In order to organize additional lighting for houses, apartments and other objects (commercial, retail, etc.), a light source on a flexible basis has long been used. LED strip helps realize unusual ideas. Moreover, such devices are distinguished by a low level of energy consumption. Since the advent of equipment in this category, the range has expanded significantly, but it has become more difficult to navigate when choosing. It is recommended to study the rating of the best manufacturers of LED strips. Compare the main parameters of light sources of different types.
What is tape
Device type – flexible strip (or circuit board). Its length is different, the most common options on sale are: 5 and 15 m. Other board sizes:
- width – up to 20 mm;
- height (including light sources): 2-6.5 mm.
LEDs are attached to the mounting strip at some intervals. Resistors are provided to regulate the current. They are also small in size. LED strip is produced in rolls and cut into pieces of the required length. Markings have been made for this purpose.
Important: The board is divided into sections so that at least 1 group remains: LEDs and resistor. You cannot cut off light sources alone.
LED strips differ from devices that are connected to a 220 V network. These are low-voltage equipment. This means that installation requires a power supply that reduces the voltage. Thanks to it, the protection of the board elements is also ensured. The risk of their failure due to changes in mains voltage is reduced.
LED strips are used throughout. But most often they are used when installing auxiliary lighting systems. Some varieties can be used instead of the main light source, but they are characterized by higher power. Operating conditions are also taken into account. It is permissible to install the circuit board outdoors and at home. Temperature range: -40°…+60°С. A transparent coating protects against moisture.
Specific electrical power
Specific electrical power shows how much energy 1 meter of LED strip consumes. Based on this parameter, energy consumption is calculated and a power supply is selected. It is stated that all tapes from the experiment consume 9.6 W/m.
| Declared power, W | Real power, W | Deviation | |
| Sample No. 1 | 9,6 | 9,4 | 0,2 |
| Sample No. 2 | 9,6 | 7,4 | 2,2 |
| Sample No. 3 | 9,6 | 8,2 | 1,4 |
| Sample No. 4 | 9,6 | 7,5 | 2,1 |
Sample 1 tape showed approximately equal to the declared power value. The LED strip of sample 3 has a significant deviation, but is within the normal range. For tapes of samples 2 and 4, we observe a large difference in performance - more than 2 Watts. This is fraught with incorrect calculations of energy consumption and overpayment for power supplies.
Knowing the actual consumption (specific electrical power) and luminous flux, we can calculate energy efficiency, i.e. how many lumens of brightness each tape with 1 Watt can provide.
| Efficiency, lm/W | |
| Sample No. 1 | 84 |
| Sample No. 2 | 57 |
| Sample No. 3 | 39 |
| Sample No. 4 | 41 |
Tape 1 is 1.5 times higher than the closest competitor in price and more than 2 times higher than the cheapest option. Samples of tapes 3 and 4 are significantly inferior in brightness.
Types of LED strips
Devices in the form of a long board are divided into groups taking into account the type of lighting source. Varieties of such LEDs:
- DIP;
- SMD.
The last of them is used more often due to the brightness of the lighting and compactness. SMD LEDs are available in the following types:
- 3528;
- 5050;
- 2835;
- 5630.
The options listed are the most common. Light sources have different sizes, which are encrypted in the designation (side lengths of rectangles/squares, for example, 35 and 38 mm). Luminous flux determines the brightness of the glow. Flexible boards contain different numbers of LEDs: 30, 60, 120. The more of them, the brighter the area being served. The number of LEDs determines whether the lighting will be uniform along the entire length of the strip. If there are few light sources on the circuit board, the distance between them is greater.
Other types of lighting devices differ in the level of protection from external factors:
- Sealed. They are installed indoors and outdoors, where the circuit board will be exposed to precipitation and temperature changes. Such devices are covered with a transparent sealant. The top layer of the material does not conduct current (protection level – IP65).
- Open. There is no protective layer provided, so strips of this type are installed only indoors (protection degree IP23).
Models of other versions are also used: IP33 (withstands short-term exposure to drops of water), IP67 (provides protection from moisture in constant contact with it and from dust). LED strips are divided into groups depending on the mounting method:
- on an adhesive basis - this simplifies installation, no fasteners are required;
- standard version - fixed to the profile using fasteners.
For long-term use, as well as in cases where you plan to use the circuit board instead of the main light source, it is recommended to secure it more securely. There are also types: monochrome and multi-color stripes. The first of the devices shines white. The second creates a glow of different shades. If RGB LED strips (multi-colored) are selected, the kit may include a controller and control panel.
No. 10. Where will you install
When choosing an LED strip, you need to proceed from the conditions of the room where it will be used, as well as the effect that is required from the lighting.
- Bathroom: moisture resistance for tape - IP43/44. White color is popular for the ceiling, RGB and colored ones for decorating niches, mirrors, shelves, and the bath itself.
- Garage - requires a tape of increased brightness, white light, protective measures against dust and moisture resistance are required.
- The living room and bedroom are single-color or multicolor with low brightness. The light intensity should be perceived as comfortable for the visual organs. Increased protection is not needed. The same simple tape is used to decorate shelves and cabinets.
- Children's room - there is no need for excessively bright lighting. It will be enough to decorate the playing area with lighting. Bright ribbons are contraindicated for unstable children's nervous systems.
- Doorways and arches are illuminated using a tape that can be bent to a right angle.
- Ceiling structures require a preliminary calculation of the intensity of the required luminous flux. The priority is single-color LED strips.
- Fountains, swimming pools, aquariums - only tape in a waterproofing PVC box is used for underwater lighting.
- Working kitchen area - white monochrome light with high brightness, protection level IP43/44.
- Street lighting: instead of a power supply, a voltage rectifier is used, increased level protection from dust and water IP 54/55 is required, standard voltage is 220 Volts.
LED lighting is widely used in interiors. With its help, the contours of furniture, stairs and steps, bar counters, baseboards, and podiums are designed. The main thing is to choose a tape for the tasks at hand.
What is the difference between SMD and DIP LEDs?
SMD and DIP types are used in the production of strip circuit boards (one of the areas of their application). Despite the fact that models with SMD LEDs are more common, there are other types - with DIP light sources. The last option is more accessible.
The main difference is in the structure. To create 1 pixel, you need to use 3 DIP light sources at once, but in different colors. For comparison, the SMD LED already contains the 3 required shades. Due to this, its size is much smaller than its DIP counterpart. Different types of strip circuit boards differ in height.
Important: DIP LEDs are larger (up to 5 mm in height), they will be noticeable on structures and surfaces after installation and during operation.
They are distinguished by a number of features:
- markings are provided (circuit boards based on DIP light sources can be divided into 3 cm long sections);
- LEDs are installed close to each other;
- Considering the density of the light sources on the strip, as well as their large size, a more reliable fastening is required (fasteners made of durable plastic).
③ SDhouseware USB LED Strip
Rating: 4.8 Price: from 53.20 rub.
up to
603.51 rub.
Go to the store This is an LED strip powered by USB. Equipped with smd 3528 diodes. Will be indispensable for decorating a desktop or room. You can choose a length from 50 cm to 5 meters depending on your preference.
The convenient wireless remote control included allows you to control the glow of the tape from a distance.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- convenient USB connection;
- ideal for desktop lighting;
- convenient wireless remote control.
Buy on AliExpress.com
How to choose
If the task is to select equipment for lighting an object of any type, first correlate its parameters with operating conditions. Defining parameters:
- Chroma. You need to decide for what purpose the mounting strips are purchased, then the rating of the lighting fixtures is studied. LEDs can replace the main light source, provided they are powerful enough. Color analogues are always used as an addition to the main system. There are devices that create lighting of one color (red, green, blue, yellow), as well as RGB models, the shade of which changes.
- Colorful temperature. Determines the perception of light: cold (white or blue), warm (rich yellow, like incandescent lamps, and light yellow). In the first case, flexible strips with a color temperature of 4000 K and above are chosen, in the second - 2700-3000 K.
- Dimming function. Provided by the lighting control system. This feature is considered optional.
- Power. Low-voltage equipment does not increase the load on the network. Its power does not exceed 14 W.
- Brightness level. It is determined by various factors: the frequency of installation of lighting sources, their power. The denser the LEDs are, the brighter the light. Increasing the power along with the use of a large number of lighting sources provides the same effect - the room will be brighter.
- Supply voltage. They are considering options for 12 and 24 V, in both cases it is possible to connect to a 220 network, but only through a power supply.
They compare not only the listed parameters, but also the features of lighting devices. For example, the method of fastening is taken into account. It is also necessary to determine the type of LEDs (SMD, DIP). Select the degree of protection if LED strips will be used outdoors or indoors where there is an increased risk of contact with water. In different types of premises, models of equipment with different protection are used. For example, when choosing the best LED strips for ceiling lighting for a kitchen or bathroom, the rating should include varieties that are protected from moisture, since warm steam will rise and cause condensation.
No. 9. Why do you need a controller?
The controller is mounted between the power supply and the tape, and its power may slightly exceed that of the adapter. With its help, the multi-color tape can vary programs, colors and brightness. A controller that complements the power supply.
Controller options by function:
- switching colors is the easiest option;
- change the intensity of shades, can turn on the flickering mode and the effect of “running lights”;
- controllers equipped with an IR remote control - allow you to configure a huge number of programs and algorithms; the backlight can be controlled from the next room.
Modern options also allow control via a smartphone via Wi-Fi. They also have a wide range of settings and algorithms.
Rating of LED strips from Aliexpress
Products from some well-known manufacturers are assembled in China. But the cost is still not low enough. You can order from Aliexpress; among the Chinese models there are the most affordable ones. The main disadvantage of this method of purchase is the need for delivery (depending on the country, region where delivery is planned). Rating of the best LED strip manufacturers from Aliexpress:
- Deng Wei Yong;
- Google;
- Sdhouseware;
- Necen;
- Gleco;
- Viktorovna;
- Beented.
In addition, you can immediately select flexible boards that have been tested by other consumers. Rating of LED strips from Aliexpress:
- Goolook LED strip;
- GBKOF 2835 LED strip light ribbon;
- SDhouseware USB LED Strip;
- Malitai RGB USB LED Strip light;
- BTF-Lighting WS2812B.
When choosing LED strips from Aliexpress, you need to take into account that they are sold together with components. Such a device is connected to mains voltage or a computer via a USB connector.
Era
Era also seem to be quite good LED strips .
This brand was created in Russia not so long ago, in 2004, and specializes in the production of high-quality electrical goods, which, in turn, it offers at a very reasonable price. The products of this manufacturer are presented in many large online and brick-and-mortar retail stores. The range of available LED strips is not the largest, but it is quite sufficient to provide alternatives. Well, their quality is at a very satisfactory level. Official website: eraworld.ru
The best LED strips of 2022, according to consumers
The choice of buyers allowed us to compile another list. When you need to find LED strips, quality ratings of manufacturers will help:
- Osram;
- Cree;
- Navigator;
- Feron;
- Gauss;
- Sveteco;
- LEDCraft;
- Geniled.
The popularity of the products of the listed brands varies. Consumer choice allows you to evaluate the efficiency, reliability and quality of lighting devices after long-term operation. You can find out how the equipment behaves, how often it breaks down, how long the LEDs last.
Arlight
Arlight brand also offers equally high-quality LED equipment for creating complex lighting systems , which allowed it to be in third place on this list.
All of the company's products undergo rigorous testing and have the necessary certificates of conformity. The production process uses reliable components and advanced technologies, which allows us to achieve exceptional quality at an optimal cost. In addition to high quality and reliability, the company's priorities are also safety and efficiency, which has a positive effect on the product as a whole. The manufacturer's catalog of LED strips is very extensive and includes almost 1000 units, so there may be no doubt at all that you will not be able to find something for yourself. Official website: arlight.ru
What you need to prepare for connection
Recommended purchase:
- power supply (if it is not included);
- connectors (for connecting strip sections), they will help increase the required length;
- anodized profiles in a quantity sufficient to secure the mounting board along the entire length of the room or limited area: flexible mounting boards are attached to them.
When connecting a short piece of flexible strip to the power supply, it is enough to connect the contacts to each other, respectively: +/+, -/-. If you need to increase the length, the segments are connected with a connector. Moreover, flexible strips are connected in parallel, and not in series. When this rule is not followed, if an LED breaks down in one of the sections, the entire strip behind it stops lighting. If you purchase an LED strip from Alexexpress without components, you need to immediately select a power supply. You can find universal models on the Russian market, but sometimes they are not suitable or are of poor quality.
When choosing flexible boards that are best for ceiling lighting, you need to think about where the power supply will be installed. To do this, at the stage of renovation of the room, a niche is made (in one of the protrusions of the plasterboard structure). It is designed for installation of a power supply. It will then be impossible to move the power supply to another location.
⑤ BTF-Lighting WS2812B
Rating: 4.9 Price: from 91.29 rub.
up to
1780.30 rub.
Go to the store This is a strip with 5050 LEDs and a lot of variations. Different lengths, as well as the level of moisture protection, allow everyone to choose exactly the model that is needed to illuminate a room or make decorations. You can cut the tape anywhere and it will work.
The average service life of LEDs is 50,000 hours. Each meter of tape includes 60 diodes. The tape is certified by local and international companies.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- flexibility, mobility;
- high brightness;
- availability of a European quality certificate.
Flaws:
- may periodically flash randomly;
- The tape with IP67 protection contains unglued edges.
Buy on AliExpress.com
How to choose a power supply
The suitable type of PSU (power supply) is switching. Pay attention to other parameters:
- output voltage:12-24V;
- case material: metal, plastic, the latter option is more preferable, since it does not require complex installation (like metal analogues);
- case: sealed or perforated (metal), the latter type cools faster, which is important because gradually even the LEDs will heat up, although not too much;
The disadvantage of metal sealed power supplies is soldering, since not everyone has experience in this area. Soldering will increase the reliability of contact fastening. If the recommendations are not followed, the quality of fixation decreases. The contacts will come off during operation on their own or during operation in difficult conditions (condensation appears in facilities where humidity is constantly high).
Osram
Often you have to pay a lot of money for high quality products, which partly characterizes the Osram . Although, in this regard, such a policy, in principle, seems justified, since we are looking at a popular German manufacturer of high-quality lighting equipment, working in the lighting industry since 1906. An interesting fact may be that the brand name is formed from parts of the names of two metals used in incandescent lamps (OSmium and tungsten). Also, at a certain period of time the company was part of the Siemens .
Accordingly, more than a century of experience in the production of lighting equipment has influenced both the brand’s reputation and the very considerable cost, which is still comparable to the quality. Official website: osram.ru
How to determine quality
It is acceptable to rely on consumer recommendations. When choosing an LED strip, reviews of which one is better allow you to choose the manufacturer and even the model. In this case, pay attention to the following criteria:
- availability of a certificate, which guarantees the quality of the circuit board;
- brightness of LEDs: when light sources begin to work worse (become pale when turned on), a blue tint of light appears, this may indicate the development of the aging process or the low quality of the device;
- Copper is used in the manufacture of the board, and the flexible strip must be double-sided.
When lighting fixtures on an installation basis are selected, their technical characteristics are taken into account. Popular models are compared by their brightness. At the same time, the reliability of the technology is assessed.
Elektrostandard
Many of you probably know that today you can find a sufficient number of Chinese manufacturers in any category of goods. And the next of them in the production of LED strips is the company Elektrostadard .
Naturally, their assortment is not rich in ribbons alone, but in this situation there is little point in dwelling on this. And as for the products that interest us, their range of ribbons is indeed quite extensive, with a large selection of models that differ, by the way, not only in color. One of the features of the catalog now is LED flexible neon, characterized by high moisture resistance and mechanical strength. In terms of price, they offer a price slightly above average, about 1600 rubles for 5 meters of single-color tape (2200 for RGB). Official website: elektrostandard.ru
Cree
The top of the rating list tends to be occupied by popular companies, the distinctive feature of whose products is not only quality, but also commensurately high cost. And in second place was the well-known American company Cree , founded in 1987.
At the very beginning of her “creative” path, she was engaged in the production of microcircuits and the first LEDs, then called light-emitting devices. Now the brand is engaged in large-scale production of semiconductor LEDs, LED components, light bulbs and, of course, LED strips. True, as we said, their cost can significantly exceed the acceptable limit, especially for some kind of home DIY project. Official website: cree.com
Geniled
Well, the honorable first place in this ranking is occupied by the company Geniled , which specializes in providing a variety of lighting solutions.
Yes, their range of LED lamps does not seem wide, but they manufacture them and, most importantly, install them. Of course, by and large, this is not the most difficult matter, but we are not talking about setting a cozy atmosphere for your room, but about much larger-scale and large-budget projects. In other words, if you need lighting specialists who know their stuff and can give you not only ideas using LED strips, then you shouldn’t write this manufacturer off. Official website: geniled.ru
