LED Strip Lights Installation: A Beginner’s Guide

LED strip lights, also known as tape lights or flex lights, are thin, flexible circuit boards with small LED bulbs lining their surface. They come in reels or strips ranging from 16 to 196 feet long and can be cut to size.

Here are some of the main benefits of using LED strip lights:

• Energy Efficient – LED strips use up to 90% less energy than incandescent lighting. This saves on electricity costs.
• Long Lasting – The average LED strip light lasts around 50,000 hours. You won’t have to frequently replace them.
• Cool & Bright – LEDs give off very little heat while providing bright, vibrant light.
• Small & Adaptable – The compact ribbon design can fit almost anywhere.
• Affordable – Prices have dropped, making LED strips a budget-friendly lighting option.
• Easy to Install – Basic LED strip light kits come with everything you need for DIY installation.

LED strips work well to provide accent lighting in the following areas:

• Under kitchen cabinets
• In display cabinets/shelving
• As cove/perimeter lighting along walls and ceilings
• As bias lighting behind TVs
• In recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers
• To outline outdoor architectural elements
• As part of home theater lighting

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to install LED tape lighting like a pro!

Step 1: Choose the Right LED Strip Lights

The first step is selecting the LED tape lights suited for your installation project. Consider the following:

Where Will They Be Installed?

• Indoor vs. Outdoor – Outdoor LED strips need to be waterproof. Make sure any outdoor strips and power supplies are rated for wet locations.
• Mounting Surface – Ensure the strip lights are designed to properly adhere and be mounted to your surface material whether it’s wood, metal, glass, stucco, brick, or something else.

What Power Supply Do You Need?

• LED strips require a 12V or 24V DC power supply.
• Choose a power wattage capable of powering the total length of your LED strips.
• Consider getting a dimmable power supply if you want to control brightness.
• For outdoor installations, make sure the power supply is waterproof/weatherproof.

What Special Features Are Desired?

• Colors – Choose color changing RGB strips or single color in white, yellow, blue, green, red, etc.
• Brightness – Light output is measured in lumens. Brighter strips have a higher lumens/foot rating.
• Beam Angle – The beam angle determines the directionality of light. Wider 120-180° beams disperse light in all directions.
• Weatherproofing – Look for waterproof silicon coating and seals for outdoor use.
• Adhesive – More aggressive strip light adhesives can better adhere to certain surfaces.

Popular LED Strip Light Kits

Lighting Kit	Description
Rope Light Kit	Flexible TPE plastic waterproof housing with LED light strip inside. Easy to bend and twist to any shape. Available in multiple colors with adjustable brightness. Uses included IR remote and power supply. Best for unconventional surface contours, borders, shapes.
Rigid LED Strip Bars	Aluminum housing keeps LEDs protected and prevents bending. Surface mounts with brackets or silicone end caps. Durable for wet outdoor use. Directs light output. Good for straight lines.
Self-Adhesive LED Tape	Flexible waterproof LED tape with strong 3M adhesive backing. Sticks to most surfaces. Lights can be diffused. Simple plug and play installation. For accent lighting, signage, display cases.

Once you select the proper LED strip lighting kit for your needs, it’s time to start the installation.

Step 2: Plan Your LED Strip Layout

Carefully measure the surface where you want to install the LED strips and decide on an exact layout. Planning considerations:

• Account for power supply placement – Leave room to hide or conceal the power supply out of sight. Measure wire length to strips.
• Note ambient lighting – Consider how much natural or other lighting is in the area. Space LEDs closer in dim areas.
• Mark cutting points – Multi-colored LED strips often need to be cut between color groups, not within them. Check strip cutting marks.
• Map right angle turns – Plan the turning points and corners for the strip light layout. Obtain 90-degree connector wires or clips to properly angle around corners.
• Decide on mounting method – For best results, use the advised mounting hardware for your surface type to affix the strips. Use the correct adhesive, brackets, clips, hooks, tracks or hardware.

Make a layout diagram to visualize the final LED strip light placement and serve as a reference during installation.

Step 3: Prepare and Test Components

Now it’s time to test components and make any necessary pre-install adjustments:

Inspect LED Strips

• Carefully unpack strips and power supply.
• Visually inspect for any damage or defects.
• Ensure wire connections fit and function properly.
• Use a multimeter tester to check for issues if existing strips were previously installed/removed.

Take Measurements

• Based on planned layout, measure and mark cutting lines on strips using tape or markers.
• Cut strips to needed lengths using sharp scissors or wire cutters. Cut only at designated intervals!
• If angled connections are required, measure and cut wires for corner connectors and splitter cables.

Connect Power Supply

• Plug in power supply to wall outlet.
• Connect supply wire to LED strip light wires temporarily using quick connector caps.
• Turn on power supply and test that LEDs function and illumination looks correct.
• Make any wire length adjustments needed between power supply and strips.

Now it’s time for the permanent installation once you’ve verified everything works properly!

Step 4: Prepare the Mounting Surface

Prepping the installation surface is an important first step to ensure LED strip adhesion and proper lighting direction:

• Thoroughly clean surface using isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or similar solvent
• Remove any grease, oil or soap residues
• Allow surface to fully dry
• Lightly roughen smooth surfaces with 200 grit sandpaper for better grip
• Vaccum up any dust or particles after sanding

This cleans off dirt, eliminates moisture, and improves bonding strength so the tape or LED strips stay firmly attached.

For the best results, follow the manufacturer’s surface preparation guidelines specific to your lighting and installation location.

Step 5: Install Mounting Hardware

LED strip lights are very versatile when it comes to mounting options:

Mounting Clips

• Space clips evenly along installation surface.
• Clean clip contact areas for optimal adhesion.
• Press clips firmly for 30+ seconds ensure bonding strength.

Adhesive Tape

• Prepare surface and LED strip adhesive backing as outlined
• Remove adhesive backing liner
• Carefully press strip to surface using firm, consistent pressure across entire strip
• Go slowly to avoid trapping air bubbles underneath
• Hold strip for 30-60 seconds as you move down the line

Tracks & Channels

• Screw, nail or glue tracks/channels straight onto surface
• Insert LED strip lights, diffusers, lenses into track
• Some systems snap or slide together for tool-free installation

Edge Grip Clips

• Clip onto edges of shelves, cabinets, panels, window frames
• Fit LED tape strips into grip clip to shine light below or down
• Useful for illuminating undersides of overhangs and cabinets

There are also aluminum profiles and various tracks that securely cover and protect LED strips once installed.

Choose the mounting method that best matches your installation surface and location.

Step 6: Affix LED Strip Lights

When ready for final installation, carefully secure the LED strips to the surface using the recommended technique:

Mounting Clips

1. Press strip into mounting clips evenly spaced across the surface
2. Ensure strip makes full contact all the way inside each clip
3. Avoid bending strip at harsh angles which can damage circuit boards

Adhesive Tape

1. Remove adhesive backing
2. Lightly press strip to surface at start point and hold 30-60 seconds
3. Continue applying gradual pressure as you smoothly work your way down the strip
4. After entire strip is aligned, apply very firm pressure across its whole length
5. Wait 24 hours for adhesive to fully cure before electric use

Go slowly when affixing adhesive-backed strips to prevent air pockets and wrinkling. If strips become misaligned, gently pull up and re-apply.

Tracks & Channels

1. Clean inside tracks or channels
2. Carefully insert LED strip lights into designated mounting tracks or snug channels
3. Take care not to twist or bend strips when inserting
4. Install any diffuser lenses and end caps last

With the LED lights mechanically attached, now you can connect everything electrically.

Step 7: Make Wired Connections

Lighting arrangements beyond 16 feet or spanning around multiple corners require wired connections to transmit power between LED strip sections:

• Plug power supply unit into grounded wall outlet
• Connect supply wire lead to first LED strip light section
• Link additional strips using connector cables
• Mind wire polarity – positive to positive, negative to negative
• Use gel-filled wire nuts or crimp caps to reinforce connections

Here are methods to neatly route wiring:

• Affix power supply out of sight under cabinets
• Run 18-gauge feeder wires through walls behind LED strips
• Hide wires under removable cove molding
• Cover wires using cord covers or plastic wire track

Test light functionality again before securing all wiring. Conceal any remaining visible wires once everything is working properly.

Step 8: Control Your LED Strip Lights

The methods for turning LED strip lights on and off, plus dimming and color changes include:

Wall Switches

• Install switches anywhere to manually control plugged-in strips
• Choose from toggle, rocker, programmable, and smart wireless switches
• Requires an accessible 120-277VAC power outlet

In-Line Controls

• Low voltage dimmer dials affix directly between LED strip and power supply
• Allows manual brightening and dimming adjustment
• Use separate controller for each strip segment

Remote Controls

• LED strips and power supplies often come with an IR or RF wireless remote
• Turn lights on/off and change colors, effects, scenes, schedules from afar
• Point remotes directly at LED receiver eye for best reception

Smart Phone Apps

• Bluetooth or WiFi enabled LED strips sync lighting to iOS/Android apps
• Provide greatest range of color and effect options
• Control lighting anywhere with internet connection
• Set groups, themes, automation triggers

Home Automation Integration

• Connect strip lighting power supplies or controllers to smart home hubs
• Control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant voice commands
• Set schedules, automation rules triggered by motion, alarms, etc
• Works with SmartThings, Wink, Philips Hue, Ecobee, and more

Pick the control method that best suits your unique lighting needs and preferences. With full functionality confirmed, you’re ready to finish the LED installation.

Step 9: Run a Final Tests

Before completing any permanent installation steps:

• Turn LED strip lights on for 30+ minutes and inspect light output
• Verify consistent illumination and light spread along entire strip
• Check for dark spots indicating loose wire connections
• Confirm strips are securely attached across all adhesive mounting points
• Adjust alignment, pressure and tape adhesiveness as needed
• Check wire connections to power supplies are electrically sound
• Inspect waterproof end caps and seals if present

Address any issues discovered now before closing everything up.

Step 10: Complete the Installation

For a clean professional finish:

• Permanently adhere all self-adhesive mounting clips, tracks, channels
• Affix any loose wiring neatly into place
• Consider adding wire line covers for a streamlined look
• Install diffusers, lenses and end-piece terminators
• Twist together and secure any excess wiring using zip ties
• Attach trim caps on strip lighting endpoints for a finished end

Here are some optional accents that enhance LED installations:

• Light diffusers – Soften harsh glare
• Aluminum channels – Protect strips
• Lens covers – Shape directional light
• Corner mounts – Connect angled strips
• Splitter cables – Extend offshoots from main line

Now plug in your LED strip lights and enjoy your brilliant new installation!

Conclusion

We’ve covered all the steps showing that installing LED strip lighting is very doable for DIY novices with the right guidance. To recap the process:

• Choose the LED strip lights that fit your lighting needs and installation location best
• Plan layout for strips including power supply placement
• Test components by connecting strips to power and inspecting illumination
• Prepare the mounting surface for maximum LED adhesion
• Install mounting clips, channels and hardware if applicable
• Affix LED strips using adhesive backing or hardware integration
• Connect strip light wiring properly from the power source
• Add controls like switches, remotes and smartphone apps to control lights
• Run final checks to confirm everything works perfectly
• Complete the job with diffusers and other enhancing touches

LED strip lights bring vibrant, customizable lighting to any space in your home or workplace. Installing them on your own with the help of this tutorial will allow you fully customize a professional lighting look that saves on electricity costs compared to traditional lighting.