3 biggest mistakes when installing LED tape (and how to avoid them!)
LED strip lighting is becoming more popular as it can take almost any shape, and light almost anything. Easy to install, energy efficient, and available in different color options and brightness levels, a simple strip can elevate ordinary spaces to create a luxurious vibe. Their low profile and versatility make them a popular choice for kitchen improvements, staircase features, office fit outs and more. It’s now common to find strip lighting on residential, commercial and even industrial projects.
When beginning to plan your projects, a common question many electricians ask is whether an aluminum channel is necessary. Although an aluminum channel is often listed as an optional accessory, LED strip lighting by itself is more of a lighting element than a finished lighting product.
Why are aluminum channels needed?
Aluminum channels serve a variety of functions that can help make your strip lighting look and work more like a traditional fixture. The right aluminum channel can cause more even light distribution, avoid cheap imaging through reflective surfaces, help extend the ribbon life, and can even prevent dust buildup on the LED light strip.
And while aluminum channels can help your LED strip blend in, providing a more polished and professional finish, the wrong channel can cause dioding. Dioding can make certain materials look streaky or can keep your space from looking amazing.
To help avoid the effects of dioding, here are some tips to help make your next install go more smoothly.
3 tips to improve your LED strip lighting
A bare LED strip with its circuit board and bright yellow phosphorous coated emitters often looks unprofessional and cheap. Channels can help make your LED strip look more professional by providing more even light distribution. Most channels are made from aluminum which means they won’t rust, are lightweight and can be cut easily with a Hacksaw. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not sure which channel to use for your application? Diffusion can help you pick the right ribbon and channel for your next install.
LED strip lights typically need a smooth surface to stick securely using adhesives. Aluminum works well with adhesives forming a strong bond that can help straighten out your LED strip. Aluminum channels can also help to keep your LED strip straight when mounted. From surface-mounted, recessed, or entirely concealed, there are a lot of options when it comes to mounting your LED channels. Have questions?
The right channel will make sure your LED’s shine the best and will usually depend on your unique application and the LED strip you’re installing. Unsure of all the components you might need? Diffusion can help you create your Bill of Materials for your next project. Provide the drawings or lengths and details and they can help you get started.
Ready to get started?
When done correctly, ribbons and channels can really provide a great look and feel to a variety of spaces that your clients are sure to love. Their versatility and ease of use makes them a preferred choice for electricians looking to easily elevate ordinary spaces. Better still, Diffusion provides complimentary support for each stage of your installation journey.
Complimentary technical lighting support
A 100% Canadian owned company, RJ Cross was founded on bringing the highest quality lighting products to the architectural and electrical specification market.
From design recommendations to creating the bill of materials for your next project, RJ Cross provides complimentary lighting services to all of their clients.
Well-versed in lighting systems and their modules, RJ Cross can troubleshoot issues that you may face on the job with complicated lighting control systems and pairing your LED’s. They can usually resolve 95% of all issues in under 5 minutes.
Or if you haven’t used their products before or are unfamiliar with their application, they can provide recommendations to make the install easier for you.
Have a space you want to add layers of light to, but not quite sure where to start? RJ Cross can also provide ideas to help properly illuminate your space.