently, a new type of LEDs WS2812B (has four pins) and WS2812S (has six pins) has appeared. In geometrical dimensions and appearance, these LEDs do not differ from LED-RGB-SMD5050. However, thanks to the installation of the WS2811 PWM controller in the WS2812 LEDs housing, it became possible for each of the LEDs installed on the LED strip to personally control only two wires.

Thus, designers have the opportunity to change the color of the glow of any part of the tape, regardless of its length at its discretion. The widespread use of LED strip, created on the basis of WS2812 LEDs, is constrained by the high price and the need to use an expensive specialized controller. Without supplying a control signal from the controller to the WS2812 LED, it will not light.

LED strip marking

LED strips are marked by all manufacturers, as a rule, according to a single international standard. The protection class in the marking is indicated in accordance with the requirements of the standard for the protection of electrical equipment from external factors IEC-952.

Consider, for example, how the labeling of an LED strip LED-CW-SMD-5050/60 IP68 is deciphered. LED - LED strip, CW - white light, SMD - made on the basis of no output LEDs, 5050 - LED housing size 50x50 mm 2, 60 - 60 LEDs are installed on one meter of the length of the tape, IP68 - according to the degree of protection, the tape is designed for continuous operation depth (for example, to illuminate the aquarium or pool from the inside).

If there is no IP parameter in the marking, then the LED strip does not have any degree of protection, that is, the degree of protection corresponds to IP00.

Moisture resistance of LED strips

According to the degree of protection against moisture, LED strips can be divided into three categories: moisture-proof, moisture-proof and moisture-proof.

Moisture-proof can only be used in dry rooms where there is no high humidity. Moisture-proof are designed for operation in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, baths, building facades, where direct water is prevented from entering the tape).

Moisture-resistant tapes are designed to work directly in the aquatic environment, for example in an aquarium, they can be placed for illumination at the bottom of the pool.

In the photo, the LED strip is completely sealed with silicone, so the LEDs and resistors are reliably protected from water. Waterproof LED strips can be used without restrictions for outdoor advertising, light decoration of streets and buildings. When choosing a moisture-proof tape, it should be borne in mind that part of the light flux is lost when passing through the silicone layer.

For street decorative lighting, there are special LED strips called Duralight, which belong to the waterproof category.

LED Density

The brightness of the LED strip glow depends not only on the type of LEDs installed, but also on their number. The unit of measurement is considered to be the number of LEDs installed per meter of tape length. The more LEDs there are, the more natural the luminous flux will be. Typically, the number of LEDs per meter of tape length is for 12V LED strips ranging from 30 to 120 pieces. For LED strips designed for a supply voltage of 24 V, the number of LEDs can reach up to 240 pieces per meter of length, in such strips LEDs are placed in parallel in two rows.

But we must take into account that the more LEDs per meter of the length of the LED strip, the more powerful the power supply will be required and the more expensive the purchase will cost. The choice of this parameter must be approached from the position of "necessary and sufficient." For example, there are 30 LEDs on the meter of the tape, therefore, the distance between them is 3.3 cm, which in most cases is quite enough.

The choice of LED strip in terms of light output

The main lighting characteristic is the intensity of the light flux, which is expressed in lumens per meter (lm / m). The amount of luminous flux is determined by the type and number of LEDs installed on one meter of tape. Knowing the type of LEDs and their number, it is easy to independently determine the luminous flux.

For example, 30 LEDs of the LED-CW-SMD3528 type (size 3.5 × 2.8 mm 2) having a luminous flux of 5 lm each are installed on the meter of the LED white light strip. We multiply 5 lm by 30, we get 150 lm. Such a luminous flux emits a 10-watt incandescent bulb. If the tape is made on the basis of 30 LED-CW-SMD5050 LEDs (size 5 × 5 mm 2), which already have a luminous flux of 12 lm, then 12 × 30 \u003d 360 lm, which is equivalent to using a 24-watt incandescent bulb. Everyone has an experience in using incandescent lamps, therefore, using the above method, it is easy to determine the type of LEDs installed on the tape, their number and length of the tape. And if the tape length has already been determined, then perform the reverse calculation.

Perform the reverse calculation on a specific example. You need to make ceiling lighting in a room measuring 5 m × 4 m. The perimeter of a room of this size will be 5 + 4 + 5 + 4 \u003d 18 meters. You want to create soft and not very bright lighting. If you use incandescent lamps, then their total power will have to be about 200 watts, the luminous flux from which will be 3000 lm (15 lm × 200). The length of the tape should be equal to the length of the perimeter of the room, that is, 18 meters. To determine the luminous flux, which should emit one meter of LED strip, you need to divide 3000 lm into 18 meters. It turns out 166 lm / m. For our case, a strip with 30 LEDs LED-CW-SMD3528 per meter length is suitable. The calculation was made without taking into account losses due to reflection from the ceiling, and they make up at least 50%. Therefore, for guaranteed illumination of the room, you need to choose a tape with a double light flux twice as large. There are two options, either take a strip with 30 LEDs-LED-CW-SMD5050, or LED-CW-SMD3528, but already in the amount of 60 pcs. on the meter. The first option is preferable, as it will provide a guaranteed supply.

For R G B and monochrome LED tapes, the calculation is performed in the same way as for white tapes.

LED strips are not always marked, which makes calculations difficult. But to find out the technical parameters of the LED strip is very simple, if you use the data given in the reference table. In modern LED strips, as a rule, three types of LEDs are used: SMD3014 (superbright) with a size of 3.0 mm × 1.4 mm, SMD3528 with a size of 2.8 mm × 3.5 mm and SMD5050 with a size of 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm Therefore, by the size of the LEDs, you can determine which type of LEDs is sealed on the tape. Having counted the number of LEDs per meter of length, the data on the technical characteristics of the LED strip can be obtained from the reference table below.

Table of the main characteristics of LED strips
  voltage 12 V

Using the table, it is easy to select the type and length of the LED strip - an analogue of incandescent bulbs. For example, to replace one 80 W incandescent light bulb with an LED strip, you need to take 8 meters of SMD3528 (30) or two meters of SMD3528 (120) or SMD5050 LED strip (60).

How to connect the LED strip to the mains

Connecting LED strip to the vehicle electrical system

LED strips are ideal for direct connection to the vehicle's on-board network. The main thing is that the tape corresponds to the voltage of the vehicle electrical system on the supply voltage. For cars, you need to choose a waterproof tape designed for a supply voltage of 12 V, for trucks - 24 V.

What voltage is installed in the car battery, on such a voltage and you need to take the tape. When connecting the LED strip to the on-board network of the car, it is necessary to observe the polarity, the designations "+" and "-" are applied on the tape. If the polarity is confused, then nothing bad will happen, just the LEDs will not glow.

Connecting an LED strip to a 220 V household power supply

Unlike electric lamps, LED strips cannot be connected directly to a 220 V household electrical network. They require a DC voltage of 12 V or 24 V. The power voltage is indicated on the tape along its entire length. To obtain the required voltage, voltage converters are used.

While there is no established terminology, they are called differently: drivers, adapters, converters, power supplies, power supplies. All these words refer to one device that converts 220 V AC mains voltage to a DC voltage of the required value, for tapes depending on type, 12 V (often used) or 24 V (rarely used, usually in RGB tapes).

To select a power supply for an LED strip, it is important not only the value of the constant voltage at the output, but also the amount of current that it can deliver to the load. To select a suitable power supply for a particular case, you need to know the total current value that all installed LED strips will consume.

An example of calculating the power supply for an LED strip

For an example, we will select a power supply unit (PSU) for the LED strip, which we have chosen above to illuminate the ceiling. Typically, the consumed current of a meter of tape is indicated in the accompanying documentation, but if there is none, then it is easy to perform the calculation yourself. It is enough to multiply the number of installed LEDs by the current consumption of each of them.

We chose an LED strip with installed LEDs such as LED-CW-SMD5050, the length of the tape is 18 meters, and 30 meters per meter length. The total number of LEDs is 18 × 30 \u003d 540 pcs. One LED-CW-SMD5050 LED (according to the reference table) consumes a current of 0.02 A, therefore, the total current consumption of the entire backlight will be: 540 × 0.02 A \u003d 10.8 A.

But we did not take into account that the LEDs at a voltage of 12 V tape are connected three in series through resistors, therefore, the rated current must be reduced by three times: 10.8 A / 3 \u003d 3.6 A. But in one LED-CW-LED case The SMD5050 has three elementary LEDs, so you need to multiply the current obtained by 3. That is, the resulting current will be 10.8 A. As a result of the calculation, it was determined that a 12 V power supply with a permissible load current of up to 10.8 A would be required.

To calculate the power of the required power supply, you need to multiply the voltage by current: 12 V × 10.8 A \u003d 130 W, it turned out that you need a power supply with a power of 130 W. For reliable operation of the power supply, a 20% power reserve is required. As a result, you need a 156-watt power supply. Almost any power supply that meets the necessary requirements can be used.

Device and installation of LED strip

On a flexible plastic tape up to 5 m long, there are thin copper conductive tracks of the required configuration. LEDs of the SMD3528 or SMD5050 type and current-limiting SMD resistors of the P1–12 type with a power of 0.125 W are soldered to the tracks with solder. Please note that the LED designation contains its size, for example, the SMD5050 has a size of 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm. With a supply voltage of 12 V, three series-connected LEDs and one or more current-limiting resistors are installed. The number of resistors is determined depending on the amount of power dissipated by them. The resistor can be placed anywhere in the circuit, on the circuit it stands on the plus side, you can install it on the minus side or between any LEDs.

Electrical schematic and wiring diagram
  led strip segment

Resistor Labeling

The resistor is marked in the form of the number 151. This means that the resistor is rated at 150 ohms. Deciphering the marking is simple. It is indicated by a three-digit number. The last digit in the number says how many zeros need to be assigned to the first two digits. For example, the resistor is marked 153, which means you need to assign 3 zeros to 15, we get 15,000 ohms.

For clarity, he cited the wiring diagram below the eclectic scheme. A complete LED strip circuit represents a large number of such circuits connected in parallel. With a supply voltage of 24 V, the number of LEDs connected in series in the circuit can reach up to 10 pieces. Pay attention to the marking of the LEDs, on the side of the connection to the cathode (minus), the corner of the LED housing has a slice. In the photo the lower right corner.

Connection and fastening of LED strips

On the side of the tape, opposite the LEDs, an adhesive layer is applied, protected by a film. In order to fix the tape on the surface, it is enough to remove the protective film and put the adhesive side to the installation site. When organizing backlighting using LED strips, often a length of 5 meters is excessive, so it is possible to cut the tape into segments. Places where you can cut the tape are indicated by the image of conventional scissors and a cut line. The step of cutting the LED strip into segments sets the number of LEDs connected in series. Near the cut line on both sides there are contact pads that allow you to solder wires to them in case of splicing of the tape segments together. It is necessary to solder very carefully with a low-power soldering iron.

Near the pads, the polarity of the connection and the value of the supply voltage are marked. There are special clips that allow you to connect LED strips without soldering.

Conductors are usually already soldered to one end of the LED strip to connect to the power supply. To connect monochrome tapes, two wires are required; for RGB tapes, four wires are required: black (the common one is connected to the positive terminal) and three colored ones. The length of the wires is no more than half a meter, and if the power supply cannot be installed next to the LED strip, then the conductors will have to be increased to the desired length.

LED strips are indispensable when you need to provide lighting or illumination over a long length. Only LED strips that are not protected from moisture can be cut into pieces, that is, only those that are designed for indoor use. Moisture-proof and moisture-proof LED strips without subsequent sealing must not be cut.

To eliminate this drawback, LED modules have been created that make it possible to illuminate the interior and light advertising easily, quickly and reliably. The scope of LED modules in practice is limited only by the imagination of man. Especially convenient modules for lighting in the car. It is enough to connect through the fuse to the on-board network and glue or fasten the module inside the car interior or from its outside with self-tapping screws.

The design of the LED modules is a shallow bed made of plastic or metal, in which a printed circuit board with LEDs is installed. On top of the board is filled with transparent silicone. This provides protection against moisture and splashing water. The LEDs are connected in the same way as in the LED strip above.

On the outside of the bottom of the crib there is a sticky layer, which is opened by removing the protective film, the module can be fixed on any flat surface. It is possible to attach to the module eyes using self-tapping screws. All lighting and electrical calculations given above on the page for LED strip are also valid for LED modules.

Rectangular LED modules are sold in blocks, in the photo a block of 20 modules.

Modules are easily separated from the block one at a time or in groups. Electrically, all modules are already interconnected. It is enough to apply power to any extreme one and the LEDs on all the modules will light up. Blocks can be expanded in any quantity by connecting them in parallel.

About the choice of wire cross section for connecting LED strips

An LED strip consumes little power, and the current consumption for a tape length of one meter, even the brightest SMD5050 (60), is no more than 1.2 A. Therefore, you can not think about the cross section of the wire when connecting such a piece of tape, almost any available hand stranded wire.

But when connecting a tape 18 meters long such as LED-CW-SMD5050 (30), which we selected to illuminate the ceiling of the room above, we should already think seriously how the current total current consumption will be 10.8 A. Unfortunately, I haven’t found it anywhere. what current is allowed along the copper path of the tape itself. But, knowing the power consumption of one meter of LED strip and the supply voltage, I calculated the amount of current that LED strips of different lengths of popular types will consume, and brought the results to a table.

Since LED strips are produced with a maximum length of 5 meters, the manufacturer must provide the necessary track section that can withstand the current consumption of the LED strip, and you can take its value as the basis for developing an electrical wiring diagram for connecting the LED strip to a power source.

Based on economic considerations, the supply of tracks for the load current does not exceed 20%. Therefore, it is not permissible to connect all four of our segments of the tape in series, soldering the end of one segment with jumpers with the beginning of the next LED strip, since the current will flow over the conductors of the tape connected directly to the power supply, three times the permissible value.

This will lead to overheating of the first tape, which is fraught with its failure, and a weak glow included behind it. Therefore, it is necessary to connect each tape individually directly to the output of the power supply unit with a double wire with a core cross section of at least 0.5 mm 2. The following is a typical diagram of connecting LED strips to a power source when organizing room lighting by installing LED strips along the corners of the ceiling behind the cornices.

Since one power supply unit is designed for a consumption current of 6 A, we had to use two identical units, each feeding half the length of the backlight. A switch connects both units at the same time. If you use a double switch, you can turn on the tape sections. When you connect parallel sections of the tape to the power supply, you can turn them on individually or all at the same time, changing the lighting design. RGB tapes are connected in exactly the same wiring diagram. Only instead of two wires are laid 4. One common and one for each color.

If you install one powerful power supply side at a considerable distance from the tapes, then it is advisable to extend a pair of thick wires from the power supply to the LED strips. You can select the required wire cross section for a given current according to the table. For example, for our case, at a current of 10.8 A, a wire with a core diameter of 1.6 mm (cross section 2.0 mm 2) is needed. Place the junction box and connect the tapes through the terminal block or with solder wires to the incoming wire from the power supply unit with thin wires. In each case, you need to make an individual decision based on the boundary conditions.

Powerful power supplies usually have large dimensions, and it is often more advisable to use several less powerful blocks, placing them in close proximity to LED strips.

If you are planning an apartment renovation, one of the first questions will be the choice of lighting equipment. A great alternative to traditional lamps and lighting fixtures is LED strip. When installing a tape with LED lamps on the ceiling, not only the appearance of the room will change significantly, there are great opportunities in choosing a design solution. In the article, we will introduce you to how to do the installation of LED strip with your own hands, as well as the benefits of using this lighting equipment and the features of choosing a particular tape.

Duralight (LED strip) is a plastic printed circuit board in which small bulbs of various shades are mounted, as well as resistors. The latter play the role of resistance. The printed circuit board (circuit board) has a sticky self-adhesive base, so you can use LED strips in many places: at home, in the apartment, in restaurants, hotels, clubs, bars and in other commercial buildings. Due to its features, a strip with LEDs can be freely used when lighting inaccessible places.

Important! LED lamps are usually located on the surface of the conductive filament at the same distance.

LED Strip Color Options

LEDs have different glow colors:

• Warm white.
• Cold white.
• Green.
• Blue.
• Yellow.
• Red.
• Multicolor.

Standard LED Strip Sizes

• Width is 8-10 mm.
• Thickness - 2-3 mm.
• The length of the tape in the reel is 1 or 5 m.

The choice of LED strip - criteria, properties

When choosing an LED strip, it is advisable to immediately determine your requirements, and for this you need to know what exactly the criteria for the types of lighting thread on sale differ. This will speed up the process of buying the right version of the lighting fixture in the planned price range.

We list the main distinguishing characteristics:

1. Brightness.
2. Type (one-color or three-color).
   

   Important! Monochrome duralights can be green, white, blue, red, yellow. Multicolor - RGB tapes are able to change the color of the backlight, thanks to a special controller.

   The shade of LED lamps depends on the type of crystal embedded inside.

3. The number of lamps per meter. The more of them, the brighter the ribbon, which means its cost will be higher.
4. Base (self-adhesive or not).
5. Moisture protection quality - determined by IP class.
6. Using DIP or SMD. More often use SMD (surface mount) as a cheaper option.

Important! Before purchasing an LED strip, determine the brightness of the lighting you need, the humidity level of the installation site, and the required length of the tape. When choosing, consider the optimal number of LEDs for the desired level of illumination, so as not to overpay for unnecessary brightness.

Advantages of LED Strip

Before installing and installing LED strip, familiarize yourself with the advantages of lighting equipment. This will make sure that your choice is correct.

The main advantages of duralight:

1. Low power consumption due to low power.
2. Favorable service life, regardless of the type of premises - from 5 to 13 years.
3. Possibility of laying on any trajectory - due to the ductility of the thread.
4. The ability to select the required duralight length, since the cutting ratio is 6-10 cm (through 3-5 LEDs).
5. Lighting with such a tape has the highest efficiency. LEDs do not emit heat, electricity is spent only on the emission of light.
6. Lack of flicker.
7. Tolerance to voltage drops in the mains, in particular, the tape continues to function at a reduced voltage of up to 130 V.
8. The absence of ultraviolet radiation.
9. The ability to independently choose the color scheme.
10. Fire safety.
11. Environmental friendliness.
12. The quality of the glow throughout the life of the product remains unchanged.
13. Easy installation - thanks to the use of mounting tape or a self-adhesive base.
14. Manufacturer's Warranty. All LED products have a long warranty, which compares favorably with conventional incandescent lamps or fluorescent devices.

General rules for mounting LED strip

When installing the LED strip, follow some rules and requirements to ensure flawless and long-lasting lighting. Most often, the most advantageous places for laying the lighting thread in terms of practicality and design are such places in the rooms:

• niches of walls or ceiling - special boxes are used for this;
• on the surface of walls and ceilings inside plastic corners;
• behind the ceiling baseboard.

The connection and installation technology is almost the same in all cases. General rules are as follows:

Tips for designing a room with LED lighting

To get a truly winning interior result, when laying duralight, consider these recommendations:

Methods for attaching LED strip

The LED strip is mounted on the ceiling in the following ways:

1. Installation of LED strip in the ceiling skirting. This method has a huge advantage - you do not need to remodel the ceiling, since the ceiling baseboard itself is mounted at a certain distance (8-10 cm) from the ceiling. After mounting the baseboard, proceed with gluing the duralight: remove the bottom layer of the tape and stick it on the ceiling baseboard like a regular adhesive tape.
2. Installation of the tape in the cornice made of drywall. This method is much more complicated, but the ceiling will look much more spectacular.

Mounting LED strip on the ceiling

Do-it-yourself installation of the LED strip by yourself:

1. Determine the length and type of tape, select a profile.
2. Get a color and brightness control controller. It smoothly switches colors, and dimmer adjust the brightness using the remote control.
3. To connect duralight, buy connectors. The connectors can be flat or round - it depends on the type of LED strip and the manufacturer.
4. Choose a power supply that will act as a step-down transformer - it does not come with the kit.
5. Assemble the entire system by sequentially stacking and gluing the thread with LEDs.
6. Connect the LED strip to the power supply.

Let us dwell on some points in more detail.

Choose a power supply

Power supplies come in various capacities - from 6 to 400 watts. Energy consumption depends on the quality of the tape, the density of the LEDs. As mentioned earlier, the power of the unit should be at least equal to the power consumption of the tape plus a margin of about 25%.

Important! Consider the calculation of power on an example:

We have a tape length of 5 m and a power of 9.4 watts.

To calculate the power of the power supply: 5 m * 9.4 W \u003d 47. Do not forget about the stock: 47 * 1.25 \u003d 58.75 watts.

As you can see, we need a power supply unit of at least 58.75 watts. You can round up to 60 watts. This is not difficult to find in the radio parts store.

How to choose a profile?

Profiles for the installation of lighting equipment vary in material and device. Consider the main ones. According to the material of manufacture, they distinguish:

1. Aluminum profile. Such a system is universal and reliable and will be appropriate in the interior of any style. Profiles of this type are used to create the design of the lighting system as quickly and easily as possible.
2. Plastic profile. The profile box for lighting equipment is often made of durable plastic. It can be transparent or matte. The advantage of this profile: elastic, resistant to mechanical stress, temperature extremes and moisture.

Important! The plastic case is suitable for the installation of lighting structures in public buildings, in shop window lighting, commercial equipment, as well as furniture. Plastic profiles are even used to illuminate ice slides, ice rinks and sculptures.

By device profiles are:

1. Angular. In some cases, the standard profile is inappropriate, and then a corner is used, which is suitable for lighting shop windows of trading floors, cabinets and is used instead of a ceiling plinth. Having chosen this option, show your imagination by the location of the lighting thread. In this case, it is possible to carry out installation even in non-standard places, due to the small dimensions of the fasteners, high speed and ease of installation. For example, to illuminate window frames, floors, front door leafs, etc.
2. Recessed. The built-in metal profile looks voluminous and has a lot of advantages, in particular, it is resistant to aggressive environmental influences. When mounting this type of profile, use special glue or fastening to ensure that the design is of high quality.
3. Mortise. The profile of this design is most often used in the furniture industry to make illumination of tables, kitchen sets, cabinets. The aluminum construction has the color of silver or gold. The length of the profile is 1-2 m. Often the mortise profile is equipped with frosted light filters so that the light from the tape is scattered. Such filters give an attractive appearance to new furniture, and a new life to old furniture.

The installation diagram of the LED strip under the suspended ceiling:

Important! After mounting the lighting tape, plug it in again and check the quality of work. Only after a positive test result can the canvas of the stretch ceiling be assembled.

1. Before gluing the LED strip, prepare the surface for installation. It should be smooth and fat free. To do this, treat it with alcohol and a clean rag.
2. Mount a powerful duralight (more than 10 W \\ m) on a metal profile or on an aluminum substrate.
3. Glue the construction on a 3M layer or glue / sealant for convenience.
4. When mounting duralight on conductive surfaces, such as metal structures, be sure to insulate the tape by placing it in the frame.
5. During assembly, eliminate damage to conductive tracks.
6. When connecting large lengths of tape, use a parallel connection. In sequential mode, an overload of conductive tracks will occur, which will lead to burnout.

Important! Before you install the LED strip, not only remember all these rules, but also watch video tutorials. Especially if you are doing this kind of work for the first time and are not confident in your abilities.

LED Strip Mounting - Video

Conclusion

Until now, many manufacturers of visual advertising continue to use LED strips as an internal illumination of signboards and volume letters, and do not adopt more advanced solutions in the field of LED technologies. We offer you a comparison of the key parameters of LED strips and modern LED modules, built on the basis of research and experience gained over years.

It is unlikely that anyone could have imagined that the transition to the use of LED-technology, which began about ten years ago, in the internal illumination of volume letters and light boxes will become so large-scale and massive. Initially, LED strips appeared on the market, which almost no one knew how to use properly, unlike classic fluorescent lamps. There were cases when this outlandish decision for those years sometimes spontaneously peeled off from the back wall of the box. And yet, due to its compactness, even conservatives began to use LED strips after enthusiasts. Advertising producers learned how to mount tapes with Cosmofen adhesive, protect them from external influences using polyurethane varnish, and after some time, LED tapes began to be used more and more ...

What is the reason for the popularity of LED strips? Firstly, their use greatly facilitates the weight of the sign, in addition, power supplies in most cases are carried outside the box or letters. Secondly, unlike fluorescent lamps, which emit a glow of 360 degrees around their axis, the light scattering angle of the LEDs is from 105 - 120 to 160 degrees (when using a light-scattering lens). Thus, if a T8 lamp with a length of 600 mm generates 1000 lm, to replace it inside the light box, it is enough to use LED illumination with a luminous flux of 400 lm. As a result, the energy consumption of the lighting system is also significantly reduced: you can replace the standard fluorescent lamp with LEDs that consume only 4.4 W (with an average light output of 90 lm / W). Thirdly, the design of LED strips provides ease of use and ease of replacement. Finally, since the LEDs are connected to low-voltage power sources, their installation, wiring and connection can be carried out safely in almost any weather.

The first LED strips did not differ in stable quality, could not boast of high efficiency and quickly lost their original brightness as a result of degradation of the diodes. However, a few years later, full-fledged tapes with 5050 diodes and a light output of 90 lm / W appeared on the market. It was then that the massive use of LED technology in the industry began. A little later, quite economical solutions appeared in the form of LED modules and hard rulers, which accelerated the formation of the LED backlight market.

Meanwhile, until now, many manufacturers of visual advertising continue to use LED strips and do not adopt more advanced solutions in this area. We offer you a comparison of the key parameters of LED strips and modern LED modules, built on the basis of research and experience gained over years.

So, what is presented on the market of light sources for internal illumination of signs today?

This is, firstly, LED strips, which differ in the type of size of LED crystals (3528, 5050, 2835 and 5730), in the thickness of the substrate and resistance to external influences (for interior use or for outdoor use - waterproof). The light output of the tapes directly depends on the types of diodes and ranges from 70 lm / W to 110 lm / W. There are LED strips consuming 2.4 W / pog. m (3528), 14.7 W / rpm m (5050) and 24 W / rpm. m (5730 and 2835). Depending on the required brightness, each manufacturer selects the type of tape that corresponds to the task.

By comparing the parameters and efficiency of economy-class and premium-class devices when illuminating a light box with a thickness of 15 cm and dimensions of 1 x 1.5 m, we found that taking into account the cost of the power source with approximately the same illumination of the front surface of the sign, LED strips on 5050 crystals are most beneficial economy class (50 lm / W), and the most energy efficient - premium tapes on crystals 3528 (87 lm / W).

However, the question is quite logical: how can you save on backlighting? And now it's time to pay attention to LED modules.

The first LED modules were inefficient and were equipped with the same diodes that were used in the tapes, with the only difference being that the crystals were placed in plastic cases. Over time, the performance of LED modules increased, their characteristics improved, standards were formed for the dimensions of the cases and boards: 26 x 7 mm, 36 x 9 mm, 75 x 9 mm, 35 x 35 mm and 75 x 12 mm. A little later, modules equipped with light-scattering lenses appeared to provide a wide angle of diffusion of the light flux, and modules for end lighting equipped with Fresnel lenses. LED modules with lenses are still not widely used, due to their higher cost than standard modules, as well as the lack of industry experience in their long-term use, as a result of which the “unknown factor” becomes an argument for abandoning modern solutions.

Compared with LED strips, LED modules have the following advantages:

1) mechanical strength: due to the presence of the housing, diodes are more difficult to damage;

2) less soldering: convenient connection with wires of various lengths;

3) protection against moisture and dust: most often the modules are flooded with a transparent compound that prevents contacts and boards from oxidizing;

4) optimal heat dissipation: in LED modules, heat is distributed evenly, unlike a tape, which is preferably glued to a heat-conducting material;

5) easy replacement of failed modules at the facility: it is enough to dismantle the damaged cluster and install another one instead, connecting it to the neighboring ones using the terminal blocks, while there is no need to use a soldering iron;

6) lower cost of backlighting, taking into account the cost of power supplies;

7) energy efficiency: due to the design features of the design, fewer diodes are required to illuminate the sign.

It is known that to optimize the cost of manufacturing a light structure, it is necessary to take into account the cost of illumination, labor costs for installation and the light efficiency of the used light sources. When comparing the parameters of LED strips and modern LED modules, it turned out that when exposed to 1 square. m of the front surface of the light box, the cost of the modules is almost one and a half to two times less than the tape. This is what advertising manufacturers should remember, who still believe that LED strips are the most affordable light sources for signage.

Strange as it may seem, the LED modules of the 2015 model, equipped with a light-scattering lens and a 160 degree angle of light diffusion, became the most profitable.

During the experiments, it was also found that, unlike modern LED modules, LED strips consume much more electricity and heat up much more, and high temperatures, as you know, are the main enemy for the durability of LEDs.

If we talk about the characteristics of the latest LED modules, in practice we managed to make sure that the new samples of 2835 two-diode modules in brightness are almost indistinguishable from three-diode modules on 5050 crystals and consume not 0.42 W, but only 0.4 W. At the same time, the luminous efficiency of the modules has already reached 105 lm / W (taking into account current-carrying resistances). In turn, the three-diode module 2835 can be confidently used as an alternative to the previous-generation LED modules on 5730 crystals and four-diode modules on 5050 crystals. And this is with a price difference of 1-3 rubles per product. Thus, the 5050 four-diode modules are no longer as attractive as before, and LED strips are becoming an inappropriate choice.

Savings in light sources become apparent when using LED modules with a nominal value of 1 W and a 160 degree angle of light diffusion, equipped with a light-scattering lens not only in illuminating thin light boxes, but also in highlighting volume letters. For example, for illumination of the letter “K” with a height of 30 cm, only 5 modules were enough, and for the entire sign “PRODUCTS” such modules were required 46. In addition to saving on light sources and power supplies, it is obvious that additional savings in labor and time for manufacturing illuminated advertising design, and this is really important.

Color temperature: what to choose?

The issue of choosing the color temperature of white light emitted by LED modules is the subject of an eternal dispute between the client and the manufacturer of the sign, between the manufacturer and the supplier of the modules, and between the side makers among themselves. Why? It is worth looking at the history of the mass appearance of the product on the market. The first white LEDs did not differ in high quality of luminescence and high color rendering index. As a result, the first large retail chains and car dealerships that switched to the new technology had to make appropriate changes to their brand books, based on the features of light sources offered at that time.

But time is changing the idea of \u200b\u200bquality, and new devices have already begun to appear on the domestic market with a more realistic white temperature of 6,000 - 6,500 K, although modules with a white glow of 8,000 - 12,000 K still prevail in China.

For light advertising in our country, it is optimal to use LED modules with a white temperature of 5500 - 6000 K, which provides a higher color saturation on the illuminated films, unless, of course, previous customers do not stipulate the need for LED modules with a cooler glow, according to earlier approved corporate standards. In some cases, especially for illuminating displays with delicate tones (for example, with the image of photomodels), LED modules with a color temperature of 4500 K (which corresponds to lighting in neutral sunlight typical of European countries) will be preferable. The color temperature indicator, as a rule, is not reflected in the cost of modern LED modules.

In conclusion, a few wishes to Russian signboard manufacturers:

1. Place the modules inside the box not only by the principle of “depth minus two centimeters”, but also by the principle of sufficiency. The letter should glow evenly and brightly enough, so it’s better to make several prototypes for the demo-hall and coordinate the brightness of the signage with customers according to the principle “like here”.

2. An important problem that many have to deal with is the loss of brightness in the circuit on the last clusters. Modules are recommended to be combined in chains in an amount of not more than 20 pieces - for classic and not more than 30 - for modules equipped with light-scattering lenses and built-in drivers.

3. Try to provide the product with efficient heat dissipation. It is best to make the back wall of the box of metal, in which case the degradation of the LEDs will be minimal.

Oleg Karpukhin, Head of OD-IN

So, for the first time I’m setting up an experiment to install an LED strip (it’s also an LED strip). I decided to arrange from the corridor (I will lay out the closet later, as I finish) around the mirror.

I bought a couple of meters of tape in the store, a power supply, a double clamp. To calculate the power of the power supply, relative to the length of the tape, it is necessary to carry out small mathematical calculations:

the power consumption of one meter of tape is multiplied by the total length of the tape (in meters).

On one power supply should not cling more than 15 meters. When connecting, be sure to check the polarity !!!

We carefully study the power supply. It has a number of terminals. Let's go from left to right. The first pair - we fix a wire with a plug for it (we do not take polarity into account). The third connector is for grounding (I don’t have it in my apartment - I let it through), the next pair is for the tape itself. Each connector is labeled "+" and "-". The same designations are also on the tape itself - they must be combined, otherwise the tape will not shine.
We assemble the circuit, as I said earlier (a wire with a socket, a power supply, a tape - all two meters).

For testing, we stick it into the outlet. Voila - everything glows!

We proceed to the next step: it is necessary to divide the tape into several pieces to make the backlight on both sides of the mirror. We cut it with simple scissors in the place indicated by the corresponding icon.
To connect to the power supply, special adapter clips are used. They snap into the ends of the tape segments, again with strict observance of polarity.Very convenient - no soldering.

We fasten the tapes to the power supply (in the same order) and try to plug it into a power outlet. Hehe .. works!

We proceed to the preparation of the furniture box for installing the tape. For this, I chose a mortise aluminum profile. Accordingly, it must be cut into the wall. We select the groove with a milling cutter, coat it with sealant, install the profile in the groove and leave it under pressure for a couple of hours.

The profile in the groove is as follows

The LED strip itself is equipped with an adhesive layer. We remove the protective film from it and paste the tape into the profile.

We put the box in place, connect the wires to the general circuit (add a switch to it) and use it .... I will give the final photo a little later.

The article describes important recommendations for the installation of LED strip as a backlight for an outdoor advertising element, interior lighting, lighting design and illumination of an advertising design of interior advertising. Alyuminstroy asks advertising specialists to pay attention to the instructions that must be observed, what should be avoided and how to properly mount the LED strip in the backlight of the advertising structure.

1. General information on the installation of LED strip

The LED strip for illumination and lighting design of the advertising structure is based on a flexible, self-adhesive printed circuit board. It is delivered in the reel. The use of tape in advertising:

• outdoor advertising production,
• manufacture of lighting for trade, marketing and exhibition equipment,
• decorative and artistic design of interiors.

2. Specifications of LED strip

3. Installation of LED strip

If it is necessary to connect two segments of the tape, it is allowed to connect the tapes using the invoice installation of special connectors with connecting wires, and it is also allowed to connect the segments of the tape using wires, by soldering to special contact pads.

When soldering pieces of tape, a soldering iron with a tip temperature of not more than 260 ° C is used. Soldering time should not exceed 10 seconds.

Also, segments of the tape can be connected using connectors that are supplied separately. The contact pads of the tapes must be inserted into the connector of the connector and the locking cover snap into place.

Based on the hoist of the selected tape and its length, a suitable power supply is selected (see section 5 calculation of the power of power supplies). If you use RGB tape, you will need to install a controller and, possibly, amplifiers.

Before installation, it is necessary to prepare the surface on which the tape will be installed.

The surface should be cleaned of dust and dirt, if necessary, degrease. Also, in order to avoid damage to the tape, the surface should be solid, without tears.

The tape is installed using the adhesive layer applied on the back side. After removing the protective coating from the adhesive layer, the tape is pressed lightly against the surface. Fastening tapes with a degree of moisture protection IP68 (in a silicone tube filled with epoxy resin) is carried out using brackets or glue / sealant. Do not allow sharp bending of the tape. The minimum bending radius of the tape is 6 cm.

IMPORTANT!■ Do not subject the tape and its components to mechanical stress.

• The polarity must be strictly observed when connecting the tape to a power source and when soldering pieces of tape. Incorrect connection may result in tape failure.

• When mounting the tape on metal and other conductive surfaces, it is necessary to isolate the tape from the surface.

• During installation, do not damage the conductive tracks on the tape.

• Serial connection of the tape up to 5 m in length is allowed. A tape longer than 5 m is connected in parallel, otherwise overloading of current-carrying elements occurs, which can lead to failure of the tape.

• Use appropriate power sources.

• When working with the tape, observe measures to protect against static electricity, which can damage the LEDs.

• The operation of the tape in conditions that do not correspond to the degree of dust and moisture protection of the tape is not allowed.

4. Connecting RGB LED strips