Installing led strip lights on the ceiling is a great way to make your room look different and more attractive.
You can create a party-type atmosphere with these lights, or you could use them for general light when it’s dark out. They’re also very inexpensive to purchase!
These lights are easy to install as long as you have the right equipment, which we’ll discuss in this post.
Read on if you want more information on how to install led strip lights on ceiling and to know how they work!
Summary: Installing LED strip lights on a ceiling is a relatively simple process that can enhance the ambiance and visual appeal of a room. To begin, gather the necessary tools and materials, such as LED strip lights, a power supply, connectors, and mounting clips or adhesive tape. Carefully plan the layout of the strip lights, considering factors such as the location of the power source, the desired pattern or shape, and any obstacles on the ceiling that may affect the installation.
Start by cleaning the ceiling surface where the LED strip lights will be installed, ensuring it is free of dust and debris for better adhesion. Measure and cut the LED strips to the desired length, making sure to cut only along the designated cut lines to avoid damaging the lights. Attach the mounting clips or adhesive tape to the back of the LED strip lights, and then secure the strips to the ceiling, following your planned layout.
Connect the LED strips to each other using connectors, if necessary, and attach the power supply to the beginning of the strip. Finally, plug the power supply into an outlet and test the LED strip lights to ensure they are functioning correctly and providing the desired illumination. Make any necessary adjustments to the positioning or connections, as needed.
10 Reasons Why Should You Install Led Strip Lights on the Ceiling?
1. Save Money
LED strip lights are incredibly cheap compared to other lighting options, and they last a lot longer too! If you want your space to look great for years without breaking the bank, then these are what you need.
2. Energy Efficient
Since these lights only consume energy when turned on, you can cut down on your energy bill quite a bit. Even if you leave them on for hours, they won’t use too much electricity!
3. Long-lasting
LED strip lights last a long time compared to other lighting sources like incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps.
They typically last up to 50,000 hours, which is about 22 years, if you leave them on for 8 hours per day.
4. Different Color Options are Available
If you want more colorful than just the standard white light that most LED strip lights offer, you can get colored bulbs instead!
This is a great way to add some pizazz to your home’s interior without breaking the bank.
5. Flexible
You can cut LED strip lights with a pair of scissors to make them longer or shorter as needed, without worrying about damaging the light itself, which is excellent if you have very tall ceilings and need more length to light a room around.
6. Several Mounting Options
You can put these lights in place in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for something more permanent, you could affix them to wooden beams or use magnetic tape and stick them onto metal surfaces.
7. Comes with Remote Control
Many of these lights include a remote control that you can use to turn them on and off, change the brightness level or set a timer.
It’s pretty convenient to have such options, considering how many alternatives there are out there!
8. Safe Lighting Source
Unlike some other alternatives (like incandescent bulbs) that emit heat, LED lights don’t pose any fire risk since they only get warm to the touch.
You won’t have to worry about fires or other concerns cropping up because of these lights!
9. Versatility
You can use these lights almost anywhere! They work well to light pathways and walkways and basements, sheds, and other areas that either need just a little extra light or no light at all.
10. Environmentally Friendly
If you’re someone who cares about the environment, then you’ll be interested in this benefit. LED strip lights don’t contain any toxic elements like mercury.
They also consume less energy than other types of lights. That means that you can enjoy the benefits of lighting without hurting your planet or its occupants!
What Are The Things You’ll Need to Install Led Strip Lights on Ceiling?
1. A tape measure,
2. Pencil & eraser,
3. Drill or screwdriver,
4. Socket set including small / medium / large spanners,
5. Three-Sided sticky tape,
6. Wire Cutters,
7. Some hook & loop nylon fastening / joining tape
Instructions: How to Install Led Strip Lights on Ceiling
Step 1: Measure The Ceiling Parameter
First of all, mark out the length and width of your ceiling wall. Make sure it’s a smooth surface, not too bumpy or uneven. If the ceiling is plasterboard construction, then you can use traditional light fittings.
However, if the ceiling is made from solid timber boarding, you will have to fix appropriately sized hooks into the joists above the plasterboard ceiling and hang LED strips from those.
Step 2: Unpack The LED Strip Light
Once you have decided where to set up the lights and taken all the necessary measurements, unpacking them is your next step.
Each box contains several different parts, which vary depending on whether you are fitting one or two strips or a double-length strip.
These include power supply units with inbuilt drivers for each strip, extension cables, and junction connectors.
Step 3: Cut The Strips Into Sizes
Once you have unpacked the components, it’s time to cut each strip into segments. Make sure that the strips are hooked up adequately before starting, and then plug them in.
Using scissors or a sharp knife is sufficient to make your cuts, and it doesn’t matter if they’re not perfectly straight or even as long as you don’t damage any of the connections.
Step 4: Find a Secure Well Ventilated Area
LED strips are very cool, but they can cause a fire hazard if not positioned correctly. Ensure there is good ventilation so that any excess heat can dissipate without causing fires or overheating the strip.
This is also why you should never place LED strips directly on top of furniture, carpet, or anything else that could block the airflow.
Step 5: Locate The Power Source
Depending on the length of LED strip you are using, there may be a power supply unit in each box or just one for multiple strips.
This will need to be positioned near your power socket, and it should provide enough outputs for your needs and be safely secured.
Step 6: Join All The Strips Together
Each strip will have a unique connection point, so you can’t mix and match them with other strips even if they are the same length.
Before connecting one end of your LED strip to the power source, ensure that all three wires are fully exposed from its casing.
At this stage, check that the total number of LEDs in your strip is equal to or less than what the power source requires.
Step 7: Prepare The Strip For Mounting
Mounting your LED strips on both sides will allow for easier access whenever you need to replace them.
You probably want to do this regularly, especially if you are using a double-length strip or have many lights.
This step is optional, but we highly recommend it as you won’t be able to get to the back of the LED strip otherwise.
Step 8: Drill Holes Into The Ceiling
The only time you will ever need to remove your LED strips from their position is if they aren’t secure, and for this reason, you should drill holes into the ceiling beforehand.
Measure around 40cm apart from one another, and then carefully make your cuts for the LED strip to fit in comfortably.
The depth of your hole should be twice the thickness of the plastic casing on your LED strips; otherwise, it will show through.
Step 9: Stick Your LED Strip Lights Into Position
You will need to drill holes into your ceiling. These holes should be at least a few millimeters larger than the diameter of the base of each LED strip, and it’s best to do this with something like an electric drill so that you don’t overdo it.
That will work better if you have access to a spot welder, but not everyone does it, so this is a good alternative.
It’s essential to do this correctly; Otherwise, the LED strip will not be secure in place. Roll out your LED strip and note how many rows it has and how long it is.
You’ll need to match these measurements with those you have taken earlier so that they can be centered above each hole. It can be a lot easier to do this if you attach one end of the strip first and then roll it out from there.
Step 10: Securely Attach Your LED Strip Lights
Finally, connect your LED strip lights to the power source and position them in place using screws or adhesive tape, depending on how you will fix them in place.
Working with the wiring can be pretty frustrating, but it should be fine as long as you pay careful attention that all your connections are correct and secure.
If you have spare connectors, you can connect more than one strip, which will save your time later.
Step 11: Cover Up The Back With Duct Tape
Use duct tape to cover up any unwanted cables and wires that are visible; otherwise, it just looks messy!
The key here is to ensure that your LED strip lights blend in with the ceiling as much as possible. You don’t want them to see unless they are turned on, or you’re standing directly underneath them.
If you have any leftover LED strips, you can use them to highlight other features in the room, such as your entertainment unit or under-bench lighting, if that is what you are going for.
5 Things To Consider When Installing Led Strip Lights on Ceiling
1. Install led strip lights on the tops of a sturdy surface, such as a steel bar or wooden board. Metal clamps are always highly recommended to secure the led tape lights onto behind bars or boards.
Otherwise, you will find that ceiling light tape is too easy to fall off if not secured properly.
2. Check the size of the led tape lights carefully before purchase. You will need to make sure that the length of the led strip lights is not too short or too long for your ceiling structure.
Always be aware of how much extra length you may have if you decide to add additional accessories to the led tape light, such as a dimmer switch or an infrared remote control.
3. Ensure a proper connection of the led tape light to an appropriate power supply.
Don’t forget to check on the voltage and amperage requirements before purchase so that you can be sure that the led strip lights will work with your existing power source.
Your local hardware store or electrical wiring department will be able to help you out.
4. You may also wish to consider adding a heat sink onto the back of the led tape lights for more thermal dissipation. Especially if you have chosen one with a low amperage rating or high lumen output.
Make sure that it is well secured onto the led strip lights by either using screws or double-sided adhesive so that your led strip lights are less prone to slipping off the bar later.
5. Always check on the IP rating of your led tape light before installing it onto ceiling structures or walls.
Some models may be waterproof, while others may only be weatherproof, so ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing them on ceilings and near windows.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Conclusion
In conclusion, led lights are versatile and highly energy efficient. The best part is that they can be used in safety lighting, commercial, and indoor and outdoor applications.
You will have bright illumination at your home with a lovely look that would please anyone on eyes who comes to your home and looks around. With a little bit of patience and the right tools, you can install LED strip lights on your ceiling.
In this article, we’ve provided all the information that you need on how to install led strip lights on ceiling and get started with installing your own strips!
If there are any questions or concerns regarding this blog post, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
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