In the modern world, LED strip is used to illuminate a variety of objects both inside and outside the premises. That is why this product is so popular. But in order for it to fully perform the functions assigned to it, you need to take the choice of device very seriously.
It is generally accepted that among all the characteristics that an LED strip has, power is one of the paramount indicators. It and a number of other features determine the scope of the lighting device. Therefore, when choosing the presented products, you need to know what parameters you need to pay attention to first of all.
General characteristics
LED strip, the power of which must be chosen very deliberately, has a special design. This is a flexible board with the necessary pins printed on it. Diodes are evenly distributed on this basis. They are the light source of this product.
The thickness of this tape does not exceed 2-3 mm. Its width is 8 or 10 mm. To limit the current passing through the diodes, they mount on the taperesistors. The popularity of this illuminator is due to its durability and economy. On average, the presented devices operate from 50 to 100 thousand hours. At the same time, they consume the minimum amount of energy.
Depending on the power of the tape, as well as a number of other characteristics, it can be used for contour lighting of facades, paths, landscape design objects, as well as for creating advertising. Indoors, the tape is also involved in creating a wide variety of interior design effects. The range of applications of these products is very wide.
Types of diodes
First of all, it should be said that there are two types of ribbons today. They are labeled as RGB and SMD devices. The first variety provides its owner with the opportunity to create a variety of shades of illumination. Its each individual element consists of 3 diodes. This is where the name of the device comes from. Diodes glow red, green and blue (Red, Green, Blue - RGB).
For such a tape, you need to purchase a special control panel called a controller. The power consumption of the LED strip affects the choice of this control unit. It will control not only the color emitted by the device, but also its brightness, intensity.
The second type of tape is the SMD device - Surface Mounted Device, which means "surface mounted device". The diodes of this product are of the same color. They are white, blue, green, red oryellow. This is a cheaper device.
LED size
The power of an LED strip directly depends on the size and number of its individual elements. They allow you to create the required intensity of the glow. The first thing to consider is the size of the diodes. Product marking allows you to understand what type of illuminator is on sale.
First, this designation indicates the type of product (RGB or SMD). Further, the marking contains 4 digits. This is the size of the diodes. If, for example, it is written in the SMD3528 marking, this means that its lighting elements have a length and width of 3.5 x 2.8 mm.
There are also larger diodes - 5050 or 5630. The brightness of the SMD3528 is 5 lumens. This is a certain measure of the glow of the tape. The power of LED strip 5050 and 5630 will be more. The luminous flux emitted by these diodes, respectively, will be equal to 15 and 18 lumens. Thanks to these qualities, the LED strip can replace an ordinary energy-saving light bulb in terms of brightness.
Number of diodes on tape
Another important factor in determining the power of an LED strip per meter is the number of diodes. Their frequency is different in different devices. Standard products are produced with the number of elements per 1 m equal to 60 pcs.
To increase the brightness and power of the tape, the number of diodes is increased. For SMD3528 tape, it is possible to increase the concentration of lighting elements up to 120 and even 240 pieces.1 m. But such a large number of diodes is unacceptable for tapes with large diodes. Therefore, for SMD5050 and SMD5630, the concentration of these elements is 30, 60 or 120 pcs. by 1 m.
It should also be noted that the brightness of the glow sometimes depends not on the concentration or size of the diodes, but on the type of radiation or light temperature. It ranges from 3000 K to 7000 K. The brightest are tapes whose glow range is in the range of 5500-7000 K.
Power
The calculation of the power of the LED strip is based on the size and number of its elements per linear meter. This indicator is measured in watts. The SMD3528 tape is characterized by a luminous power for 60 diodes - 4.8 W, 120 diodes - 9.6 W, and for 240 diodes - 16.8 W. All manufacturers of the presented products adhere to these characteristics.
Most often, SMD5050 tapes are on sale. For them, a certain power per linear meter is also set. If the tape contains 30 diodes, this figure is 7.2 watts. 60 diodes endow the product with a power of 14.4 watts, and 120 diodes - 28.8 watts.
These characteristics must be taken into account when choosing. It depends on the type of power supply. If this option is not selected correctly, the device will not work for a long time. Its power supply will overheat, or the tape will not work at all. Therefore, power calculation is mandatory.
Power calculation
To choose the right power supply and make a quality connection, you need to learn howcalculate the power of the LED strip. This is a simple technology. First, it is determined what power the presented equipment will have at 1 m. This technology was given above.
Then the found value is multiplied by the number of meters of tape. For example, there is a device whose length is 5 m. Its power per linear meter is 4.6 watts. It follows that the power of the entire tape is calculated as follows:
5 m x 4.6 W/m=23 W
In order for the adapter to work properly, it needs some headroom. If the tape is characterized by an indicator of 23 W, then the control unit is required a little more powerful. A device rated for 28 watts is suitable. Power reserve is 20%.
Adapter selection
The power of the LED strip helps you choose the right control unit. Diode devices on sale today operate on direct current. At the same time, they need to provide a voltage of 12 or 24 V. There are still tapes on sale that work with the presented indicator of 36 V, but they are very rare.
Finding the right adapter is easy. First you need to study the marking of the lighting device. It must indicate the voltage. Most often, 12 V tapes are presented to the consumer. The power supply must comply with this indicator.
Do not select adapters with a large margin of power. The higher this characteristic, the more the device costs. Experts say that a power reserve of 20% will be enoughenough. This will allow the tape to work properly.
Protection class
The power of the LED strip per meter is an important characteristic for the presented product. But this is not the only parameter that is based on when choosing. Depending on the application, there are different tape protection classes.
For a dry room with normal environmental conditions, the absence of significant dustiness, open varieties of devices are used. Their marking contains an indicator of IP20.
If the room is rather damp, you can use devices with epoxy resin protection. This material protects the surface of the tape, but not the LEDs. Therefore, this option is not suitable for outdoor installation. The protection class of such a tape is marked IP65.
Monolithic silicone tapes are used for outdoor installation. All structural elements are protected from the negative effects of the environment. Their protection class is IP68.
Expert Tips
The LED strip, the power of which is chosen in accordance with all the rules, will work for a long time. But this is true only in the case of purchasing a product of well-known and trusted brands. Experts advise against buying cheap and low-quality tapes.
Durable products cannot have jagged tape edges or crookedly glued LEDs. Therefore, before making a purchase, it is necessary to inspect the lighting fixture. From inexpensive, but high-quality brands, experts distinguish Feron, Maxus. According to the feedback of ordinary users, suchLED strips will last at least 5 years.
A special approach when choosing requires an LED strip. The power and special characteristics of this device allow you to purchase and correctly connect the most suitable type of product.
