Imagine a world where you can feel the warmth of your home even when it is freezing outside. If this sounds like something that would get you through the winter, then read on!
We will show you how to connect led strip lights to mains and get your home ready for this chilly season.
Led strip lights offer a simple way to light up your space with an energy-efficient, low-wattage light that won’t burn out like traditional bulbs.
Summary:
Connecting LED strip lights to mains power is a straightforward process that requires the appropriate power supply and materials. LED strip lights typically operate at a low voltage, such as 12V or 24V, which means they cannot be connected directly to mains power (110V-240V) without a compatible power supply or transformer. Before starting the installation process, gather the necessary materials and tools, including the LED strip lights, a power supply with the correct voltage output, connectors, wires, and a voltage tester.
To connect LED strip lights to mains power, first determine the required voltage and wattage for your LED strip lights by checking the manufacturer’s specifications. Based on this information, select a power supply with the appropriate voltage output and wattage capacity to handle the load. Next, connect the LED strip lights to the power supply using the provided connectors or soldering wires to the strip’s terminals.
If the strip lights have a plug-and-play connector, simply insert the connector into the power supply’s output. If soldering is required, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make the correct connections. Once the LED strip lights are connected to the power supply, plug the power supply into a mains power outlet, ensuring that the power supply is rated for the voltage in your region. Test the LED strip lights for proper functionality and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired lighting effect.
10 Ways on How to Connect Led Strip Lights to Mains
1. Connect Mains Voltage LED Strip Lights Directly
The most common method of connecting LED strip lights is to connect them to mains voltage directly.
This will require a unique power supply (e.g., a buck converter ) such as Step-Down Voltage Regulator Module 3A Buck Converter Adjustable 12V to 5V DC with Low Ripple for DIY Project.
This voltage regulator module can reduce a voltage from 220V to 12V with a maximum of 3A current.
2. Connect Mains Voltage LED Strip Lights Using a Transformer
Transformers take electrical power from the primary supply source and step down the voltage, which is safe to use within your project.
The transformer you choose should be able to supply the power needed by your LED strip lights.
The disadvantage to this method is that it can be hazardous if you don’t know what you are doing, so I do not recommend attempting it unless you have experience in electronics and electrical safety.
3. Use Transformer with Ceiling Fan
Transformers work well to reduce the voltage to a level sent to the LED strip via an additional wire.
You can buy a kit that includes both your transformer and fan, or you can find everything separately. Look for an all-in-one kit designed to be installed in existing ceiling fans.
4. Use Transformer with Existing Wall Socket
Most wall sockets have a built-in transformer for low voltage lights. If you use LED strip lights with a higher draw, this may not work well.
However, if your usage is lighter than the maximum capacity of the transformer you find in the wall socket, it will likely work. Just remember to keep your LED strip lights less than 12″ away from the wall socket.
5. Use Transformer with Battery Box
The transformer will help reduce voltage to safe levels, but you will also need a battery box to power the LED strip lights when there is no main electricity available.
The Transformer/Battery Box Kit from Cajun Line Locators works well for this type of setup.
6. Use a Buck Converter with a Battery Box
A buck converter is a device that supplies power to LED strip lights at a constant voltage. Some models have adjustable voltage output, which makes them an excellent choice for powering LED strip lights.
7. Using a Step-Down Voltage Regulator
A step-down voltage converter is also a good choice for powering LED strip lights and bulbs. They can supply a constant voltage and help protect your LED strip lights from damage.
8. Use Power Sharing Via Wires in Parallel
Wires can be used to share the load (i.e., power ) between two or more LED strips of similar type and voltage.
You can use this method with both built-in transformers and external ones, but you will need to know how much voltage your strip needs before connecting wires in parallel.
9. Connect Mains Voltage LED Strip Lights to Electronic Load Drivers
If you want to connect LED strip lights to mains voltage using a higher power supply (e.g., 120W adapter ) than your transformer allows, you can use an electronic load driver.
This is usually done with 12V strips, but some adapters allow for 18V or 24V drive voltage. When buying a 12V power supply, make sure its maximum current is at least three amps.
For an 18V or 24V adapter, the maximum current should be more than four amps.
10. Use a Power Supply Unit as a Constant Voltage Source
You can use a power supply unit as a constant voltage source. To do this, plug your LED strip lights into the wall socket and set up the output to match the current of your strip lights.
For example, you could purchase a 12V 2.6A power supply unit and use it to power a 12V strip light that draws 2.6 amps.
Can Led Strip Lights Be Hardwired?
Most-LED strip lights designed for indoor use need a transformer to run them. The transformer is usually built into the LED tape or comes as a separate unit.
In either case, the tape has to be connected to one side of the transformer and from there it will be fed with power from a mains wall socket.
The final connection that feeds the transformer is made via a plug. That’s why most LED strips are supplied with a plug.
They need to be plugged in to make it possible to connect them at the final point. After all, an extension lead has two jacks or sockets on one side and two connections for the live and neutral wires on the other.
That would be a big mistake, however.
The reason is that LED strip lights have a way of generating heat, and the insulation between the two ends of the tape will not be able to handle a direct connection to a mains socket without catching fire.
Some Things That Many People Do Wrong
a) Overloading the circuit
This is one common mistake often committed by most of us who are not well conversant with electrical wiring and electronics.
It is recommended to use only up to 3m strip lights per meter in length without exceeding 18W per meter. Also, you should have at least a 4Amp capacity in the circuit breaker to avoid overloading whenever the lights are switched on.
b) Connecting white and black wires together
You must never connect these two different colored wires. This can lead to a short circuit that may cause accidents when it gets hot.
c) Connecting the black and red wires
By mistake, this can be so confusing because it looks like they are similar. The only difference between them is in their function.
While the black wire is for neutral, ensuring safety, the red wire is for positive, which provides power to light up your LED strip lights.
It is highly recommended to use a tester or alligator clips to help you connect the wires more easily.
d) Connecting wires that carry power with those that don’t
When dealing with electrical wiring, you should always ensure that you know which wire takes electric power and which one does not.
Failure to do so may result in a shock or may even lead to a fatal accident.
e) Using wires that are too thin
As already mentioned, the circuit breaker capacity should be a minimum of 4 Amp for every 3m LED strip light.
Wires that are thinner than this may cause considerable resistance, leading to overheating and failure of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Wire Led to Mains?
If you’re wiring a LED to a power source, the first thing you’ll need is a straight wire. You can use any kind of wire you like as long as it’s thin and has a bare end.
To connect the LED to the wire, strip 1/2″ of insulation off the end of the wire and insert it into the light bulb socket on the electric wall outlet. Twist the wire around so that it forms a loop, then pull out the ends of the wire.
Now, put the stripped end of the other wire into the junction between the light bulb and the plastic housing. The stripped end of this wire should be facing away from the light bulb. Push down on both wires until they make a connection. You’ll see two small holes in the housing where they connected.
Turn off your electric wall outlet, then turn on your light bulb. The LED should now be lit up!
Can Led Strip Lights Be Wired Into Lighting Circuit?
Yes, led strip lights can be wired into a lighting circuit. Typically, led strip lights are connected to a controller (also called a driver) which provides the power and control interface. The controller will typically have an input for a power supply (e.g. AC wall plug), an output for the led strip light strips, and an input for the lighting circuit. The controller will also typically have a number of settings which can be used to control the brightness, color, and other features of the led strip lights.
What Power Supply Do I Need for Led Strip Lights?
If you’re wiring a LED to a power source, the first thing you’ll need is a straight wire. You can use any kind of wire you like as long as it’s thin and has a bare end.
To connect the LED to the wire, strip 1/2″ of insulation off the end of the wire and insert it into the light bulb socket on the electric wall outlet. Twist the wire around so that it forms a loop, then pull out the ends of the wire.
Now, put the stripped end of the other wire into the junction between the light bulb and the plastic housing. The stripped end of this wire should be facing away from the light bulb. Push down on both wires until they make a connection. You’ll see two small holes in the housing where they connected.
Turn off your electric wall outlet, then turn on your light bulb. The LED should now be lit up!
Do Led Strip Lights Affect Electric Bill?
Depends on the type of LED strip light you are using and the wattage of the lightbulb it uses. Generally, LED strip lights that use low-wattage bulbs (less than 100 watts) will not affect your electric bill in the same way as LED strip lights that use high-wattage bulbs (more than 1,000 watts).
LED strip lights are a type of lighting that uses small, individual LED lights to create a wide variety of colors. They are often used to accentuate architectural features or to provide a decorative effect in areas such as hallways, staircases, and windows.
LED strip lights work by passing light through a series of narrow strips of LEDs. This light is then projected onto a surface, typically a wall or ceiling. Because LED strip lights use low-wattage bulbs, they produce less heat than traditional lighting systems and require less energy to operate. As a result, LED strip lights are an environmentally friendly choice for lighting applications.
Final Words
The above information provides a clear indication of how to connect LED strip lights to mains, but it is highly recommended to seek expert advice when in doubt.
It is important not only for the safety of yourself and your family but also for other people who may be using the same electrical system.
Nevertheless, I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions to ask feel free to comment below!