Mounting and installation of LED strip: connection, fastening, installation

Purchasing a ready-made LED lamp can be expensive, although the LED strip used for its manufacture is much cheaper, it can easily be cut into pieces of any length and installed in a convenient place. In this regard, the issue of self-manufacturing a lamp from LED strip becomes relevant.

What is needed for installation and installation of LED strip

To mount and install the LED strip, you need a working LED board with the correct technical characteristics:

1. Length. The standard length of a board in a reel is 5 meters, but the maximum length of parallel connected sections is 15 meters. At the greatest length, distant sections have dimmer light and a high probability of conductor wear.
2. The density indicator characterizes the number of diodes installed on 1 meter of the board. For example, 30, 60 or 120 diodes per 1 meter.

Density of diodes on the board

The power consumption, load current and supply voltage depend on the density of the crystals.

1. Particle and moisture protection (IP) rating. The parameter ranges from 00 (no protection) to 68 (complete isolation). Thus, SDLs with IP20 are used indoors, for example, for interior lighting of furniture, and with IP67 - for external lighting of buildings, swimming pools and inside saunas/baths.

Particle and Moisture Protection Table

1. Light flux color (monotonous/one-color or multi-color RGB strip).

Characteristics of RGB strip

1. Supply voltage. The board consists of groups of series-connected crystals that are connected in parallel to each other. Each crystal receives a supply voltage of no more than 3.3 Volts. Thus, knowing the density of the crystals, a supply voltage of 12 or 24 Volts is supplied to the board.

A special transformer installed between the SDL and the AC voltage source is responsible for building the required voltage level in the board. It supplies the required amount of electric current.

power unit

1. Length of the supply cable line. The main rule is that the voltage drop of the supply cable should not exceed 8%. To do this, you need to calculate the load level and select a cable with the appropriate cross-section.

Permissible continuous current for wires and cords with rubber and polyvinyl chloride insulation with copper conductors

LED strip power calculation

The power consumption indicator directly depends on the density of crystals on the board:

To select a power supply, the power value is 20 - 30% more than the power consumed by the board. For example:

LED strip with a density of 120 crystals per 1 meter. The total length of the SDL is 11 meters. Power consumption will be:

Plen = 9.6 * 11 = 105.6 W.

Pblock = 105.6 * 1.25 = 132 W.

Thus, the block with the closest power value is selected, this is 135 W. If you select a block with a power lower than the value that the board consumes, the latter will not light up. And the absence of a power reserve of 20-30% will lead to failure of the unit .

List of necessary items

• Brain of the device – Arduino Nano – 1 pc. — 150 rub.
• Motion sensor – HC-SR505 – 1 pc. — 60 rub.
• Touch button TTP-223 – 1 pc. — 20 rub.
• Transistor IRF-3205 - 3 pcs. -150 rub.
• Resistor 10 K 0.25 W – 3 pcs. – 6 rub.
• Resistor 20 Ohm 0.25 W – 3 pcs. – 6 rub.
• Breadboard for soldering, dimensions 90x50 mm – 1 pc. 100 rub.
• Housing 100x60 - 1 pc. 60 rub.

A total of 14 parts for a total cost of approximately 600 rubles + the LED RGB strip itself, depending on the format of the planned lighting.

Everything except transistors and resistors is cheaper to buy in China, but transistors are better to buy in our stores. The Chinese sometimes send outright slag under the guise of transistors, and they sell resistors in large quantities, albeit quite cheaply.

Features of installing LED strip

The process of installing the SDL does not require special professional skills, however, for its proper condition, you must follow the rules.

Installation occurs in several main steps:

1. Preparation of SDL sites. The board is measured and cut in specially designated places.

Preparation of SDL sites

1. Connecting board sections to each other. By soldering (a more reliable method) and using a connector.

Board connection methods (soldering and connector)

1. Connecting a power supply or adapter.

How to connect the power supply and adapter

1. Connecting a dimmer (controller) responsible for adjusting the light flux.

Example of connecting an RGB controller

Why do you need a power supply and controller?

The LED strip power supply is a device in the form of an aluminum/plastic/metal case, with terminals located on both sides.

Purpose: conversion of alternating electrical voltage of the network 220 V (input terminals) into direct voltage 12/24 V (output terminals), required for proper operation of the SDL.

A controller is a device that regulates the intensity of the glow of each diode, the total mixing of which produces a certain shade and brightness of the glow of the tape.

The controller can be controlled using the program embedded in it and/or manually - from the control panel.

When choosing a power supply and controller, it is important to calculate their power consumption, taking into account a 20-30% reserve.

Results

So, we have looked at various options and methods for connecting the LED strip to the power supply and control devices. Using the diagrams, explanations for them and our recommendations, you can independently install all the equipment. Of course, if you do not understand certain nuances, you can ask your questions in the comments to the article. We will definitely answer them in detail and try to help you throughout the entire installation process. Let's go together all the way from purchasing components to clicking the switch and turning on the tape.

Types of LED strip installation

LED strip installation is possible in several ways:

Aluminum profile. Its structure is pre-installed along the marked path, then a board with an adhesive base is glued into the channel itself. Afterwards, the entire structure is covered with a plastic profile, which creates a uniform dispersion of light.

The process of installing SDL using an aluminum profile

Pros : used for long high-power boards (more than 14 W); aluminum removes heat, thereby preventing the crystals from overheating, unlike plastic channels; smooth base and neat appearance.

Cons : higher price and time spent on profile installation.

Aluminum tape. It is attached along the intended path for attaching the board, then glue is applied to it, onto which the SDL is attached.

Pros : removes heat, ease of operation, used for small and medium power boards.

Minus : appearance.

Other fastening methods: plastic clamps, nylon ties, mounting clips.

These methods are applicable when the SDL is located in an invisible place, because visual perception deteriorates.

Double-sided tape and/or glue. One of the simple and reliable methods.

In all of these methods, the SDL is attached only along a straight path; if there are turns or corners, it is necessary to cut it and connect it using soldering or a connector.

How to glue LED strip

1. Prepare the surface: smooth out any bumps, depressions, cracks, clean and degrease. Metal and plastic surfaces are degreased with acetone or white spirit; painted with vinegar. Wooden surfaces must also be varnished or painted.
2. On the prepared surface, a marking (trajectory) of the SDL fastening is applied in a straight line.
3. Stick the SDL using a convenient method:
4. 3M double-sided acrylic tape is usually applied to the back of the board. Gradually opening the adhesive side, it is pressed tightly against the treated surface.

Fastening the tape with double-sided tape (self-adhesive base)

• Glue (super glue, instant installation, liquid nails). It is applied along the trajectory in small portions every 5 – 10 cm. Then the SDL is pressed tightly and fixed.

Pros: quick contact and grip.

Minus : lack of heat dissipation properties, which leads to overheating of the crystals.

Tape cutting and joining

Tape cutting is necessary in the following cases:

• level changes (corners, turns);
• shortening to the required length.

Cutting is carried out with scissors in the location indicated on the board (dotted tape and/or scissors icon). A cut in the wrong place will disrupt the nutritional pattern.

Place of cut designation on various tapes

To connect/extend/extend the SDL, two main methods are used: soldering or a connector (section “Connecting power using an LED connector”, “Connecting power using soldering”).

Recommendations for placement of equipment and installation of LED strip

1. Determine for yourself the method of installing the SDL. This is important when choosing it, because Not all SDLs are equipped with self-adhesive tape. In this case, they are attached to brackets and clamps.
2. Carefully prepare the surface on which the tape will be applied. For more reliable fixation, additionally cover the entire path with double-sided or aluminum tape and apply instant glue.
3. During the gluing process, the protective coating of the self-adhesive layer is removed gradually as it progresses.
4. In order to save money, the plastic profile of aluminum channels can be replaced with a plastic corner. It is attached with glue/liquid nails.
5. When designing ceiling lighting, remember the degree of light dispersion. For the most effective lighting, the distance from the ceiling to the mounting location of the board should be at least 80 mm.
6. To illuminate signs, display cases, and cabinet shelves, choose side-illuminated SDLs. This will help avoid being blinded by crystals and highlight the required interior details.
7. Boards longer than 5 meters are connected to the power source in parallel. Otherwise, it will lead to damage to the diodes.
8. PSUs equipped with a fan have a specific sound. Therefore, it is worth considering the location of its installation outside recreation areas. The controller, on the contrary, should be located nearby for ease of control from the remote control or manually.
9. Choose trusted manufacturing plants. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Bathroom lighting

This room is certainly not particularly spacious. That is why the right solution would be not only to use finishing materials in light colors, but also to fill it with a sufficient amount of light. It is important to choose the right light temperature. Cool white is not suitable for these purposes. Only neutral or, as a last resort, warm spectrum. So, where is it appropriate to use tape:

1. Of course, gluing tape to the mirror will be not only beautiful, but also rational. It’s not for nothing that mirrors with built-in LED lighting are sold. Their cost is sometimes simply unjustified, so it is much more economical to use our idea. The tape can be placed both around the perimeter and only on the side or on the top and bottom edges. In any case, it will be convenient for you to apply makeup and perform other procedures;

2. The bathtub lighting around the perimeter of the floor looks very interesting. Such a soft glow will be comfortable for the eyes even at night and will slightly expand the space;

3. The same can be said about lighting the ceiling in the bathroom;
4. Recently, it has become very popular to use lighting for various plumbing fixtures. And we are talking not only about illuminating the bathroom, which is located on the protective screen, but also about illuminating the sink by gluing tape to its lower surface around the perimeter, as well as illuminating the toilet. Whether it’s beautiful or not – judge for yourself from the photo;
5. It will definitely look impressive if wall-mounted plumbing fixtures are used;
6. It’s simply a sin not to decorate wall cabinets or cabinets in this way. The soaring effect will be achieved to the maximum;
7. You can also highlight wall shelves, if any.

When organizing lighting in the bathroom using LED strip, do not forget that this is a room with high humidity. This means that the tape must have the appropriate protection class. And again, don’t try to use all the ideas within this modest space at once.

Basic errors in connecting tapes

Mistake No. 1 – the security level of the tape is not selected correctly. For example, the use of boards with an IP20 rating is unacceptable in rooms with high humidity and in open spaces. When used in baths and bathrooms, a short circuit and electric shock may occur to a person.

Error No. 2 – the power of the power supply is not calculated correctly. It is important to follow the rule of 30% power reserve. This will allow in the future to connect additional sections or replace them with more powerful ones.

Mistake #3 – sequential connection of new sections. As mentioned above, each new tape is connected in parallel to the power source.

Error No. 4 – lack of heat sink elements. Tapes with a power of over 14 W are installed only on an aluminum profile, SDL with a power of 6 to 14 W are installed on metal tape. They perform the function of transferring heat from heating the crystals to the external environment.

Incorrect connection

Diagram of incorrect serial connection of two LED sections:

Diagram of incorrect (serial) connection of two tapes

The connection in series leads to an uneven glow of the tracks and overheating of the beginning of the tape. Therefore, each section longer than 5 meters is connected in parallel :

Example of parallel connection with 1 block and two

When the power of the tape section is above 9.6 V, it is recommended to make a parallel connection on both sides of the section. This guarantees a stable, uniform light output.

Example of two-way connection of a section

Incorrect mounting (location)

When installing, pay attention to the external environment. There should be no devices or factors nearby (within at least 0.6 m) that cause additional heating of the elements (heating system, incandescent lamps, kitchen heating appliances, sunlight, etc.). Optimal operating temperature is +40 0C.

The path for laying the SDL must be cleared of unnecessary objects. During operation, the board should not touch additional objects or have unnatural corners or bends (unless they are made by soldering or a connector).

Why is this necessary?

At first glance, it may seem that there is no need for battery-powered LED strip lighting. But if you think about it, you can find a dozen places in an apartment alone, the lighting of which will increase the level of comfort and add originality. For example,

• inside the wardrobe and wall kitchen cabinets;
• along the contour of shelves and shelves;
• around paintings and mirrors;
• for decorating children's toys and bicycles;
• in the pantry, etc.

In addition, autonomous lighting from an LED strip will be useful in a garage, basement, country house, in general, where there is no stationary 220 V power supply. And in regions where there are frequent power outages, LED lighting can be used as emergency lighting.

Safety precautions

1. All installation work is carried out with the power turned off.
2. When installing the SDL on a conductive surface, the attachment point is pre-insulated.
3. Observe polarity when connecting contacts; multi-colored conductors help with this.
4. Do not touch exposed conductive parts while the power is on.
5. Do not expose the board to mechanical stress (kinks).
6. Follow electrical safety rules when working with 220 V networks.

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Assembling the device

This is what all the necessary ingredients look like:

We solder everything according to the diagram and install it in the box:

Just in case, connecting the keys:

Key for IRF3205