We often get questions from people asking us how do you set up LED lights. To begin, you need to know the type of installation you are making.
Additionally, ensure the lights are compatible with the existing system to make your work easier.
If not, you have to spend more, given the proper driving mechanisms and power supplies.
Today’s article discusses the best methods to set up your LED lights. Moreover, depending on the application, it gives you the types to choose from.
Let’s begin.
Types of LED Lights
(A set of different LED lights)
With the astronomical energy savings that come with the adoption of LEDs, their popularity is ever-increasing globally.
In the manufacturing sector, engineers are working to develop even better LEDs for specific applications.
Here are some common types of LEDs.
LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are a retrofit replacement of traditional light bulbs like incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
In other words, the LED bulb fits into a traditional socket and comes in varying shapes and sizes to suit an application. Additionally, common LED bulbs include:
- A-shaped bulbs – standard household bulbs
- PAR bulbs – for spotlights and floodlights
- MR bulbs – for directional lighting
LED Tubes
LED tubes have light-emitting diodes along a flat circuit board along the length of the light source.
Generally, they are replacements for fluorescent tubes in commercial and residential lighting projects.
However, the lights are basic and don’t have extra features like connecting to a smart home or changing color.
Dimmable LED Lights
Dimmable LED lights are perfect for rooms that need varying levels of brightness.
Typically, these LEDs allow users to control their brightness using a compatible dimmer switch.
Alternatively, you can control other variants through a mobile app or home system, given that they are compatible.
Full-Spectrum LED Lights
The Full-spectrum LED lights produce a wide range of colored light and temperatures, suiting them for mood and accent lighting.
Generally, they come with basic remote control and, in other cases, mobile app compatibility.
Full-spectrum LED lights are also perfect for homes or spaces you use for different functions.
For instance, you can configure them to produce a range of colors corresponding to a song’s beats during a birthday party.
Smart LED Lights
Most smart modern LED lights have intelligent home compatibility and mobile remote control. Therefore, you can control them using your voice or a compatible mobile app.
Generally, most other light types fall under this category, for you can have full-spectrum LED lights, etc.
Regardless, these lights have some limitations as they work only if you connect them through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to a control device.
If not, you may not reap their full benefits due to the wall switch’s shortcomings.
Decorative LED Lights
Many decorative LED lights exist; you can choose one depending on the application.
For instance, you can use decorative holiday lighting or modern office celebration lighting.
Moreover, you can go for spherical globe lights, allowing for a uniform light distribution around the room.
LED Light Strips
Manufacturers make LED strip lights by embedding light-emitting diodes along a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) length.
As such, the lights are flexible, allowing you to bend and twist during installation and use.
Additionally, some have IP68 waterproof ratings making them suitable for underwater lighting applications.
Track LED Lights
Track lights are task-lighting LEDs that move along a track to illuminate a particular work area. In most cases, you can move the lights using a remote while focusing a beam toward a given area.
Moreover, the lights offer excellent flexibility, especially when working in an area requiring focused lighting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Seamless LED Strip Lighting Setup
(Installing a peel-and-stick LED lighting)
You will employ different installation methods for LED tubes, bulbs, and strips.
As much as the bulbs and tubes have similar installations, the strips are unique and less tedious to set up.
Choose the Installation Type
Here, choose to either go with peel-and-stick or aluminum channel LEDs. In other words, peel-and-stick LED strips are those with adhesives at the back for attaching to a surface.
If the surface is unsuitable, go with aluminum channels that you can attach to a surface using screws.
However, for the latter, be careful so you don’t ruin your furniture, cabinets, or walls.
Clean the Surface
It’s essential to ensure the surface is solid and clean for both the peel-and-stick and channel lights.
You don’t want your lights peeling off because you installed them on a dirty surface with low adhesion.
Make Appropriate Connections
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where to cut and make connections to avoid destroying the lights.
Typically, scrutinize the LED strip’s underside for cutting marks that may look like a pair of scissors symbol or gold threads.
Remember, be careful, as the cut marks differ from brand to brand.
Afterward, use a solder to reattach the strip or plug-in connectors if you don’t have the former.
Power Your LED Circuit
Connect your LED strip to the power controller and adapter at this stage before plugging it into a power outlet.
Depending on your preference and available resources, you can use mains AC or battery supply.
Best Places to Set Up LED Lights in Your Home
LED versatility is the reason they are so popular in most lighting applications.
Furthermore, their energy efficiency and durability make them better than traditional lighting sources.
Here, we look at the best places to install LED lights in your home.
- Under cabinets
- Under the bed
- Under Shelves
- Accent your stairs
- Behind television screens
- Along toe kicks
- In picture frames
Best LED Lights Installation Tips and Tricks
(A happy electrician repairing ceiling lamps)
Here are some tips and tricks to make your LED installation successful. First, the best approach to installing LED lights is to plan on the following areas:
- Whether it’s a strip, bulb, or tube light
- Type of base to install – whether Edison screw or bayonet base
- Type of bulb, e.g., decorative or carbon filament
- Level of brightness you need and whether you can adjust it
- Color temperature, e.g., 5600K for task lighting and 2700K for ambient lighting
Second, ensure the new LED lights are compatible with the existing electrical system.
The sockets, voltage requirements, and dimming capabilities must match for a better experience.
Third, adhere to safety regulations regarding the installation of electrical devices as well as working with electricity.
Failing to do so is dangerous as you’ll expose yourself to electrocution or fire outbreaks.
Other tips and tricks include:
- Fourth, properly mount the lights with appropriate brackets or adhesive tapes
- Fifth, ensure the connections are tight and without loose sections
- Sixth, test your lights to ensure they are working well before finalizing
- Seventh, be open to adding lighting controls for better functionality
FAQs
How do you arrange LED lights in a room?
As much as LED lights illuminate our spaces, they significantly improve our homes’ aesthetic appeal.
Therefore, you must arrange the lights well so they don’t overlap or become redundant.
Additionally, arrange the LED lights so they don’t shine directly into your eyes, causing eye discomfort or temporary blindness.
Consequently, the best places to install LEDs in your room are on the ceiling, under cabinets, or behind mirrors.
How to choose LED lights for the bedroom?
A bedroom is a place where we unwind after a long tiring day.
Additionally, LED technologies are advancing, allowing for integrated light sources for task or accent lighting.
As a result, you need to be conscious of the bedroom LEDs you want.
Regardless, warmer white colors between 2700 and 3000K are the best for bedrooms.
Conclusion
Setting up LED lights is an easy process, especially if you have a background in electrical engineering.
Moreso when designing and laying out the conduits where the wiring connections would pass.
Additionally, remember that LED lights rely on DC power, and you must provide an adapter or power supply for AC to DC conversion.
Lastly, we’ve reviewed the essential information to set up your lights regardless of the type and base.