LED strip lights have been growing their influence over many modern homes. It’s the go-to for functional and creative applications because of its versatility and variety! If you’re asked to choose between LED strip lights or traditional lighting solutions, which would you select? Why is it that some homes still use fluorescent or incandescent bulbs?
BLUE DIAMOND contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Being informed of your lighting options is necessary to fully grasp what would benefit you the most. So, where do you place your trust? LED strip lights or traditional lighting?
The first ever light bulb was made by Thomas Edison in . It lasted for 1,500 hours and was the first viable alternative to traditional illumination methods after electricity was made available to homes and businesses.
People further cultivated this technology, and slowly, by the 20th century, light bulbs became more efficient and long-lasting. Although many energy-efficient lighting bulbs were invented, it wasn’t until the invention of LED technology that lighting could be manufactured effectively for everyone to use! LED lighting is even more energy-efficient than fluorescent bulbs and can easily outlast all the other traditional lighting solutions available at that time.
Until today, LED lighting technology has continued to dominate the lighting industry. Its efficiency, versatility, and lifespan have further separated it from its competitors, proving its superiority.
Among the lighting solutions designed with LED technology, LED strip lights have one of the most unique characteristics. It has a ribbon-like structure with LED chips on one side and adhesive backing on the other. Because of its construction, it’s super flexible and can adapt to various applications.
Because it’s made with LEDs, LED strip lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Plus, it comes in a variety of colours and types! LED strip lights are perfect if you need a lighting solution that you can use in multiple ways. It’s easy to install and has many options suitable for various settings!
Before LED lighting, incandescent and fluorescent bulbs are two of the most prominent lighting solutions you can get. Incandescent bulbs produce luminance by heating a metallic filament, while a fluorescent lamp generates light through gas discharge.
You’ll typically see incandescent bulbs in households, while fluorescent tubes are common in offices. Compared to the very first light bulb, these two were more energy-efficient and long-lasting. However, it’s nowhere near the efficiency and longevity of LED lighting.
Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs tend to convert most of the energy they consume into waste (heat) rather than light. That is why they require more electricity to produce brighter illumination. With LEDs, it’s the opposite. More of the energy consumed transforms into light with very minimal becoming heat. As a result, it can produce the same level of illumination as an incandescent or fluorescent bulb at a much lower wattage consumption!
In everything, you’ll always have a good and bad side. Even with LED strip lights, you’ll experience this. So, what are the pros and cons of this lighting solution?
Because LED strip lights are powered by LED technology, they are energy-efficient and have a long average lifespan. You can use them for extended hours without incurring a massive electrical charge. Also, LED strip lights are long-lasting, so you don’t need to constantly change your lights every two months!
Another advantage of using an LED strip light is its customised lighting effect and suitability for task, ambient, and accent lighting. You’ll find many varieties of LED strip lights. There are those with a single-colour, colour temperature adjustable, RGB, RGBW, and RGB + WW. Also, some strip lights are fully bendable, have a continuous glow (individual LED chips are not visible), and some are waterproof!
Compared to traditional lighting fixtures, you’ll find the upfront cost of LED strips more expensive. Also, its installation requires other components like an LED driver, LED controller, LED profile, etc. If you have a tight budget, these expenses may be too daunting. However, there’s a way to manage this.
If the upfront cost is too much, consider installing per zone. Think of it as a jigsaw puzzle! Since each spot will not require too much strip light or a high-loading driver, the costs will not be too high. Even if your progress is relatively slower, you can still complete the space at your own pace and budget!
Also, consider getting kits instead of individually purchasing each component. That way, you’ll get everything in one go without worrying whether or not you got the right combinations.
Now that you know the pros and cons of LED strip lights, here are the good and bad aspects of traditional lighting!
Since traditional lighting has existed for a long time, people are more familiar with using them. Some find it hard to constantly adjust to new technology, so they prefer what’s always been there. In addition, if you compare it to some LED lighting solutions, the upfront cost of traditional lights is much less.
The issue with traditional lighting is that although you pay less upfront, the expenses that accumulate when using them are way more. They need more electricity to produce sufficient illumination, and they have a lower average lifespan. Besides that, some traditional lighting fixtures are being phased out. So, it’s only a matter of time before those variations disappear entirely.
Considering the upfront and long-term cost of a lighting solution is necessary. However, what is more important? How can you decide?
As mentioned, a traditional lighting solution is more affordable upfront than an LED strip light. If you have a limited budget, you’ll think that traditional fixtures are a better choice. However, what happens when you run it?
The cost of a lighting solution does not end with the upfront cost. You need to use electricity to make it work, which is another round of expenses. If a traditional fitting costs less upfront, but its long-term electric consumption is beyond its initial price, you cannot say you were able to save.
An LED strip light will require you to pay a bit more than a traditional fixture. However, looking far ahead, the cost to run it is not as much! As stated earlier, if you cannot afford the upfront cost, start in a smaller section. That way, the initial cost will not be too much, and you’ll safely complete your project without sacrificing anything during the process.
So, which is better? Of course, LED strip lights! Although you need to invest more upfront, the cost of using it will not leave a massive dent in your expenses.
LED strip lights or traditional lighting solutions? LED strip lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, cost-effective and versatile. Alternatively, traditional lighting is affordable upfront, familiar to many households, and available in different types. When you look at their pros and cons, even if the upfront cost of an LED strip light is a drawback, all its benefits easily outweigh its disadvantages!
Are you interested in learning more about outdoor strip lights led lights? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Outdoor LED strips offer bright lighting and plenty of customizability without consuming a lot of energy. And with amazing protection, LED strip lights make a great option for outdoor lighting.
But when looking for LED strip lights for your outdoor use, there’s more to consider than simply looking for an IP-67 rating, especially if you are in the market for outdoor LED strips.
Check out the five ways you can choose the right outdoor LED strip lights for your next lighting project!
The first and most important consideration when choosing outdoor LED strips is determining what you will be lighting. There are a multitude of spaces outdoors and lighting up a wide-open space like a walkway or sidewalk is going to have different lighting requirements than an outdoor billboard or patio decor.
When the space you plan to light up is wider, you will need higher density and higher output lighting for enough illumination. For instance, you may need industrial lighting with up to 950 lumens per foot to illuminate a sidewalk, whereas you may get away with only using 500 to lumens per foot if you’re lighting up a porch.
This is incredibly important, especially for outdoor lighting that should provide security or prevent accidents.
Once you’ve identified what you will be lighting, the next step is to determine the type of lighting you will need.
For practical outdoor lighting in walkways, patios, and staircases, it’s usually better to go for white LED strips with a color temperature that can be adjusted anywhere from K to K to fit any occasion.
Meanwhile, if you’re lighting up a pool deck, an outdoor bar, or signage, then UL-listed LED strips with a single color can be a great idea for better illumination. You have two colors to choose from, such as cool white and warm white.
These types of LED strips are waterproof which is perfect for the outdoor setting.
Once you’ve determined which kind of lighting you plan to use, it’s time to choose the location of your outdoor strip light. Determining the location of your strip lights helps you identify the power source and what voltage to get in your strip lights.
Outdoor LED strips typically come in 12 V and 24 V. When choosing between the two, note the wattage of your outdoor power supply. To be safe, make sure your LED strip light voltage is at least 20% less than the rated wattage of your power supply.
LED strips come in flexible circuit boards, making them attachable to edges and curves. However, to avoid having your outdoor LED strip lights coming off, especially as they come into contact with the elements outdoors, it’s important to find a surface that is smooth.
Outdoor LED strips are attached using an adhesive. These adhesives can fail when there are too many grooves interfering between the adhesive and the surface. Such can result in the strip light drooping or falling off.
Still, adhesives are prone to failure, especially if the environment is hot, humid, or wet. In such instances, it’s a good idea to select a smooth surface where mounting clips can be installed.
Mounting clips are small clips with a screw design that clip on the LED strips and screw them into place. With such a design, mounting clips are best mounted on smooth wood using zinc or stainless steel screws.
Lastly, if you cannot find a smooth surface or wood surface to attach your outdoor LED strips, consider using hot glue to attach the strip to a surface. Hot glue is weather-proof, and it can be picked off from the surface if you need to remove them later.
Last but not least, when you’re buying outdoor LED strip lights, you’ll be asked to choose the length of your strip lights.
LED strip lights typically come in strips of around five, 10, and 16 feet or in reels of up to 165 feet long. The 12V strip lights come in shorter lengths of five to 10 feet, whereas 24V strip lights come in longer lengths.
If you only need to light up a small space outdoors, then a five or 10 feet length is enough. But if you’re lighting up a large area, consider investing in a long reel. LED strip lights can be cut, and buying in bulk makes them more affordable as a whole.
Outdoor LED strips come in different voltages, densities, and lengths, thus, choosing the right one by following the tips above is key to a successful lighting project!
Check out the various types of LED strip lights in our catalog. At Hitlights, we have UL-listed outdoor LED strips with IP-67 rating for both indoor and outdoor projects. Our strip lights also come in various lengths, densities, and voltages, as well as cool white and warm white colors—so you’re sure to find the right lighting solution!
HitLights also offers up to six years of warranty, alongside a hassle-free return policy to help ensure you get the best customer service possible.
Do you need help choosing an outdoor LED strip light that will fit your project? Tell us about your project, and we’ll help you get the right parts for your lighting. Chat with one of our lighting experts live on our website, or contact us at 855-768- at HitLights today!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website S Shape Bendable LED Strip Supplier.