The question of whether or not do led strip lights need to be plugged in is a popular one. Let’s look at both sides of this argument and figure out which side is correct.
The first thing we should note about these lights is that all electricity needs to have an outlet to work correctly.
So yes, led strip lights do need to be plugged in. They also require some power source like batteries or solar panels, meaning there’s no way around using electricity either way!
Summary: LED strip lights are versatile lighting options that are popular for both residential and commercial applications due to their energy efficiency and customizable features. The question of whether LED strip lights need to be plugged in depends on the specific type of LED strip light being used, as there are both plug-in and battery-powered options available on the market.
Plug-in LED strip lights require a connection to a power outlet through an adapter or transformer, which converts the household electricity to the appropriate voltage for the LED strip. These plug-in options are more suitable for permanent installations or situations where continuous power is readily accessible.
On the other hand, battery-powered LED strip lights do not require a connection to a power outlet, making them ideal for temporary installations, portable applications, or areas where an electrical outlet is not available.
How do Led Strip Lights work?
When it comes to how led strip lights work, there’s a variety of different things that factor into the equation.
The central part of these lights is the actual LED which stands for light-emitting diode. Because they do this, they can emit different colored lights.
These lights are built to be flexible so that you can shape them however you want. This means attaching them in almost any location, depending on the type of bulb or LED you choose. Some have a clear connection, while others use cables and more.
However, these lights do require some power source to work correctly. The way you can do this varies.
For instance, some types of led strip lights require hardwiring to work, which means they need to be plugged in or a battery attached for them to light up.
Others are flexible and portable, meaning that they aren’t hardwired, making it easier for people to use them.
7 Things to Know Before Installing LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights can provide beautiful and efficient lighting in any setting, from residential to commercial. However, there are a few things you should know before installing these versatile and stylish lights:
- Make sure your power source is compatible- this includes the type of voltage required, the wattage rating of your transformer, and the number of watts per foot of LED strip light.
- Inspect your strips for any damage before starting- check for any signs of water intrusion or other physical damage that may compromise the product’s performance.
- Install on a flat surface- be sure to place your LED strips on an even and unobstructed surface in order to prevent uneven illumination or premature failure due to heat buildup.
- Use UL-rated connectors- when connecting multiple LED strips together, it’s important to use UL-listed connectors to ensure against electrical shock or fire hazards.
- Utilize appropriate clamps- depending on what kind of substrate you’re installing, use the right clamping system, such as tape, screws/nuts/bolts, or zip ties with stainless steel connector inserts.
- Use quality dimmers- using the wrong type of dimmer can cause premature failure or flicker in LEDs; look for certified 0–10V dimmers specifically made for LEDs.
- Consider ambient lighting- one important factor many people don’t consider is nearby ambient lighting; if you’re installing near windows or other sources that contribute natural light, plan accordingly so your lights don’t appear too dull or bright at certain hours of the day!
Installing LED strip lights is an easy task that requires thoughtful planning beforehand to get optimal performance out of them; keep these tips in mind before beginning your project!
What Are The Power Requirement for LED Strip Lights?
If you use LED lights in your home, they will cost less to run. They use less energy than regular lights. If you have 60 LEDs on a 5m strip, and the strip is 2 inches long, then it would be one-quarter of a watt for every inch.
So with 60 LEDs per foot and three hours, it would be 0.2 watts per hour. However, the color of your strip lights does matter. For example, a warm white color may use more energy than cool white or daylight strips.
In general, these bulbs require a low voltage LED chip designed explicitly for the lights. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it applies most of the time and should be kept in mind when using them.
For instance, the amount of current required to power these lights is reduced thanks to the fact that you don’t need a transformer or rectifier as with old-style lighting.
Do Led Strip Lights Need to Be Plugged in?
You can use led strip lights without having them plugged in. However, this may not be the best idea for you if you are planning on using them for a long time or if they are used frequently.
There are some benefits of plugging led strip lights in. The main advantage is you can control them from an outlet and not just from a timer. Some people may find this helpful if they want to program it for certain times or don’t want to set up timers.
5 Ways To Use Led Strip Lights Without Plugged in
1. Using Usb Led Strips
USB led strips to run on 5v, which is the same voltage as most of our computers and smartphones.
So you can plug a USB led strip into your computer via a USB cable or using any converter that will allow you to convert micro USB, mini USB, or lightning to a female USB connector.
2. Using Power Bank
The power bank is a portable charger that you can charge via USB or a wall plug. So if you have chosen a power bank as your led strip light source, just connect the power bank to the wall plug, and then it will charge at home. And when you want to use it out of home, you can just simply unplug the USB cable from the wall and take it with you.
3. Using Portable Battery
A portable battery is also an excellent tool for you to charge your led strip lights wherever, even at the beach or in the woods, because you can charge it via micro USB or lightning cable. If you are using led strips made of li-ion batteries(lithium batteries), you can even turn on the led strips via portable battery.
4. Using Solar Power
Just stick your strip light to a solar panel, and leave it out in the sun during the daytime for charging. It is also a great way to use led strip lights outdoors without needing them to be plugged in.
5. Using Power Inverter
A power inverter is another tool you can use to run your USB led strip lights without plugging them into a wall socket. It changes the direct current from a car battery or 12v adapter to standard 110v AC, which could be used as the market’s input of most led strips.
But if you are using led strip lights that contain li-on batteries, be aware that the power inverter will change the direct current to alternating current. So it is not a good idea for you to directly connect the power inverter to Li-ion/lithium led strips because it may damage them at high frequency.
7 Benefits of Using Led Strip Lights
1. Led strip lights can be used in many places like the garden, bikes, cars, furniture, and so on.
2. Outdoor Led strip lights can make your home more elegant and lovely.
3. LED lights do not generate heat while using them; therefore, they are safe to use, especially with kids.
4. They are easy to install and can be used in a variety of places.
5. Given their flexible nature, LED strips can be cut easily for specific purposes instead of conventional bulbs.
6. Led strip lights last longer than fluorescent or halogen lamps as they have fewer breakdowns and are not likely to explode, making them safer for use.
7. LED strip lights are environment-friendly, have low power consumption, and don’t contain harmful substances.
5 Tips When Choosing Led Strips Lights For Outdoor Use
1. Install led strip lights only if they are under weatherproof plastic covering.
2. Choose led strips with specialized end covers for outdoor use.
3. Buy led strip lights that can run through any common power source.
4. Consider your budget to get quality led strip lighting products.
5. Make sure you are buying from a reputable led strip lights supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Led Strip Lights Charge?
A common way to charge led strip lights is by using an outlet. When the light is plugged into the outlet, it will start to draw power from the outlet. Once it has been plugged in for a sufficient amount of time, the light will turn on and start to charge.
What Power Supply Do I Need for Led Strip Lights?
To power led strip lights, you will need a power supply that is compatible with the type of Led strip lights you are using. Some common power supplies used for Led strip lights include:
1. AC/DC power supplies
2. DC to AC power adapters
3. AC to DC power adapters
It is important to select the correct power supply for your Led strip lights, as not all power supplies are appropriate for use with Led strip lights. If you are not sure which type of power supply you need, please contact the manufacturer of your Led strip lights for assistance.
Can I Connect Led Strip to Battery?
Yes, you can connect a LED strip to a battery to create a lightshow. By connecting the LED strip to the battery, you can control the brightness and color of the lightshow. You can also use the LED strip to create a visual effect in a variety of settings, such as parties or weddings. To connect the LED strip to the battery, first connect the leads from the LED strip to the battery. Then, connect the other end of the leads to an outlet or power source.
How Long Do Led Strip Lights Last?
Led strip lights typically last between 5,000 and 10,000 hours, which is about three to five years. Depending on the type of light fixture and the frequency of use, led strip lights may also require occasional re-pointing or adjustment.
Final Verdict
Led strip lights can be installed without needing to plugged them in. The LED strips will work with any 12-volt power source; that’s the same voltage as most car batteries.
We hope this post has been helpful in answering your question do LED strip lights need to be plugged in or not. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.