How To Hardwire Led Strip Lights

How to Hardwire LED Strip Lights

If you're looking to add some ambiance to your home, installing LED strip lights is a great way to do it. They're available in a variety of colors and can be used in a number of ways to create unique lighting effects. However, you may find that you want your LED strip lights hardwired rather than using a plug. In this article, we'll go over how to hardwire LED strip lights and what you'll need to get started.

Tools Needed

- LED strip lights

- Power supply

- Wire stripper

- Wire nuts

- Electrical tape

- Screwdriver

- Wire cutters

- Wire connectors

Step 1: Choose the Power Supply

The first step in hardwiring LED strip lights is to choose the power supply. When choosing a power supply, you'll need to know the wattage of the LED strip lights you're using. To figure this out, multiply the wattage per foot of the LED strip lights by the length of the strip. For example, if you have a 16-foot strip of LED lights that use 3.6 watts per foot, you'll need a power supply that can handle 57.6 watts.

Step 2: Cut and Strip the Wires

Once you've chosen the power supply, you'll need to cut your LED strip lights to the desired length. Cut the strip using a pair of wire cutters and strip about a quarter-inch of insulation from the wires at each end using a wire stripper.

Step 3: Connect the Wires

Next, connect the wires from the LED strip lights to the wires from the power supply. To do this, use wire nuts or wire connectors to connect the positive (+) wire from the LED strip light to the positive (+) wire from the power supply. Then, connect the negative (-) wire from the LED strip light to the negative (-) wire from the power supply.

Step 4: Secure the Connections

To ensure that the connections are secure, wrap them with electrical tape. This will help keep the wires in place and prevent them from coming loose over time.

Step 5: Mount the LED Strip Lights

Now that you've connected the LED strip lights to the power supply, it's time to mount them. LED strip lights come with adhesive backing, so you can simply peel off the backing and stick them to the surface of your choice. Make sure to clean the surface first to ensure that the adhesive will stick properly.

Step 6: Test the Lights

Once you've mounted the LED strip lights, it's time to test them. Turn on the power supply and ensure that the lights turn on. If they don't, double-check your connections and make sure that they're secure.

Tips for Hardwiring LED Strip Lights

1. Use Waterproof LED Strip Lights

If you're planning to install LED strip lights in a damp area like a bathroom or kitchen, make sure to choose waterproof LED strip lights. These lights have a protective coating that will prevent water damage.

2. Use a Junction Box

If you're hardwiring multiple LED strip lights, it's a good idea to use a junction box. This will allow you to connect all the wires in one place and make the installation process much easier.

3. Consider a Dimmer Switch

If you want to be able to adjust the brightness of your LED strip lights, consider installing a dimmer switch. This will give you more control over the lighting and allow you to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

4. Use Wire Connectors

When connecting the wires from the LED strip lights to the power supply, it's important to use wire connectors. Wire nuts can come loose over time, which can cause the connections to fail.

5. Choose the Right Power Supply

Make sure to choose a power supply that can handle the wattage of your LED strip lights. If the power supply isn't powerful enough, the lights may not function properly or may not turn on at all.

Conclusion

Hardwiring LED strip lights is a great way to create a permanent lighting solution that will add ambiance to any room in your home. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily install and hardwire LED strip lights yourself. Just be sure to choose the right power supply, use wire connectors, and test the lights before you mount them. And, if you're not comfortable with electrical work, don't hesitate to call in a professional to help.